- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
I think that if she feels she is capable of doing it, then you should keep her. But maybe with some kind of clause in your contract that if she's not able to perform her duties come wedding day, she has a backup photographer who does comparable work to hers.
Is it her first? If she has been pregnant before, maybe she is more likely to know how she will feel?
I'd consider another photographer. Think of the possible troubles later on.
heathaah: Yes, it's her first. We thought about finding another photographer (yes, considering that it's less than 1.5 months away) but she is still the best deal. Also, I forgot to mention that she's my fiance's co-worker/friend who is starting out in the business.
Ask her to find a second shooter who can shoot with her. That way, if she decides that she can't handle it, you'll have backup, but you'll still be able to get her pictures (presumably, you liked her style enough to hire her in the first place).
I paid $500 more for a second shooter, and I'm so happy we did. See if she'll negotiate a good price for another photographer, given the circumstances.
Second trimester? That's anything from three to six months! I see no issue with keeping her, provided your wedding isn't one of those morning to late at night affairs. Our photographer recently had a baby, and I know she worked well into her third trimester. Marquise has a good idea about discussing with your photog before hand what happens if she has to cancel/supplying a back-up, but I really doubt it will come to that.
I used to work with a friend in a job that mandated being on your feet (on hardwood floors) for eight hours a day dealing with the public. And that was five days a week. I doubt she was always comfortable, but she had no problems and started her maternity leave around eight months. Listen to what your photog says she can do- she'll be honest with herself for the health and safety of she and the baby, and that will mean she's being honest with you.
What is the big deal if she is pregnant and being a photog? I am not quite clear what the concern is? Are you concerned she won't be able to be quick on her toes the day of? I have worked with plenty of women who do perfectly fine working up until the day of their baby's birth. I know I wouldn't be worried personally, I have worked with tons of women who have done more strenuous work. But if it makes you feel better, ask if she is/was planning on having a second shooter or have a mutually agreed backup plan in the event she cannot photograph your wedding. If that gives you peace of mind. Edit: I agree with Carrietly.
I think it depends a lot on the woman. Pregnancies can be amazingly easy, incredibly difficult, or somewhere inbetween. One child can be completely different from another. It sounds like she was completely open and honest with you, which is a really good quality. I would keep her, but ask if she could recommend a back up shooter in case her pregnancy ends up being difficult and she can't do it.
We physicians, by and large, work up until the due date-- on our feet, doing rounds, going to codes etc. (I've seen at least a dozen of my friends go through it, some of them running the ICU or ward team). Pregnancy is not an ailment unless there are complications... and pregnant women aren't fragile flowers!
I'd ask her how she is feeling (since you guys know her personally) and go by that. I also think the second shooter idea isn't a bad one (but then, I also think it is a good idea for all but the most intimate small wedding)... but second trimester really should be just fine. Now if she was 39 weeks, that might be a different story!
Doctorgirl-- (dude I wanted to say what you said-- but I didn't want to minimize a pregnant persons feelings no matter what job they have!!! lol) I was going to say half my girlfriends are doctors and nurses (and nurses who work night shift mainly)- and just think of the residents who are pregnant and work those crazy call shifts and still manage!!! Not to mention my girlfriends who are lawyers or teachers...Thank you for saying it! (b/c I was afraid to go there!)
Sparkles- I thought a lot about it before I said it... and still felt that it was appropriate to say. Now, I've never gone through a pregnancy and I may later eat my words, but I think many of my pregnant friends would back me up on this.
As someone who thinks a lot about women's issues, I get concerned that we get marginalized because of pregnancy. I know a lot of my friends who have had to work extra hard to overcome the stigma that they've encountered because of their pregnancy... (and I could tell you stories of friends contracting during rounds or during a code or during surgery). I feel like they have to overcompensate because of the fragile flower perception... So I'm doing my best to break down that stereotype :)
And big kudos to the nightshift nurses. 12 hours on their feet overnight at 36 weeks. They rock!
PS I'm certainly not meaning to indicate that it's only doctors and nurses that are handling pregnancy and career. I've seen lawyers and therapists and even construction workers handle pregnancy and career just fine!
Kudos Doctorgirl in your explanation... (to the residents who can do pregnancy and be on-call- Talk about my heroes...hats off I tell ya.)
Which is why I am more than confident this photog will be able to do it! (so long as there aren't any complications, knock on wood there are none) And her honesty with you on where she is at and how she is doing is a great quality.
I don't think being pregnant is the real issue. If the photographer is truly professional, one way or another she'll make sure your images turn out perfect. Like the previous posts mentions, many people are able to continue to work without issues. Just make sure the photographer is going to be professional and honor everything in the contract. I think second photographer or backup is a good plan.
Reason I am saying this is because a friend of mine had a pregnant photographer that didn't quite follow through. She was initially was responsive but later on had complications with her pregnancy so she basically dropped off the face of earth. I feel bad about the complications but she did not handle it well with her clients by not responding. After many negative postings on review boards, that photographer finally posted an apology notice on her website and said she will be in touch soon.
I think since your photographer is up front with you, it's a sign that she's honest and thoughtful. Most likely you should be fine. Maybe you just need to talk to her about any backup plans.
C10910(1).JPG (33.4 KB, 47 downloads) 2 years old 0451016485662R_ASTL_300x400.jpg (15.8 KB, 32 downloads) 2 years old 90G1307.JPG (35.4 KB, 33 downloads) 2 years old 2(2).JPG (41 KB, 28 downloads) 2 years old 1(4).JPG (32.6 KB, 28 downloads) 2 years old 1(3).JPG (26 KB, 28 downloads) 2 years old 
Most women who have been pregnant will tell you that the 2nd trimester is a breeze. First can bring exhaustion and morning sickness, and 3rd gets into all sorts of issues as you grow bigger. But even for women like me who have a hard time overall, 2nd trimester is a happy little honeymoon in the midst of it all. So based on that, I wouldn't worry much about her stamina. (Though the suggestions of having some backup probably wouldn't hurt -- it always pays to be prepared!)
I was a pregnant photographer last year and shot weddings up until the end of my 7th month. While yes, my feet were killing me towards the end of the night, I still did my job. Unless she doesn't think she will be capable, she should be more than fine. We women are tough cookies. :)
Yes, I'm with doctorgirl. Though I've never been pregnant, women in all kinds of careers are expected to work up until they give birth, so unless your wedding is going to require her to jump on a trampoline, crawl on the ground, or do any super-vigorous activity, I would think she'd be okay. Check how she's feeling, but I don't think you need to worry about it.
DSC02793.JPG (540.5 KB, 31 downloads) 2 years old DSC02798.JPG (564.6 KB, 31 downloads) 2 years old 
Let her decide. If she thinks she's up to it, then trust her to do it.
Of course, be sure and have a discussion with her about a backup plan-pregnant or not, every photographer should have a plan for what to do in case they are suddenly unable to make it to your wedding!
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| MissBoPeep | 66 |
| akp0702 | 41 |
| Mrs.KMM | 40 |
| hisgoosiegirl | 40 |
| beargoose | 39 |
| ndreighton | 38 |
| stardustintheeyes | 32 |
| Gemstone | 31 |
| BetterSherm | 31 |
| MrsPom | 29 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| kinglr | 3 |
| Mrs.KMM | 2 |
| Cariad | 2 |
 lovemylife88 |
2 |
| Ryderlove | 2 |
| continuumphotography | 1 |
| USER876 | 1 |
| Gabrielle123 | 1 |
| couawilou | 1 |
| ladybugs | 1 |
Our photographer just told us over the weekend that she is expecting and will be on her second trimester by the time our wedding rolls around, which is late next month. She said she still wants to take photos on our wedding, but she would also understand if we change our mind. FI and I are torn..should we let her keep the job or look somewhere else? Our concern is whether she'd be fine being on her feet for most of the day. Please help us decide.
Attachments