Driving to yesterday's wedding I pondered on this - The wedding was way out of my area and fairly rural - what would I have done if my car broke down? My other half was working but even if she could have come to the rescue, the church was over a 2 hour drive, if I had broken down half way it would have taken her an hour to get to me.

My breakdown company say they will get there within the hour (Thankfully I've never tested it) but then I'd have to wait while they tried to repair the car) I suppose I could Google local taxi firms but that would only get me to the church - I'd have to do it again to get to the reception venue

All in all I can only guess it would be a nightmare!

Any experiences?

It's happened to me three times, but never seriously. When it did, the first thoughts that crossed my mind were, "Call a taxi", "Phone a friend" and "Phone the bridal party, ask for assistance from a guest." I always make sure I've got contact numbers for a couple of people in the bridal party in case of emergency.

Only one of these was in an isolated area; the others were pretty urban.

1. Old car. Photographer was driving, en route to photosohot. It overheated. We waited, and then it was fine.

2. Same photographer. After photoshoot, drove off the road into a ditch that was a sharp enough drop that the wheels couldn't climb up again. Fortunately, a friendly passer-by with a winch rescued us (this was in a remote area).

3. My second shooter was driving, and there wasn't enough petrol in the tank. While turning into an intersection, the car simply stopped, and traffic built up behind us.

This was after the ceremony on the way to the photoshoot. At the time, I thought, "Lucky it wasn't before the ceremony." Even more fortunately, there was a petrol station downhill from us about 50m. So, we rolled the car down and into the station. Got to photoshoot, had enough time to shoot usable material, no-one noticed, bride loved us.

Then, en route to the reception, we went to the wrong venue (same name, wrong address). But I'd built enough time into the plan that we could correct the mistake and still arrive 30 minutes before the bridal party.

At least two lessons learned that day...

I shot a wedding yesterday and this was on my mind too. I drove carefully there making sure that there was plenty of room around me. I was also conscious that a hard disk HDV recorder probably wouldn't appreciate a car accident.

I don't exceed 60-70mph on the motorway and leave early and find a coffee shop or equivalent to chill out in (or even stay in the car sometimes). I regularly shoot weddings all over the UK so it's rarely local.

It's crossed my mind so many times, and I wish it never happens.

Luckily my wife is usually home so I could ring her if I broke down. However that's only for solo shoots! If I'm doing combined photo/video then she is the exclusive photog so we naturally go in one car!!

I think the obvious is make sure you have a reasonably reliable car to start off with that is serviced on a regular basis and silly things like check fluids before you leave and, of course, fill up the tank!!

Friends could come in very useful if something goes wrong and is not fixable on the road. If I do distance weddings in our South West I make sure I leave really early and also sleep over afterwards (the bride pays!) I don't think any best friend would be too happy if you called at 2am after breaking down on the road after a wedding!!

Your transport is like your gear ... at least you mate can give you a ride or even organise a hire car or taxi but what would you do if both cameras failed??? It's unlikely as you keep them in tip top shape so it makes sense to do the same with your car ...we drive a 20 year old car that was only serviced 3 years ago with a teaspoon of fuel in the tank yet we spend thousands on our cameras. Worth thinking about ???

Who will buy a better car now guys???

Chris

I drive a 10 year old car, it's a diesel and I have it serviced every year. I find it's more reliable on the motorway than in town driving ... Diesels are your best bet for long drives I would of thought.

Having said that, I definitely need to buy a newer car with more space in the next 2 years.

This falls under the area of risk analysis which you should be doing for all risks in your business. There is a real simple process to follow. Make a list of risk items and categorize on a 1-3 scale of probability (low, medium, high). Next to that ranking rank the impact on a 1-3 scale (low, medium, high). Multiply the two rankings and if the total is 4 or more, develop a mitigation strategy for that risk. E.g. medium probability of car trouble x potentially high impact (you miss the job). Mitigation process is to leave early and have a "car failure process" that you follow when it occurs. This process helps with decision making as well. Often if you look at risk first you can avoid the arguments, effort, and cost associated with some decisions.

This is a fear of mine. Luckily most of mine are pretty nearby so I could call a friend or famlily. My downtown center city weddings, which are quite popular I could just take a cab or the train. Otherwise though I think just calling the bride and being honest is the best bet. I'm sure someone like a friend, bridesmaids parent, or groomsmen would come get you, myb she could call the photographer or give you their #. Still though year I worry about this sometimes. Uggh way to jinx it;)

Along with the usual network of friends, family, and cabs, we could always have a tow truck take your car to the town in question to drop you off, then arrange for rides with wedding party if necessary - which it might since our working area includes some small and relatively remote towns.

All in all I can only guess it would be a nightmare!

Any experiences?

It would be Peter, an absolute nightmare, but you could only do whatever is posible to rectify the situation. Much the same if you get any equipment failure, or a card malfunction, that only comes to light after the event. If we worried about such things, we would all end up housebound nervous wrecks.

This is not a question of if, but when. When you are in business for a long time, something inevitably will happen. Flat tire. Engine trouble. You lock your keys in the car. Take the necessary steps now, while you can, to formulate a back up plan to every conceivable problem. You are a professional. Failure is not an option.

You are a professional. Failure is not an option.

What if you get killed in an accident on the way to a wedding? :)

We are only human and stuff happens, you do what you can to minimize damage but you can't have a backup plan for every imaginable situation, even for a "professional" things will go wrong eventually.

Carry your important gear (camera, memory cards, computer, backup drives, etc.) in the back seat for better protection.

Last winter after we departed the ferry from Seattle we stopped at the first stop light. There are a lot of cars on the ferry and when they off-load it is a pretty busy, or hectic, time driving off. In a matter of seconds after we had stopped we were seriously rear-ended. It wasn't the car behind me that was the problem, it was the car that was behind her that didn't stop.

The driver at fault was looking at his map to see where he should go and didn't see everybody stopping. Why he didn't do this on the ferry .... who knows.

Anyway, we were returning from a family get-together and the trunk was full of my audio, video, and lighting gear. The B-cam was right against the trunk latch and of course the impact got it pretty good. The A-cam was in a Pelican case near the back of the trunk so it was more protected. However, the impact was really jarring!

As it turned out, the B-cam seemed to escape damage, maybe because it was in a padded case and maybe because there was a bit of clearance space around it. Because it was built well? Who knows. Maybe it was just luck.

Anyhow, the lesson learned is that anything that can't be replaced is placed in the back seat area now. If there is room, anything that is of high value is also placed there.

My modus operandi is to arrive early because stuff does happen. Running on a tight schedule only creates stress and that isn't good for one's health. Since I tend to keep the tank fuller than emptier that shouldn't be a problem, but sometimes there is a major accident on the highway and running on empty could cause a problem. In flying they say "trouble comes in bunches."

My phone is full of phone numbers so that isn't a problem, and if it was a gig I'd certainly have some names and numbers in my notepad and the main ones most likely on the phone. Some contact numbers at the venue should also be available.

What if you get killed in an accident on the way to a wedding? :)

Well, that's one situation you probably won't be sat worrying about afterwards. :)

I am sad, I get three emergency numbers from the bride just in case. So taxi to church or prep when break down occurs, emergency number one drive me to reception, done! Gear always back seat, someone said rear car accidents? Wife second numbers , dad next, mum after they, brothers x 5 next, gods phone number but he don't answer ha.

.. and above all, make sure this type of thing is covered in your contract.

As has been said, 'Failure is not an option!' I have filmed over 2000 weddings and so far have never failed to get to one. If I did fail, then the other 2000+ successes are of no interest to the couple at all. Their day is all that matters to them and no excuse is acceptable.

You have to cover every possible option bar death, with a backup person, breakdown recovery, alternative transport and time in hand. The fear of failure is one of the things that stops many competent videographers/photographers from taking on weddings.

Roger

30 years in video. 12 years before that in stills. Somewhere around a total of 2500 weddings still and video, plus countless corporate gigs. NEVER missed one. Been late to crew call once by about 15 minutes because of a massive accident on the highway in front of me.
Always found a way AND gotta admit, I was more than pretty lucky.

O|O
\--/

New German car every 3 years ;) Serviced annualy, always keep the tank topped up :D

It's always a thought and something we just try and avoid with new, reliable cars. We get any niggles fixed straight away rather than leaving them to just keep going until they finally cause something to break like i did in my day job.

We've had to give photographers a lift a few times because their car broke down. Funnily enough I think all of them drove a Fiat.

You have to cover every possible option bar death, with a backup person, breakdown recovery, alternative transport and time in hand. The fear of failure is one of the things that stops many competent videographers/photographers from taking on weddings.

Roger

I agree and have never missed a wedding yet but how can you have a backup for every eventuality? If I was in a car crash on the way to the wedding and broke both my legs I have 2 companies who might step in at the last minute but chances are they would be already booked. I could not afford the luxury of paying someone a retainer for every wedding 'just in case'. In the case of a vehicle breakdown I do have a list of taxi numbers for all the large towns in the areas in which I work and would not hesitate to call them and sort my own car out the day after.

Hey Pete

The answer as you lay trapped in your car with both legs broken is your contract! Limited liability to refund of monies paid and then have a 6 week break at home in your plaster casts! Good time to catch up on your editing and re-build your website.

There are situations where you have to realise that you just are not going to be able to do this wedding. Hopefully both of us (and everyone here) will never have to face that situation!

Chris

In the case of a vehicle breakdown I do have a list of taxi numbers for all the large towns in the areas in which I work and would not hesitate to call them and sort my own car out the day after. Quite right Peter, I really cant imagine having the time to have a contingency plan to cover some of the things mentioned above. Taxi every time

Hey Pete

The answer as you lay trapped in your car with both legs broken is your contract! Limited liability to refund of monies paid and then have a 6 week break at home in your plaster casts! Good time to catch up on your editing and re-build your website.

There are situations where you have to realise that you just are not going to be able to do this wedding. Hopefully both of us (and everyone here) will never have to face that situation!

Chris Right on Chris. Guess I have been lucky, never missed a wedding in 32 years, and in the early days I drove around in some sheds of vehicles. As you say, its all in the T & C

Hey Pete

The answer as you lay trapped in your car with both legs broken is your contract! Limited liability to refund of monies paid and then have a 6 week break at home in your plaster casts! Good time to catch up on your editing and re-build your website.

There are situations where you have to realise that you just are not going to be able to do this wedding. Hopefully both of us (and everyone here) will never have to face that situation!

Chris

Quite agree Chris - My girlfriend comes out on some weddings as a 'fetcher and carrier' and occasionally I'll give her my CX730 to get the bride leaving the house as I'll already be at the church getting the guests arriving, but I cannot imagine letting her film the entire wedding day. Even if I trained her up I do lots of Thursday/Friday weddings and in the event of a catastrophe she'd be at work!

The Ideal scenario is a two person crew travelling in 2 cars - not going to happen for me unless my prices go up dramatically - I'm covered in my terms and conditions and that will have to do.

I had a wedding last summer where I had really bad D&V - A few Immodium and travel sickness tablets helped and I managed to film their big day (turned out to be a good video as well) but I had to leave my camera in the church twice to go to the toilet before the tablets kicked in - hopefully that's as bad as it will get! I also had a crisis last winter when it snowed really heavy, as it was a Saturday there was no traffic to clear the roads so myself and my girlfriend were up a 5am digging the length of the street - I set off at 8am and had to stop 2 or 3 times to dig myself out - I actually got to the wedding early but that is something that could have gone really wrong and you cannot have a contingency for - on that day even the emergency services were failing to get to places - maybe I should invest in a helipad :)

Anyone who says to have never missed a wedding has been lucky, most obvious reasons to miss a wedding is getting involved in a severe accident, I get a few phonecalls from brides EVERY year that their videographer can't come often very close or even a few days before the wedding. This means the videographer has failed to provide a solution and the client is in panic trying to find a replacement themselves. If there is an accident and you arrive much to late or not at all then, unless you have a paid backup standing by, it's too late to find someone else as they most probably are working as well.

I have been a few hours late last year on a wedding due to a massive traffic jam, it was one of those rare weddings where I was accompanied by a second videographer and since he was in my car he was late as well. You do what you can but your contract that you have with your client is your best friend in such a case.

A couple of years ago I was doing a wedding and I knew the photogs (2). They drove seperately. Going from the ceremony to the reception one of them was following the other...a bit too close and, yep, you guessed it. BAM! A very nice rear ender! I was behind them both and far enough back so I could witness but not partake although I was laughing so hard I almost did. Luckily no major damage to either car more to the ego of both but it made me think about driving a little more attentively!

In the case of a vehicle breakdown I do have a list of taxi numbers for all the large towns in the areas in which I work and would not hesitate to call them and sort my own car out the day after.

Smart idea.

That would be my ONLY option to be honest. If it broke down on the motorway, get it recovered to the nearest garage, phone up a taxi and get a lift to the wedding.

The whole wedding would turn out to be a loss in terms of profit, but at the end of the day the bride would appreciate you even more! especially because my contract clearly states emergencies out of my control will result in a full refund.

Its worthwhile having a couple of hire company tel numbers to hand as well.

Hiring a car is dirt cheap and often you can get it delivered to you and picked up afterwards. Much cheaper and more convenient than taxis if its possible.

On two occasions I have hired cars at short notice when my local garage was unable to get the parts needed it time to repair my own car. Obviously this is much less likely to work if you are about to leave or enroute.

On one other occasion I got what turned out to be a flat battery. Wouldn't you just know it but that gig was a getting ready in a posh hotel, a ceremony in Kensington and reception in Horse Guards Parade all in central London about 45 miles from me :- ( Fortunately a neighbour noticed me and drove me to the hotel. Then it was all taxisand train - very expensive and a PITA yomping the gear around.

Now I always check my car the morning of, several hours before departure because if anything is going to do for you in the winter its a knackered battery. I give myself time for a fast recharge.

I did get tailended in central London once. I rushed around to the back and the other driver legged it. He probably thought I was going to attack him but really I was just anxious to get it sorted out super quick. Car still was drivable.

I've always had jump leads in my car and several times I've used them to get guests started.

You do need to cover your bases in your contract - as others have stated. No-one can give 100% guarantees that they can perform every contract in every circumstance.

Pete

The nearest I got to not making it so far, was a few years ago when I had to have a small Surgical procedure on my rear end at 8.00 on a Saturday morning. Against advice and barely able to walk, I discharged myself and managed to get to the wedding accompanied by one of my sons who was not a videographer. I instructed him on where to point the camera and what to record, doing some of the filming when I was able. We got through the day and the couple were very pleased with the results.

My contract does include a clause which covers unforeseen medical circumstances and outside interference, events and circumstances over which I have no control.

Roger

Roger - Couldn't agree more!
As has been said, 'Failure is not an option!' I have filmed over 2000 weddings and so far have never failed to get to one. If I did fail, then the other 2000+ successes are of no interest to the couple at all. Their day is all that matters to them and no excuse is acceptable.

.... and, "Their day is all that matters to them..."

Any excuse for non performance better be a really good.

The other part you said about "The fear of failure is one of the things that stops many competent videographers/photographers from taking on weddings." Like the saying goes, you can get 1,000 Atta-Boys but just one Aw-S**t wipes the slate clean.

Just found the picture where I got rear-ended. The vehicle damage was much worse than the plastic bumper would indicate because the plastic is pretty springy and bounced back to it's original shape.

The good part was that my wife had her still camera in her bag so I was able to get a lot of pictures, and that, by the way, helped with "being made whole". Their insurance company really stonewalled paying up for the damage and, also like they say, pictures are worth a thousand words.

The tripods were on the floor in the back seat but now I travel with things reversed.


Danny O'Neill - I liked your car comments.
By the way, you wrote: "We get any niggles fixed straight away"
What, Sir, is a "niggle"? I'm thinking that sounds like something your girlfriend did on your neck.


Chris Harding: And, a question for you: " in the early days I drove around in some sheds of vehicles."
What is (are?) sheds?
Where I'm from a "shed" (noun) is a small outbuilding one puts all the garden tools, lawn mower, etc. in.


Peter Riding: That must have spiked the ol' blood pressure!
Question: "... a knackered battery" - that is probably a dead battery?
" .... the other driver legged it." That is a funny one, haven't heard it before. In the big city you have to be on the defensive and he probably was. Or, maybe no license or passport?

Picture:
Blue bag: Glidecam, Rycote Windjammer, small parts, cables
Little black bag: B-cam
Big black bag: various cables, adapters, lavalier mics, white-balance card,
Pelican case: A-cam, JuicedLink pre, mics, more little stuff

Back seat: Tripods, lights, computer

Note license plate imprint on bumper

Chris Harding: And, a question for you: " in the early days I drove around in some sheds of vehicles."
What is (are?) sheds?
Where I'm from a "shed" (noun) is a small outbuilding one puts all the garden tools, lawn mower, etc. in.

John, it was me.
In the UK, to drive around in a shed is to drive around in a barely legal, wreck of a car. I know, crazy isnt it !!!!!!!!

Hi Colin

That must be a phrase unique to Scotland! Over here a car with dubious road worthiness isn't known as a shed either (yep, that's where I keep my lawnmower too)..but the Aussie shed can be used for a lot more and can also be known as a Man Cave with couches, a fridge full of beer and a big screen TV to watch sport.

I thinks cars here are referred to as "rust buckets", "bombs" but the official slang directory doesn't list anything for a poor condition car.

Regardless it's understood that if you drive a shed over there then eventually you WILL breakdown!!

Chris