Don’t Do This to Your Clients

Recently, I was brought on by another photographer to lead a few weddings. The agreement was simple: I’d show up, do what I do best, and deliver quality work. What I didn’t expect was to arrive at weddings where the couples had no real idea who I was—and were only told someone else would be showing up at the very last minute. They didn’t get a choice. They were just expected to roll with it  

Let me be clear. I wasn’t there to assist. I was the one capturing everything—walking in as the lead photographer, trying to gain trust in real time while also delivering under pressure. And what made it worse? These couples weren’t forgotten by accident. They were abandoned on purpose so the original photographer could attend a different wedding. A more “high-end” one. One they preferred.

So instead of honoring the people who had already booked and paid, this person bailed and then lied about it. Claimed their flight got canceled. Claimed they couldn’t make it last minute. Meanwhile, they were posting behind-the-scenes footage from another wedding miles away, fully booked, fully present for someone else.

That’s not just unprofessional. That’s betrayal.

From the client’s perspective, it can feel like a bait and switch. You put your trust in someone. You booked them for your once-in-a-lifetime moment. And instead of communication, you’re met with silence or a lie. You didn’t just lose the person you hired—you lost the experience they promised.

And let’s not forget the long-term impact. When a wedding is mismanaged, it doesn’t just affect the day itself—it stains the memory. It means when your one-year anniversary rolls around, instead of smiling at the moments captured, you’re reminded of how much hurt and confusion took place. That’s not something any client should ever have to carry.

From the photographer’s perspective, being the one sent in their place means picking up the pieces. You’re walking into a wedding with zero connection to the couple, no prep, no trust built, and often no clarity on what was agreed upon. You end up being the face of someone else’s mistake and the clients think you’re the problem.

But let me also say this: I’m actually glad I met the couples I did. While I know I couldn’t perform exactly like the photographer they originally hired—because I didn’t know their vision, their style preferences, or their must-have moments—I was still honored to step in and save the day. Even though I was working from behind, just hearing “thank you” from the couple meant everything to me. It reminded me why I do this. It wasn’t ideal, but I gave it my all, and I walked away knowing I did the best I could under the circumstances.

This experience forced me to reflect on what not to do in business. So here are a few takeaways for both photographers and clients alike:

If you can’t make it, say so. Don’t disappear. And definitely don’t lie. Saying your flight got canceled when you’re posting at another wedding isn’t just dishonest—it’s disrespectful to the people who paid you.

There’s nothing wrong with elevating your brand. But if you cancel on people who trusted you just to show up for something “shinier,” your reputation will rot from the inside. Loyalty is currency. Spend it   wisely

If someone else is showing up, the client should know weeks in advance, not on their wedding day. They should know names, see work, and have time to connect. To add to this, do not do cancel last minute like the day of or before. That's just WRONG.  

If you’re stretched too thin, say no. If your priorities have shifted, be honest. Don’t make someone else clean up a mess you created by chasing clout or exposure.

Being the boss means taking responsibility. Not vanishing. Not lying. Not using others to shield your brand from the consequences of your choices.

I’m proud of how I handled the weddings I was brought into. I showed up, gave my best, and delivered. But I should’ve never had to be the band-aid for someone else’s ego.

Let this be a reminder. Professionalism is more than being talented. It’s being dependable. It’s standing on your word. It’s choosing integrity even when no one’s watching.

To the clients reading this: ask the hard questions. Get the names. Demand transparency. Don’t be afraid to protect your moment.

To fellow creatives: build your brand on honesty, not excuses. Don’t forget the people who believed in you before the luxury clients ever knew your name.

Because at the end of the day, the camera can’t cover character...