Helicopter Dad From Hell

I’m a wedding photographer, but a friend from high school asked me to film her wedding after the videographer she booked said he couldn’t make it. I don’t do video much at all, but I didn’t feel like I could say no. She was very sweet about it and said she’d pay well for my trouble.

The wedding itself went fine but the reception less so. My friend’s dad spent nearly all his time micromanaging any step I took.

Client’s Dad: “Hey, make sure you get a good shot of [Client] and the cake, okay?”

Me: “Of course.”

I had been standing RIGHT next to his daughter… as she prepared to cut the cake with her husband. I guess he thought I was just enjoying the view.

Later:

Client’s Dad: “Let me see what you have so far.”

Me: “Sorry?”

Client’s Dad: “Let me check your progress.”

He stood there until I conceded and showed him every clip I had.

Later in the night:

Client’s Dad: “Excuse me, but you’re too close to the dance floor.”

Me: “What?”

Client’s Dad: “You’re getting in all the pictures people are taking of the dance floor. Please move.”

It was almost like I was trying to get PROFESSIONAL FOOTAGE OF THE DANCE FLOOR.  I couldn’t believe this guy.

Finally, the night ended.

A while after the wedding, after I’d sent the bride a download link for the completed video:

Client’s Dad: “Hello, I can’t seem to print your video. Do you have another version of it or something?”

Me: “Do you mean you want to print some stills from the video? I can help you with that.”

Client’s Dad: “No, I want to print all of the video.”

Me: “…I don’t understand what you mean.”

Client’s Dad: “This is why I told [Client] not to book you. You were very unprofessional at the wedding. I’ll never recommend you to anyone after this.”

I didn’t hear from him again, and honestly, I’m okay with that.