Survey Question #18: Does my photographer really need to be insured?

If you asked me 10 years ago, does a photographer need to carry liability insurance, I would have probably looked at you crazy. Why? At that time, I knew of nobody that had been injured or killed while taking a photograph. I would have told another photographer, "Just cover your gear and you're good!" Today with photographers taking photographs on more and more railroad tracks (usually illegal), private property, and other places; placing clients in danger, I have done a total about face on this subject. 

One of the first weddings I've ever shot, I ended up booking, because the other photographers did not carry liability insurance. The venue required only $100,000 at the time, and I was covered for that. I didn't think anything of it though, until after the fact when I found out why I had won the booking, and started seeing more and more venues require liability coverage. These days, usually between $1 Million and $5 Million at some of the premium venues.  

Simply put, EVERY vendor you work with should be insured for the unforeseen. In most cases, the insurance is pretty affordable, and there are companies who specialize in photography studios and businesses. This is a legitimate question to ask your photographer, and the answer should always be, "YES!"

If you find a vendor who DOESN'T carry basic business liability insurance, be very concerned. This could be a signal that he doesn't have the other requisites in running a legitimate business in his state or city. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. 

LD

Survey Question #19: When do I have to pay?

With weddings and photography sessions getting more and more expensive, many photographers are offering flexible payment solutions it's always nice to know when the money is due. 

With weddings and events, most photographers will charge a retainer and reservation fee. This can range from a fixed amount to the full amount, but on average, what I have  seen is that the retainer is usually in the neighborhood of 50%. The reservation fee/retainer is usually nonrefundable and locks you in, as well as your photographer in for that date. The balances can be due before, day of, or after the event. I have a policy of 60 days prior to the wedding/event. The reason why, is because there are so many things going on in the last two months of wedding planning, I want to minimize the financial stress during that time as much as possible. 

The payoff date may change for portrait and corporate sessions, or on a case by case basis. 

The thing that clients should keep in mind is to KNOW the installment schedule if your photographer offers one, and to pay on time, or early if possible. Ask your photographer if they have an automatic payment plan, and if there are any incentives for using one.

Tips.

1. Always ask for an installment plan if it will make it easier for you to hire the photographer. You might be surprised at the flexibility.
2. Give yourself plenty of time. The longer the period between booking and the event or session, the more manageable the installments can be. 
3. Consider alternative funding lines. If your photographer accepts Paypal, you can use a program such as the "Buy Now, Pay Later" program which pays your photographer immediately, but offers you up to 6 months, interest free. 
4. When possible pay as much, as early as possible. 

What are some tips that you have to share? 

LD

Sneak Peek of Tara+Kola: The Groomsmen

The Groomsmen
Tara+Kola

Just wanted to share from this past weekend's wedding. Blog to come soon. 

#ShopSmall Special for my wedding clients. Save $2000

If you are a bride that has spoken to me in the past, then you know I am absolutely ADAMANT about having your wedding printed. Don't get me wrong, I love the ability to send images to friends and family around the world in the blink of an eye; but I grew up in a time where we had photos in albums and on the wall. I guess that around this time of year especially, it really hits home when friends and family are over. I know when I was growing up, THIS was the occasion that we would pull out all the old photos and tell the same stories that we told last year. Often with never the same details, but still entertaining none the less. Which is one of the reasons why I am such a big proponent of a wedding album.

an example of one of the fine hand crafted albums that I suggest to all of my brides. 

A 12x12 wedding album opened up gives 2 feet of viewing area to have an almost larger than life memory. 

These are just a couple of quick examples of what a wedding album looks like. Designed to be a family heirloom that can be passed from generation to generation, they can be as simple, or as customized as your mind can imagine. 

The Offer

Between now, and December 31, 2013, ANY wedding collection booked and fully paid by January 31, 2014 will receive a $2000 album print credit. Whether it is the most inclusive Milverton Signature Collection or the super efficient Negril Collection the offer still applies, guaranteeing you the ability of having a printed wedding album for your wedding. In the cases of the collections that already include a wedding album, the print credit can be used towards upgrades, parent albums, or even gift albums as well. 

The Catch

The only catch is that the weddings must be booked by the end of this year and paid in full by January 31, 2014. That's all... oh and of course, booking an available date. 

What Next?

Feel free to check out the different offerings on collections under the 'Admissions' tab or email me direct for more information. Leighton@LeightonD.com. Or simply Click below. 

Bridal Collections

GROOMS: To shave or not to shave?

This article hits home for me. As most know, we are in the middle of Movember or No Shave November to recognize men's health awareness. Well in my 35 years I have YET to be able to grow a beard... I've been trying though, after about 45 days, I think I finally have a 3 o'clock shadow. But men, and ladies feel free to join in as well, will you rock facial hair on your wedding day? 

See the full article here

Huffington Post