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A very important but overlooked question people need to ask when considering hiring a photographer.
Aside from the obvious “Does this person have the skills that I’m seeking for the project that I have in mind?” one often overlooked criteria for selecting a photographer is does this person or company carry liability insurance and in a sufficient amount? You need the answer to be a resounding “YES!” in order to protect yourself and your business from any unexpected financial losses.
"OOPS!"
Accidents happen. Heavy lights on light stands, windy conditions, cameras on tripods, cables across the floor... In the rare instance when something goes very, very wrong and that “I-chose-them-because-they-were-$100-cheaper” photographer that you hired is responsible for damages they could be sued for injuries occur on the job. If that photographer does not carry liability insurance, you, the client could potentially be held financially responsible for any legal costs or settlements. This goes for commercial as well as family photography.
Choosing a photographer with liability insurance can provide peace of mind for you, knowing that you are covered in case of any accidents or injuries that occur during the photoshoot.
Additionally, sometimes having liability insurance may be a requirement for working in locations. Often we encounter this when shooting head shots in a public atrium area of an office building for example. The building owners need to know that they aren’t on the hook if something goes sideways during a shoot.
There’s enough drama and cat herding going on trying to line up a bunch of WFH employees to be at an office on a certain day at a certain time. Nobody wants a last minute monkey-wrench thrown in the works when building security tell you “You can’t do that here.” Choosing a photographer who has liability insurance ensures that your photographer is able to work at these types of locations. “Weekend warriors” or “side hustle” folks offering up their services likely don’t have this type of coverage (or any coverage) and therefore protection for their clients. Having liability insurance is a sign of professionalism and shows that the photographer takes their work seriously and is committed to protecting their clients.
Do yourself a favor and make sure that ask any photographer that you are considering for a job for their COI (Certificate of Insurance.) If they ask what a COI is.... RUN!!!!!
FYI Djaren Photography carries Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 limit per occurrence with a $3,000,000 aggregate limit.
