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How to Prevent Worst Case Scenarios as a Wedding Photographer

Writer's picture: India Jade McCueIndia Jade McCue

There once was a photographer who shot a wedding for $15,000

 

(no, it wasn't me but just LISTEN to her story…) 

 

The day went absolutely perfectlyyyyyy. She started driving home, excited to edit the photos and share them with the couple. 

 

She made a quick stop on her way and hopped out of her parked car to run into a store.

 

But when she came back her heart SANK. 

 

In a matter of MINUTES her car window had been smashed in, and her photography gear was GONE

 

(I know, I cried too).

 

Not only were her client's images gone for good, but she dreaded legal action and anticipated losing not just the time spent working with the couple, her entire camera bag full of gear, the $15k, but possibly much, much more. 

 

Now when I first heard this story, my first thought was “I'm glad I never leave my camera gear in my car

 

But the truth is, sometimes these things are simply unpreventable

 

What happens if you get mugged walking home and someone takes your gear?

 

What if your hard drive corrupts and the images are irretrievable? 

 

What if you get into an accident and can't even show up on the wedding day…at all?? 

 

Are you out the money/time/energy, and left with furious clients? Or is there another way to protect yourself and your business? 


Wow India, way to induce my anxiety….

 

I know, I know, talking about this stuff can feel a bit scary. 

 

But it is our literal job as business owners to take it seriously when our clients are entrusting us with their money & memories. 

 

Today I have some tips to keep you and your clients protected against the worst-case-scenarios. 

 

  1. Become an LLC. If you're profiting over $20k a year, it's time to make the switch. It's not scary, and it will level you up and give you more legal protection. (If you need help I wrote this blog post just for you!)

  2. Use a dual-slot camera. That SD card may corrupt at any time at random. (Believe me, it has happened to me!!) Most modern cameras have them these days—the extra backup to two cards might just save your butt.

  3. Backup to multiple hard drives. The first thing I do when I come home from a shoot is backup my photos to two separate harddrives. That way I instantly have four copies to work with and can store them all separately. I have my faves linked here.

  4. Get serious with your contracts. There is absolutely nothing that provides more protection than a rock-solid contract. You want one that has a Limitation of Liability, Force Majure, Cancelation Clause, Artistic Style, and Harassment Policy among other vital points covered. I bought mine from The Legal Paige (I use the Wedding Photographer and Associate & Second Shooter contracts and sweeeaarrr by them). This week they're on sale, so use my code INDIA35 to take 35% off the whole shop through 1/28/2025.


These are just a few ways you can position yourself as a professional, wow your clients with your preparation and equip the back end of your business for every single scenario. 



 

 

Soooo what happened to the photographer from the story above? 

 

Understandably, she did face some legal battles with her clients. 

 

But because she had a signed contract with the client outlining exactly what to expect if robbery occurred, they were able to settle with a reshoot and a small percentage refund rather than losing all of her gear and income from the situation.

 

Anndd that's why I use the same contracts as her ;)  

 

Truly, I cannot recommend The Legal Paige contacts enough.


They cover my business and my clients so that I can keep on showing up and doing the work that I love without the anxiety.


There's a sale happening right now and my link gets you the BEST discount out there. Grab an extra 10% OFF their Back to Business Sale with my code INDIA10 at checkout. (Sale through 1/24/2025).

 

CLICK HERE to shop & get yourself protected this year.

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