Feeding the photographer?

[kaykayred]

I'd be grateful for any advice on whether or not you feed the photographer, and where they sit.

Our photographer is with us for up to ten hours (there was a set time limit which wasn't really negotiable, but the price was still very good), which is a very long time to be without food.

There was nothing whatsoever about food in the contract, nor did he mention anything about it in our e-mail correspondence. I think I assumed that he would just bring sandwiches or something??

However, I've recently seen websites saying that photographers expect to be fed. We are having speeches during the meal (one before the food comes in, one before the main course, one before dessert), so I assumed that the photographer would need to be up and taking pictures, not sitting at a table with his food.

If I need to provide an extra plate, then does he just sit with all the other guests? On the one hand I would feel weird sitting him with a bunch of family and friends, and on the other, I would feel pretty horrible making him eat on his own!

[lentilpot]

Speak to your caterer. Ours did plates for the band and photographer to collect from the kitchen in their own time.

[kaykayred]

Another quick question: How long were your band there for?

We are having a DJ dude, and he will only be there from 1900 to midnight. I assumed eating beforehand would be sufficient? But did your guys have similar timings?

[pookamoo]

19:00 til midnight is 5 hours, so I would definitely expect them to need something to eat in that time - at work I have a break to eat in less than 5 hours.

[kaykayred]

Thanks!

I am using the recommended caterer, so maybe I will just ask her, as she will have done a crap ton of weddings at this venue with similar timings.

Thank you!

[escarpment]

I'm a wedding photographer and I usually bring my own sarnies and a thermos of coffee. Sometimes the couple to arrange for a plate in the kitchen which is always appreciated but never expected.

I've sat on tables with guests on a few occasions, usually where I've particularly hit it off with the couple beforehand.

[escarpment]

PS I have a rule that I never take photos of anyone eating, so I eat when they eat! Never during the speeches as I'll always be capturing them.

[Trickytricky]

Our photographer ate with the band. Agree that you don't want photos of people eating their meal! Caterer will be used to this.

[kaykayred]

Thanks all! I have spoken to the caterer, and she has said that they can work something out for the photographer and keep it in the kitchen for him, so he can eat whenever he wants.

[seaoflove]

Ask the photographer whether they will need some food. Most photographers have a clause in their contract saying they require a meal. And since they tend not to take photographs when people are eating (which is why it's good to have the speeches before the food) there's no problem with them taking a meal break during your meal.