Many photographers working in the area of wedding or event photography don’t comprehend the need to spend on insurance. Consultant cover can cost loads of pounds each year and when the economic situation is bad any way of saving expense is valid. However insurance for photographic kit and responsibility ought to be taken out. The elemental argument is that it protects your business in cases where a loss or a suit could effectively close you down.
Modern pro cameras, lenses and flashguns are very costly. A common digital SLR body can cost between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds. High quality lenses are frequently one to two thousand pounds each. Flash guns cost a few hundred pounds each. High capacity memory sticks can also cost a few hundred pounds. Each photographer also needs backup hardware in case of mechanical failure and a range of lenses and lights to cope with different conditions. It is kind of standard to carry gear around costing between ten and 15 thousand pounds.
Often this kit is taken out of a studio situation and brought to the event site or to an event locale where members of the public could damage or pilfer it. Accidents happen and although modern professional kit is resilient, it isn’t indestructible.
If a bag of equipment were to be thieved the photographer would have to replace this at short notice to keep his business running. Individual photo shoots may be covered by renting but this is only a short term solution and would be terribly pricey. To lose 15 thousand pounds worth of kit might be enough to put some photographers into bankruptcy.
Therefore it’s a sensible, responsible plan of action to have all gear insured. Ensure that the company you choose understand the complexity of the photographic business and cover such things as clobber being left in autos, or at event locations. Also ensure cover is extended to use by assistants and not simply the main cameraman.
Clwyd is an event photographer working in London and across the UK to supply a unique event and wedding photo service to UK clients.