Being A Wedding Videographer Is Risky Business

 A wedding videographer’s job sounds tame but don’t be fooled. The bride expects everything to be perfect. The groom wants his bride to be happy. What could go wrong?

In 2011, a bride in Brooklyn NY filed a lawsuit against her wedding videographer. She claims he ruined her wedding video by dubbing in an unacceptable soundtrack. The video was played for the reception guests. The bride claims it caused her to have a nervous breakdown. She felt mortified in front of her guests. She is requesting the $12750.00 she paid be returned and $76,000 in damages. That videographer got it so wrong.

Unlucky In Love

But not as wrong as the one in a story that appeared in The Knot. That videographer lost the wedding video He accidentally erased from the computer. That’s another lawsuit.  If you are a videographer then your heart bleeds for these two professionals. They were trying to get it right but it all went wrong. Hopefully, these two had small business liability insurance. 

 A Wedding Videographer Must Be A People Pleaser

The wedding videographer business is not just one party after another. It’s hard work and there are risks. For all your time, hard work and people pleasing patience you sometimes get:

• Your equipment damaged or stolen
• Photo theft
• Unhappy customers who file lawsuits against you
• Interference in your work by guests with smartphones toting
• Chronic pain from hauling around heavy equipment

The Photo Thieves 

People who are not videographers themselves don’t stop to think what could happen when you spend time setting up a shot. You know how to do that and make the subjects look their best. You get the lighting just right and the pose and background is stunning. The bride and groom are deliriously happy. You are going to capture that look in that moment to be treasured for all time. Everything is ready for the perfect shot when you are knocked off balance by a jerk with a cell phone horning in on your shot.

You want to punch the guy.

However, your general liability insurance won’t cover personal injury during the commission of a felony. And, you probably won’t get paid. How do people not know that’s infringement?

Coverage Confusion Is Common

You have to protect your videographer business assets with general liability insurance, and your equipment with camera equipment insurance. But do you also need specialized photography insurance or small business insurance such as workers compensation if you have employees? Property insurance for your studio and commercial vehicle insurance may also be a good idea.

How Should A Wedding Videographer Behave?

Your small business liability policy may be bundled with these special policies for more coverage at a discount. What you need depends on how you conduct your videographer business. Do you take extraordinary risks for your clients? Maybe they want videos in hot air balloons, on a mountain top with nothing but air to lean on or skydiving while drinking champagne. Look into liability insurance that will cover your medical and loss of income.

It’s a tough job. Fortunately, you can enjoy the work and let the insurance company worry about the risks. How? Ask Small Business Liability.

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