An animal photographer took to the internet to tell the story of when they were asked to shoot a friend’s wedding and ended up deleting all of the photos in front of the groom in rage.
The anonymous friend was getting married just weeks ago, and in a bid to save money, asked their friend if they wouldn’t mind taking the photos.
“I'm not really a photographer, I'm a dog groomer”, she explained.
“I take lots of photos of dogs all day to put on my Facebook and Instagram, it's "my thing" if that makes sense. A cut and a photo with every appointment.
“I very seldom shoot things other than dogs even if I have a nice setup.”
However, after telling her friend that weddings weren’t her forte, he convinced her by saying he "didn't care if they were perfect".
The photographer said; "They were on a shoestring budget and so I agreed to shoot it for $250 - which is nothing for a 10-hour event.”
So, on the day of the wedding, the groom's close friend drove around following the bride as she went from appointment to appointment before the ceremony, and taking photos along the way.
“I shot the ceremony itself, and during the reception, speeches and people mingling.”
Then, at 5 pm, food was being served and the unnamed woman was told she “cannot stop to eat because I need to be a photographer; in fact, they didn't save me a spot at any table.
“I told the groom I need to take off for 20min to get something to eat and drink.
“There was no open bar or anything, so I couldn't even get water and my two water bottles are long empty.
“He tells me I need to either be a photographer or leave without pay.”
In response to the rude ultimatum, the heat, being hungry, and being generally annoyed at the circumstances, “I asked if he was sure, and he said yes, so I deleted all the photos I took in front of him and took off saying I'm not his photographer anymore”.
The couple then went on their honeymoon and have been off of social media since the big day - avoiding people asking to see photos online.
The photographer asked Reddit’s ‘Am I the A**hole’ forum if what she did was out of line, and so far, there has been an overwhelming amount of support.
One user wrote: “You went in with the expectation of $250 to take high quality pictures... while also being a guest at their event (including a place to sit, eat & drink).
“And realistically, you did nothing but follow the groom's suggestion. Either continue being a photographer or forfeit your $250.
“What did the groom think that entailed? He would get all that work for free? Play stupid games win stupid prizes. I would seriously reconsider this friendship.”
Another wrote; “You were working ridiculous hours without a break. Labour laws require breaks for employees at companies, so why not for you?
“No breaks for a 10 Hour event is insane, and 20 minutes is not unreasonable. You were taken advantage of (a professional would have known to negotiate a break in the contract).
“Unfortunately you now know why it is bad to mix friendship and business.”
