(posted on another forum, but I'm interested in your opinions as well)

Here's my situation:
a couple is very interested in booking me for their wedding on Sep. 10, and no problem I am open that weekend, they pretty much just need to deliver the retainer fee and that date is a done deal. Then they also brought up another date: Aug 27, in which they will have an Indian cultural ceremony prior to the big wedding, and want to hire me for that date, as an add-on to the my highest package. The problem is that I'm booked for Aug 27. I let them know that I am booked for that day, but they really want to go with me, so they can have both dates under one package, same big album, etc.

The dilema is could I subcontract to another photographer and be able to keep all rights to the images from the Aug. 27 ceremony??? We (the clients and I) would like to keep everything inclusive in one custom package (for both dates), rather than they booking a whole seperate photographer/package for the other date. That way they only have to deal with me as far as print orders, album design with ALL images, etc.

Is this something I should definately stay away from??? (I'd be losing a big client)

Sounds great - I don't see any reason to stay away. Just outline all that in the contracts and you're good to go.

If you hire another photographer to shoot something for your business then I think you should own the images regardless, but I'd put it in the contract just to be safe.

Sept. 10th is hot this year!

Thanks David!

You're the first one that really said go for it. I've seen this similar topic in other forums and most photographers seem to advice the opposite. I guess there are issues with risk, liability, quality, headaches, etc.

I don't see the problem either. The couple WANTS you! You explained you can't be there and they are willing to go with another photographer as long as they can keep you for their main date. Find someone you trust, and you should be fine.

I agree wtih DJ that you should make sure all the details are clear both with the couple and the other photographer...

Bumatay,

That sounds like a fun wedding!!!

I don't see why it would be a problem, like DJ said, make sure you have it outlined in the contracts.

As for subcontracting another photographer, from what I had researched int he past, thw owner of the image, is the image creater, hence the person who pushes the shutter on teh camera and composes the image is the owner of copy right (please correct me if I am wrong..... I researched it a lot a while back and that was my make of the "copyright")

Although you as the studio owner, should have the right to the image, I would make sure you have it outlined in a contract with the photographer as to who "owns" the rights to the images.

I am sure everything will be absolutly fine!

I am waiting patiently to be able to photograph an Indian cultural ceremony..... I have met with a few but never was able to get it booked before I booked up or they booked someone else..... In due time I am sure I will get to witness such an amazing ceremony....

Bumatay ---

This sounds like an awesome opportunity! Both totally exciting and scary at the same time... As it has been said by all the others, I see no problem if EVERYTHING is outlined in black and white on the contract. That way if the scary stuff does come up, you have backup in the form of the contract.

I look forward to seeing your images from the Indian cultural ceremony!

--- Gregg