It happens at basically every wedding I shoot. I walk into the room to start taking images of the bride getting ready, and the bride offers me a mimosa. After I leave to take images of the guys getting ready, I walk in and the groom offers me a beer. Then, the ceremony is about to start, and a groomsman offers me a shot out of the flask he has in his jacket. Lastly, we are at the reception and both sets of parents and the entire wedding party are offering drinks. I have to assume that most wedding photographers are faced with at least one of these events at every job. So, the question is: do you accept?
When first looking into this topic, I came across a Facebook post where someone asked this very question. When looking at the responses, a good amount of people asked back: “would you drink in an office job?” When I saw this comment, I could see why someone would like to compare wedding photography to a normal office job. You are a hired professional that is performing a job and should act in a professional way. But for me, the two are very different. A normal office job has rules and expectations that say you cannot drink. As a wedding photographer, part of the enjoyment is that it is not a normal day job. In addition, I know a good amount of people that work in an office environment that has a beer fridge in the break room.
One of the other arguments was that if the client doesn't like your images, they could sue you or not pay you, claiming you were drunk and did not perform. Again, I can see this as being a valid argument, but only to a certain extent. I asked a lawyer friend of mine if this was something that could actually happen and off the top of her head, she said probably not. In order for your contract to become invalid, there would have to be some form of gross misconduct. (Again, this was just an off the top of her head answer, and she said she could look into more if I needed, but I told her it was enough for this article. So, don't take this as solid legal advice).
The last argument I’ll mention was that the photographer should have 100% of their attention focused on what’s going on around them. I agree with this to a point, but using this as a reason as to why you shouldn't drink is similar to using it as a reason why the client shouldn't feed you (and we all saw how that idea was taken in the photo community). I feel like there are plenty of lulls in the day where it's acceptable to take a moment and grab a bite to eat, take a drink from your beverage of choice, then get back to work.
As you can probably tell, I’m all in favor of having a drink or two at a wedding. However, I do think that it’s all within reason. You need to be able to read your client and know whether the offer to have a drink is out of politeness or if they truly want you to join. You need to know if they are the drinking type, or if the cash bar is there just because it was set up by the venue. It also depends on how you run your business. If you are a straight-laced, get the job done and go home type of wedding photographer, then drinking on the job is probably out of the question for you. If you are the type that makes friends with your client and enjoys getting involved in the celebration mentality, then drinking might be something more acceptable. I’m not saying that you can't have fun and celebrate without a drink either. I’m saying that there are different ways you present yourself as a company, and depending on that presentation, it could look unprofessional to drink.
When I say that I think it’s ok to have a drink, I’m not saying that it’s ok to get drunk. There is a very big difference between the two. When reading comments on Facebook, it seemed that most people that were opposed to the idea either didn't drink, or said they “feel drunk after one beer.” So, obviously, if one beer gets you drunk, then common sense says don't drink. The way I look at the situation is like an office Christmas party. You are allowed to drink, but you are still representing your company, so represent your company well. I also think that drinking needs to be limited. Starting off first thing in the morning when the bride is getting ready is probably not a good idea. Drinking the entire reception and then grabbing a six pack to-go from the open bar is probably not a great idea either (I actually witnessed a videographer do this). My self-imposed rule is that I might have a beer with dinner (which is the same time I’m building a same-day slideshow), but most of the time, I wait until all the traditional first dances and tosses are finished. From here, the only thing left to photograph is the party dancing and the exit; this is also when I like to do some creative nighttime portraits of the bride and groom, and having a drink has been proven to help with creativity.
Even my camera likes to have a drink every so often.
In conclusion, I do think it’s ok to drink as a wedding photographer (or even as a wedding vendor), as long you do it within reason. Make sure it’s not going to be frowned upon by your clients, and make sure you stay within your appropriate limitations. One of the benefits of being a wedding photographer is being paid to have a good time, right? But my opinion aside, what do you think? Do you drink while you shoot a wedding? If you do drink while shooting a wedding, what rules do you have for yourself? Have you ever ran into issues or had any problems because of it? Sound off in the comments (but let's keep it cordial).
I do about half of every wedding with a beer in hand, the editing half.
Having a drink if you are a friend of the wedding party and are doing them a favor is probably OK. If this is your job, then don't do it. Would you drink if you were working in an office, an auto repair shop, an oil rig, or a dentist office? I hope you wouldn't. This is your job. It's not your party.
Hey Jason,
I work with a photo video team and there are 25 of us in the company. I was the first to join the team and we initially never had rules about drinking at shoot. So a lot of times I was downing patrons or carrying a RedBull can half filled with Jager. But as the team started getting bigger new rules came up and one of them was not to drink on shoots. Now I understand your standpoint and I feel for you. I honestly believe that getting a drink or two did ease my nerves sometimes(also considering most of the weddings we shoot are Indian and have an average of 1000 people guest list).
However different people in the team have different levels of tolerance to alcohol and since we can't have different rules for each of them we decided not to have alcohol at shoots at all. Now, each time we are offered drinks we politely decline, if the client is persistent we tell them we'll have it at the end of the shoot and hope they forget about it. It was initially difficult to change but when you run with a team, you best set an example. Besides we are always allowed to have a drink or two on our own dime after the shoot.
No chance! Why anyone would think drinking on the job is ok is beyond me.
OK...So after reading all the comments I had to chime in. I look at this just like I would being on your cell phone at a wedding. You should hide when doing it and only for a quick second. I do drink alcohol at every wedding but I bring my own flask and only do it in my car or bathroom. Its kind of a ritual. And I am not downing a entire flask at once, just a few sips here and there. Also, I think its ok to bring a energy drink and slip a few shots into that through out the day and especially during the reception. I rarely drink during the week at home but when Im at a wedding, I love to have a drink. I am very good at my job and I can handle shooting both video and photo at the same time with multiple cameras and lead a crew. I find photography to be very easy and very natural. I can do it with or without drinking. But, I find that taking a few drinks throughout the day can ease the nerves and makes me more relaxed. I find way to many photographers or videographers at weddings to be really uptight to the point that they are not smiling throughout the day and become a photo nazi. These are the types that clients complain about and say were rude and way to bossy. I see this in a ton of vendors also. Coordinators especially need a drink or two. Way to many rude ones. My outlook during a wedding day is all about enjoying the moment and loving it. I don't get upset with the uncle Bobs and aunt Sally is taking photos next to me. I don't get upset when the ceremony runs late. I just laugh it off and have a good time. And Yes, my work and reputation is amazing. I have run my business for more than 10 years and make 6 figures doing it. I bought a house and live comfortably with all my success coming from weddings. I also use to smoke good quality weed before all my weddings and that really seemed to help my creativity in the beginning. I don't smoke to much anymore but I do have a drink almost always. Now, I almost never have a drink out in the open during a wedding or drink with the groomsmen or bridesmaids. I have had a shot with the bride and groom because they practically begged me. I have never once had a complaint or even a talking to about my drinking. People and guest don't realize that I have been drinking because I don't come off as a drunk or not coordinated. I do this only to relax my nerves and feel a slight perspective change throughout the day. I have shot plenty of weddings without drinking or smoking but its just my preference to do so. And for the people complaining about this article and how it should not even be a topic, GO HAVE A SHOT OF TEQUILA RIGHT NOW!!!
In SoCal, I had clients that expected me to have a beer with them at the wedding. But I met with them several times before their wedding, and usually got treated like family by the day of the wedding. So a few swigs from a bottle of beer, a hug, and it was back to work for me.
This is not a problem in Utah. They won't even serve coffee at many venues. So forget about alcohol.
I have literally had couples put me up in hotels for the night and force me to party with them after I've wrapped up with the reception. Now, that said this is only something that I do with clients that are more than just clients. I think the best part about being a wedding photographer is the real relationships I get to build. I would never do this unless I felt that my clients are genuine friends. It's not something a do at every wedding.
I can't remember anyone ever offering me an alcoholic beverage. Maybe because I'm an older woman ... or maybe because my memory isn't what it used to be :)
I drink water, lots of water, especially at outdoor weddings in the summer.
Wouldn't consider drinking alcohol if offered. Don't allow my second shooters to drink alcohol either.
Not professional, as far as I'm concerned.
But some here seem to be able to make it work for them and their brand. More power to them.
Most weddings I've shot are from out of town and tend to drive in and out the same day so in most cases no heavy amounts of alcohol for me - and what I mean by this: a glass of champagne and maybe a glass of wine at dinner. In few cases when I'm overnight at location or I have someone else on the wheels - after the traditional program the caps come off pretty easily - but still maintaining a good profile because it IS representing yourself at the events.
At all the weddings I've done the groom, bride, bestmen, bridesmaids and even older relatives hint (or some say it more bluntly) that it's OK for me to drink while shooting (we do drink a lot here in Finland so I think this might have something to do with it as well) - but for me it's the car-issue that matters the most at that point. Drunk driving ain't my cup of tea.
Someone said this to me a few years back: "How can you stand the sight of us when your sober and your taking pictures of us being totally shit-faced?"
I replied something like this: "I don't mind being sober and surrounded with people under the influence of alcohol - you are having a great time and I get to capture it on film. Don't worry about me - I've done this before, and I like it :)"
Personally, not me. But it's job like any other and you need to know and respect your limits. If you work in some office setting and you go for a working lunch you're bound to have a glass of wine; at a wedding, if the bride or groom personally offer you a glass of wine or a beer then why not? Keep it to an absolute minimum.
Nooooooooooooo. Each wedding is amazing and wonderful and a great opportunity … and also a potential lawsuit or vindictive person out to ruin your reputation … something you don't want even if you're in the right. If anything else goes wrong, remembering back to you walking around with a drink will not help your case. Again, not that you'd lose the lawsuit, but just getting served one can destroy a small business.
Off the clock is another thing, if the couple is insistent I'll share a drink after I'm done and the gear is packed away. But if you just laugh it off it in a friendly way it has never, ever been an issue. Depending on the audience, I'll tell people anything from "Only caffeine, please" to "I really shouldn't, it wouldn't mix well with the heroin."
Given that you could be anything from a Mormon to an alcoholic, generally the only people who make a huge deal out of it are already so drunk they will not remember the interaction.
I've flip flopped on the subject over the years in order to get a good feel for when it works and when it doesn't. It depends on the couple and how far along the day we are. I typically say no the first two times I'm asked. It's the hardcore party weddings where they really insist and are offended if you don't. I'm not saying get drunk. Know your personal alcohol limits. A slight buzz is my limit and I never do it before I have to drive.
I have gotten the wedding crew to open up quite a bit when either my assistant or I partakes in the festivities. I know my second photographer performs better with a drink. He certainly has a lot more fun and his photographs prove it.
I totally get why some people wont drink at a wedding. 95% of the time I will politely say "no thank you" and there is nothing else said about it. I understand that other prospective clients are watching me, judging, taking notes, and that's to be expected. Bring it on!
I get asked to drink.
I get asked to dance.
I get asked to stay at the after party.
I get asked to camp the night. (I'm so Oregon)
I'm married and I have a family so i say no to most of it but it's nice to feel welcome. :)
The attached image happened after the wedding was over. Keg stand with the bride (top row) then again with her mom (bottom row). I am certain we never would have been invited to stay if we hadn't partaken in the festivities. It's a party wedding. If you're not having fun, people pick up on it.
I think it gets to a point where it's actually expected for you to have a drink. I try to not touch a drop until my work ends, but it's great to share some off duty time with the guests you develop rapport with throughout the day. I usually get some new potential clients at this point as well.
Do I drink on a Wedding Job?
Short answer: No
Long answer: No No
The customer is always right, so if they insist that we have a drink at the wedding then we should not refuse. Then when they insist on Uncle Joe using his "professional" camera and flashgun following us (and standing in front of us) as an unofficial "backup photographer", we should not refuse. Then when they want all our camera's raw files, we should not refuse. After all, the customer is always right!
Or, we should engage our brains in all three scenarios and those who make the "customer is always right" comment could avoid coming up with such a lame excuse for drinking on the job.
Everyone operates their business on their own terms. I'm surprised that a sort of 'pro drinking on the job' article got posted. If you accidentally injure someone by your actions or your equipment placement I think it would not help your court case that you had consumed alcohol on the job. Despite what your friend suggested in the particular scenario you put forth to her - there are other situations that could occur. Ask her about professional negligence leading to injury and the implications of consumption of alcohol. Ask her if she were suing somebody whether the fact they had consumed alcohol on the job could help her case. It's may not show a direct link between incidents but it probably could be used to a show a pattern of poor judgement.
That's true. Not to mention you're probably voiding your insurance policy when you drink on the job.
The grader operator at work suggested it would help if he had a few shots or beers throughout his work day on the construction site. His job requires skill, concentration, a steady hand, long hours, good relationships with others and leadership. Just like a wedding photographer, really.
He said the alcohol would calm his nerves, help him relate better with his colleagues and the public and generally he'd do a better job.
That made sense to me so I said go for it, just don't get drunk. No doubt the public who saw him drinking on the job would also say "wow, they're a professional outfit, look at that grader operator drinking on the job. I'm glad that construction company was hired to build that road!"
Or maybe you'd think i was crazy...
never drink alcohol at work imo. If there is a problem later it only takes one phone photo of the photographer with a drink and all hell can break loose. That has happened in the past. The hardest part of wedding photography is most people are in party mode and the photographer is in work mode. Parties + alcohol + work is never a good mix and it takes a damn good photographer to put it all together. If you are just starting out; make a promise to yourself NOW that you will only consider drinking alcohol AFTER the cameras are all put away.
When I was a wedding photographer in the 1960's, I shot weddings with a 4x5 Speed Graphic and had a giant battery pack over my shoulder for the Honeywell strobe. I really didn't have a free hand to hold a drink. Drinking on the job would not have been professional anyway.
Yes, I do.
I don't really have a problem with it. Also, the office jobs I've had (graphic designer) have all had fridges full of beer for the employees to drink and it was never an issue at all.
As much as humanly possible at every chance.
I'm good with having a few drinks at weddings. The article is right, this isn't a regular office job. And if the boss in your office what's you to grab a beer with him during lunch, you're not gonna turn it down. Luckily I only shoot a few weddings a year, and they're for friends or friends of friends. If they keep coming back, then I haven't screwed up:)
I would never drink alcohol at a wedding or any event I was being paid to photograph. I just wouldn't feel comfortable.
If i'm shooting a Wedding I have to drive, which means I don't drink. If someone else was driving I may have just 1 or 2, but almost certainly towards the very end of the day. But even though the law permits a small amount, I never drink if i'm getting behind the wheel.
As the article says we too always get offered drinks though the day, but always politely decline. My assistant nearly always has a drink, but only at the very end, quite often the Bride & Groom offer (actually often insist!) on buying us a drink at the end of the day.
This is something I've mentioned on here before. Once I've got all of the important shots, sure I'll have a drink if it feels right. It's very rare I photograph a wedding for someone I don't know, usually I will only have perhaps a beer or two when offered if I don't know the couple very well.
There are occasions where I can cut loose after the first dance, but will continue to take photographs. From experience, some of the better dance floor shots are once I've had a bunch of drinks with the guests, their guard comes down and they accept you a little more as a guest/fly on the wall and that's where you can get some golden moments.
I think you just have to asses the situation, I don't need alcohol to do a better job, but it can yield different results.
I do drink ... NEVER on assignment or paid gig. Would politely decline an offer and would try to create a amicable funny reason, I can have a wine glass or beer AFTER, but NOT while at work. Maybe the customer that hired you might be ok, but someone of the guests that might hire you if they see you drinking would say not a chance.
Only turn it down if it's the cheap stuff.
Definitely not. When I was offered, a polite "No thank you, I don't drink" worked well to put an end to offers.
Good piece. I think weddings have certainly got boozier over the years. I take my lead from the clients but, in general, I always wait till I've got all my shots in the can - this means the bouquet toss, dollar dance, everything at the reception and I'm completely DONE. Then often I have a toast to the couple. Basically I'm drinking a small one to their health. I think couples appreciate it, you're part of whole day at that stage. And Oh, yes I've tried shooting while tipsy and generally, the results are pretty awful.
i don't always drink but a drink or two helps the joints work better :) it honestly depends on type of environment and people at each wedding. i'm not knocking back drinks at a dry wedding. but if they do like to "party" a drink helps loosen the joints and usually enables better dance moves.
all that to be said... if someone doesn't like that i have a drink on my break then i tell them to take it up with my boss ***wink**wink*** i'm self employed ha!
I don't drink until i have one hour left of shooting time. That's when everyone is dancing/ drinking anyway. All the important shots are taken and the bride and groom (usually the groom) formed a great bond with you and INVITES you to take a shot or 2 or 6 with him. I never go overboard because A.) I'm not done until i pack up. B.) I'm always promoting MY BRAND. If Im stumbling away from this wedding and an engaged couple sees me looking that unprofessional, what are the odds they are going to hire me??
8
Never.
Alcohol robs me of the one thing I need, focus.
I used to videotape a lot of weddings but not stills. I am not a big guy and usually one or two drinks over two hours would be the point I feel some effects. In a social setting and not driving, that is fine. At a wedding early on in my video career I had had one or two. I missed the bouquet toss and felt so badly about that that I stuck to an absolutely no alcohol policy from then on. After the couple left for the night I would sometimes have one drink before packing my gear. The exception was a friends' wedding when they made it clear that i was a guest first, videographer second; wanting to do a good job for my friends, I was uncharacteristically moderate amongst that group though!
Beyond a more professional image at a wedding though I also found being fully sober much easier to deal diplomatically and personably with the inevitable drunks who wanted to go over my gear, tell me how I should shoot, or hit on the lady to my left who was clearly uncomfortable about it.
If anything went wrong with the shoot, even if it was nothing to do with the photographer, the comment could still be made that the "photographer was drinking". I know of one case where a photographer went in to a bar after a shoot for a coffee and a sandwich (no coffeeshop around) where his cameras were stolen. To the client the optic of losing the cameras and memory cards while in a bar was very bad. My advice is to stay away from the drink until the cards are downloaded and backed-up. Then you can get plastered!
Most of the time, I just refuse alcoholic drinks and ask for water or juice. But being a beer girl, I will always tell my clients that at the end of the evening, we can have a drink or two together. Always at the end of the job. I don't know about you, but clients always ask me to join the party and dance the night away (which I always say no to, clearly after 10-12 hours standing, walking and running on the job, my feet don't know their left or right...)
For sure I do. It isn't a lot, but it is just one or two to catch a vibe DURING the reception. Not with dinner, not before the ceremony (however the groom offered me a shot once with the dudes, and I did partake, but I'm 6 foot and big. 1 shot ain't nothin lol)
I am professional, but this job is genuinely the best in the world, so if the couple is okay with it (obvi would never drink if they said not to) I'm gonna have a blast while photographing their best day. Makes the images that much better.
To stress: I would never drink prior to the reception.