Wedding Photographer Deletes Entire photo After Groom Refuses Food, Water Break
A dramatic behind-the-scenes wedding dispute has sparked widespread debate online after a Reddit user shared his experience of walking away from a job—and deleting every photo—under extreme working conditions.
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The story was posted on Reddit’s popular Am I The A hole forum by a user identified as u/Icy_Reserve6995, who explained that he is not a professional photographer but works as a dog groomer. He said he agreed to photograph a friend’s wedding as a favor, charging just $250 for a 10-hour job, far below standard wedding photography rates.
According to the post, the situation deteriorated by 5:00 p.m., after the photographer had already worked six hours in 110-degree heat with no air conditioning. Exhausted and dehydrated, he requested a 20-minute break to eat food and drink water. The groom reportedly refused the request and gave an ultimatum: continue shooting without a break or leave without pay.
Faced with physical exhaustion and mounting pressure, the photographer said he made a split-second decision. In front of the groom, he deleted every photo taken during the wedding and immediately left the venue.
The post quickly gained traction, igniting intense discussion about the treatment of vendors, especially at weddings. Many commenters pointed out that meal breaks, water access, and rest periods are standard expectations for photographers and other vendors providing full-day coverage. Industry professionals noted that even contracted wedding photographers typically include mandatory breaks and meal clauses in their agreements.
Others emphasized the importance of clear contracts, even when working for friends, warning that informal arrangements often lead to misunderstandings and conflict. While some criticized the photographer’s decision to delete the images, many argued that denying basic human needs crossed a line.
The incident has since become a cautionary tale about boundaries, professionalism, and respect—highlighting how quickly a celebratory event can unravel when communication and consideration break down.
Wedding Photographer Deletes Entire photo After Groom Refuses Food, Water Break