Husband Files For Divorce After Overhearing Wife Offer “Discount” For His Photography To A Friend
This is not a picture of Jim, walking up the courthouse steps to file his divorce papers
PORTLAND, ME – A local photographer has reportedly filed for divorce after overhearing his wife casually volunteer his professional services to a friend—at a discounted rate—during a gathering in their home.
According to those familiar with the situation, namely other photographers online, the incident occurred Thursday night while the couple was hosting a small group from their church. The husband, a professional wedding and event photographer who was merrily chatting with the men gathered for their weekly meeting, was in the next room when he heard what he later described as the “voice of Judas.”
“I couldn’t believe what came out of her mouth,” the husband, who wants to remain anonymous, said. “These are not the words of my life partner; these are words of a traitor.”
When asked what exactly he heard, the husband stated, “I just heard her say, ‘Yeah, of course, my husband can shoot your daughter’s Sweet 16. You don’t worry about the fee. I’m sure he’ll do it at a discount.’”
“A discount?” the photographer—let’s call him “Jim”—stated with disgust. “Does she think this is a hobby for me? Or does she think I do this for my health? She apparently does not care for our family or my mental well-being, so I’m out!”
Tensions Boil Over at Small Group
Speaking to those who were at the small group that night, this reporter sensed the tension that settled in the room once Jim blurted out from the other room, “A what now?”
“I didn’t know actually what was said,” offered Brother Stan. “It was pretty loud in there; I honestly don’t know how he heard what his wife said over all the conversations that were happening.”
Pam and Stan reacting to hearing Jim’s voice yet he’s nowhere in sight
“Yeah, the actual meeting didn’t happen yet, so we were all just catching up on our kids and our families’ activities for the week,” interrupted Pam, Stan’s wife. “I’m not even sure if she actually said what ‘Jim’ says she said.”
“Listen,” added Stan, “Jim loves his family, I can’t imagine him making this up; though, it’s just a discount, so, yeah, I don’t know what really has him so riled up to ask for divorce.”
From out of nowhere, this reporter along with Stan and Pam heard, “JUST A DISCOUNT?!” Apparently, Jim was somewhere in the vicinity overhearing the interview. “I’M A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER! I DON’T OFFER DISCOUNTS!” followed immediately after.
Legal Action and Industry Reaction
At the time of this writing, the Cumberland County District Court of Portland has released the initial petition for the dissolution of marriage. The filing cites “irreconcilable workflow violations,” referencing “unauthorized rate negotiations” and “emotional damages caused by the use of ‘discount’ in a sentence in the sanctity of the home.”
The wife, Olivia, who insisted on being named, stated that she was simply trying to get Jim some clients.
“In this economy, we have to get what we can get, you know,” Olivia reasoned. “It’s a Sweet 16, not a wedding. I mean, I’m not a monster! I know somewhat what these things entail; but he desperately needs some clients right now, I was just trying to help.”
Industry professionals have weighed in, largely siding with Jim.
“There are a few things you don’t touch,” said one veteran photographer, “our nifty-fifty, our go-to lighting placement, and our pricing. And, of all people, our significant other should know this.”
When asked what he plans to do while the divorce is in process, Jim stated, “I’m actually changing my contract, adding a new clause under ‘Scope of Work’ which is the ‘Spousal Verbal Agreements Are Not Legally Binding’ clause.”
Asked for a comment about his wife attempting to help him get clients, Jim stated, “Listen, she’s trying to help, and I get it. The only emails I get from my website inquiry forms are people who are trying to help my website get more clients. So, I’m desperate, but, hear me, I need clients, but not at a discount. Never at a discount.”
Jim is also apparently dealing with the existential crisis between faith and business: divorce or discount. “It’s betrayal of the deepest kind,” Jim offered, “I know there should be forgiveness, and the sacredness of marriage, but Judas hung himself; I’m not saying that anyone should hang, but, you know what I mean?” As for the Sweet 16, the small group friends apparently have not contracted with another photographer, and the group has been told that meetings are moving to Stan and Pam’s house indefinitely.
