Breastfeeding Photographer

I can't say I have ever thought about it. I would need a contract that states implicitly that all pivotal moments are covered, such as the entire ceremony, by both photographers, as that is why I am paying for the second photographer.

Agreed with Heather. Babes support babes, and that's got to be a hard job to do right after having a child. If she's got a second shooter, it'll be fine.

That's interesting and never crossed my mind. I think I'm "chill" enough to not have a problem with it but like PP said, I'd probably want to make sure the important stuff, particularly the ceremony, is captured and in writing but otherwise, I'd be fine with my photographer needing breaks to pump.

If you haven't guessed, I am a photographer, and we'll be trying to start a family next year, which I've already been booking weddings outside of times that potential pregnancy could be affected, but I feel like this is also something I need to consider. However, its not really something I'd feel comfortable discussing with potential late 2019 and 2020 clients (yet), since I'm not pregnant, and really have no idea when and if it will occur. I started at get Fall late 2019 inquiries, so I'm realizing this issue could be right around the corner.

I would be ok with it. There can be scheduled times where she can go pump and the 2nd photographer can still be there. You won't need them both 100% of the time. Just get to know the work of both of the photographers so you can feel comfortable knowing that the 2nd one will be taking some of the shots that could be big ones. I mean you would want to do that anyways but you probably get what I'm saying lol

I would be completely fine with it. Pumping can be scheduled - so I would ask that she would schedule it to happen during non pivotal moments of the day. Probably once before the ceremony and then either during dinner or in the middle of dancing.

View Quoted Comment

Sure, but what if the photographer wasn't pregnant when you booked them? For example, a lot of October weddings book photography 18 months out. If your photographer got pregnant, had a baby, and then was breastfeeding by the time your wedding rolled around, would you be upset?

In general, people working a whole day need breaks, and they get worked into the schedule.

Hmmm, never thought about it, but I'm not sure how I'd feel about that, tbh. I fully support women breastfeeding whenever and wherever they need to, but I think my feelings about my own wedding would trump that support. But it also depends on who the 2nd shooter is. Like my photographers were a husband and wife team, who also sometimes work individually, and are equally talented; it's not like one is the main photog and the other is the assistant. So with them, I'd be fine if one took a few breaks throughout the day.

I would not really be pleased, however, if the main photographer took a break during the most important parts of the day and left me with a less experienced assistant for capturing those big moments. But if your second shooter is equally talented and experienced, and your main photographer makes an effort to take her breaks during less important moments, then it's probably ok.

View Quoted Comment

This is very empowering to hear.

View Quoted Comment

I wish this was true! Lol. Typically during a 10 hour wedding I have maybe 15 minutes to eat dinner, and that's the only break.

View Quoted Comment

Yea, I'm a wedding singer, and we take one break to eat, whenever the venue/caterer decides to feed us. So yes, everyone gets a break, but multiple breaks is where it gets tricky.

View Quoted Comment I would not be upset but I would expect to be communicated with (not birth announcement or anything) about day of timelines.

My videographer was very honest with us regarding the possibility about being pregnant/having a child near our wedding. She just simply stated that they are considering trying for a baby and while it isn't guaranteed she'll be pregnant, it wasn't guaranteed that she WON'T be pregnant/a new mom either. She did let us know that if she IS a new mom, she'd be finding someone she trusts to take over with the second shooter. I appreciated the honesty, but it didn't affect my decision to work with her!

View Quoted Comment I personally wouldn't expect someone working a 10 hour day not to have breaks. With something as time sensitive as photography I would expect those breaks to be clearly planned in respect to the timeline, and for the photographer to ensure proper coverage. It wouldn't bother me, but certainly, there are people who won't hire you if you're pregnant or need breaks for breastfeeding, which is discriminatory but there's little you can do about that.

View Quoted Comment

I wouldn't be upset if you took the initiative to schedule breaks during less important times and communicated that to me as soon as possible, as others have said

Also - contracts can be amended so even if there's nothing about breaks or babies or whatever when your clients initially sign them, it can always be added in when the time comes and you are pregnant/breastfeeding.

It wouldn't personally bother me. I feel like a professional photographer would know to plan the breaks in a way that went along with the wedding day timeline.

As long as the second photographer gets what I need then I see no issues it would be the same as the person needing to eat or use the bathroom. They’re humans too.

I would probably be okay with it but, I would want it communicated to me as early in the process as possible and written into the contract (or added as an amendment). Closer to the event, I would want a detailed outline of the times when she wouldn't be available. I'd expect that both photographers would be available during all crucial moments (ceremony, first look, etc.)

If there is a second shooter so that nothing is missed I see no issues at all. I would feel good about hiring a new mom and supporting her small business.