Weddings are magical. There’s laughter, happy tears, champagne bubbles, and that glorious moment when you finally get to sit down and eat that overpriced plate of chicken. But while you’re clinking glasses and twirling pasta, I need to ask: did anyone feed the photographer?
Let me paint a picture for you—because apparently, I won’t be painting one with my camera if I’m starving.
A little while ago, the internet lost its mind over a wedding photographer who, after being denied food and water for 6 hours, deleted every single wedding photo and walked right out. That’s not a joke. It really happened. (Seriously, Google it. Or here’s the article: Intel Region Story). Now, I’m not saying I would do that… but let’s just say my camera works better when I’m not lightheaded and dreaming of tacos.
Here’s the thing: we wedding photographers are on our feet all day. We’re crouching, climbing, directing Aunt Karen out of the aisle, sprinting to catch golden hour… basically doing a slow-motion CrossFit workout in formalwear. We are hustling to make your wedding memories absolutely beautiful.
But guess what we don’t do during dinner? Take photos of your guests mid-bite. Trust me, no one looks cute eating, no matter how elegant the catering is. You do not need high-res images of Uncle Bob stuffing mashed potatoes into his mouth. So, while you and your guests are eating, usually us wedding photographers are not shooting. It’s the perfect time for your wedding photographer (aka – especially a sun burnt Phoenix wedding photographer) to chug water and grab a plate and refuel before the reception moments start rolling again…like toasts, first dances, and that cake smash you swore wasn’t going to happen.
Which brings me to the point: if I’m scheduled for five or more hours, a hot meal needs to be included. It’s in my contract. I don’t need filet mignon or a seat at the sweetheart table, but a warm vendor meal and 20 uninterrupted minutes to sit down and eat is the bare minimum. And please…this is key!! Let the photographer eat when the wedding party eats. If I’m stuck in the back of the buffet line behind 120 guests, I’ll be biting into my roll right as the best man taps his champagne glass to start his speech. And guess who won’t have their camera ready?
All I ask is that you kindly coordinate with your wedding planner or venue manager to include me and any second shooter in the vendor meal count. It’s one of those small but mighty details that makes the day run smoother. And a lot of people, it’s a given for. But just in case you are wondering…that’s why I made this post. Because after reading that article, I couldn’t believe it.
At the end of the day, you’ve trusted me with your most important memories. And I want to be 100% there for them with steady hands, full energy, and zero hanger. So let’s all agree: feed your wedding photographer. It’s good karma… and it ensures your photos don’t mysteriously go missing.
As a Phoenix wedding photographer who’s seen it all, I promise a little kindness (and a hot meal!) goes a long way toward unforgettable wedding photos. ❤️