Combat Vest at a wedding?

[MikeMcL]

Anyone have a bad experience wearing a black Potn style combat vest at a wedding?

it is an easy way to keep a buncha batteries, CF and a couple lenses on you, but is it unacceptable?

i am talking of course dressed well, in a tie, lets say... but with the vest over instead of a suit jacket.

i would hate to think of carrying a photobag all over and trying to work out of it, or shooting 1-handed while holding another lens in other hand...


Can i wear the vest or not? please help:eek:

[Balliolman]

People would accept you were the photographer, so go ahead, appear smart and efficient and no one would object. :-)

[song4themoon]

I am not sure what the vest looks like but I just bought one of those bags that snap around your hips. I bought it int he fishing section and it is actually meant for two waterbottle on each side and room in the middle for other stuff. It fits a lens on each side, my flash and lenscaps in the middle. Its perfect and was only 10 bucks!

[MikeMcL]

they are in the POTN store if any care to take a look, many outdoor photogs use them, i just dunno about indoor event stuff, i think balliolman is right. if i look the part it is probly not inappropriate.

[sapearl]

Weeeell...... you probably won't lose any business if you wear it, but I'm an old school shirt and tie sort of guy ;) .

I don't own or wear a tux, but I've always felt you should somewhat look the part of a pro when you do a wedding, which most of the time is a semiformal affair for the guests and "hired hands." If you need extra pockets, Song's suggestion of a hip or fanny pack is excellent for toting extra gear.

Things that look like camo or combat gear may make some elderly guests nervous at a wedding - especially in this day and age unfortunately. But for hiking or street shooting they are perfect.

[Phil V]

There's lots in the statement 'so long as you look professional'. In many areas of photography a vest is an awesome way to carry gear.
As a professional sports/nature photographer the vest is perfect.
As a professional fashion photographer you are expected to dress to fit in with everyone else ie. stylish, casual.
As a professional wedding photographer you are expected to dress to fit in with everyone else ie. formal smart. I carry the camera around my neck complete with flash bracket and LS, even though I rarely use flash. I carry extra lenses in lens pouches attached to my belt, everything else is in my bag (never far away).

[E3_Photo_Studio]

I'm going to have to say NO it's not acceptable, but that's just me. After reading what Steve (SAPEARL) said, I must be a bit old-school as well. The photographers for my wedding showed up in cargo pants, button down shirts and those vests and I thought it looked really tacky since the wedding was very formal.

We always try to dress up in nice slacks, the hubby wears a nice long sleeve shirt and tie, and I wear a nice dressy blouse. We carry our packs around with us, but we also make sure to keep a couple batteries and CF cards/Film in our pants pockets.

As for carrying lenses, you can get little pouches with a strap for a lens and have it on you for quick access without looking like your ready to go to a di-militarized zone. KWIM?
But like I said....just my opinion....I'm from the old-school train of thought. :)

[Rachellebee27]

http://www.procameragear.com/potn/vest1.html

This what you talking about? I would have been very upset if my wedding photag had shown up in this. My church actually told me to remind him to wear a suit. So I did, and he acted like that was a no brainer. I acually almost burst into tears when some of my female guests showed up to my reception in pants ("trousers" for you britts;) ), some in jeans. I guess it depends on the style of the wedding. some couples won't care, some will.

[Wazza]

I also don't think it would look too professional.
I generally dress smartly, with dress shoes, black trousers and usually a dark shirt so I just blend into the background. However don't wear a suit or tie, as it's just ridiculously hot and muggy here in summer.

[stanc30]

I agree with the clean, sharp, dark..."blend in" photographer fashion approach, but not the suit jacket.

I have to have the flexibility to move my arms and the camera to get to the best angle for the shot. The jacket can be limiting.

However, this can change with the client and location:rolleyes:

[kawter2]

IMO dress like you were a guest of the wedding.. resist the vest

[cosworth]

many guests vear vests under their suit jacket.

i think it would be very smart looking for the photog to wear a vest under his suit jacket.

[liza]

Don't wear the vest. It would look rather strange at a wedding. I just have an assistant carry the little things I need.

[Espie]

Use the "fanny pack", you can put your battery pack in it and other things, but remember to put your business cards in the most accessible pocket!

[danedel]

I dont think I would ever wear a vest on a wedding shoot....I would love to have all that storage on me though.

[coreypolis]

I'd wear a photo belt with accessores strapped to it first

[Titus213]

I would suggest you dress to fit in to the group you are photographing. If the wedding is at stream-side and everyone else is wearing vests and waders go right ahead. If eveyone is wearing suits and ties.... Well, dress to fit in.:lol:

[Woolburr]

It is all in the vest...I have seen many professional photographers wearing vests to shoot weddings. But the vests were not fishing vests....they were modified tux vests with just a couple of extra pockets added...totally professional looking...looks like someone wearing a tux without the jacket is all. Way less conspicuous than some goofy fanny pack arrangement.

[MikeMcL]

I agree. i would never wear a lowepro style holster bag or a couple lens cases on a belt, or a ridiculous fanny pack from the 80's... I would sooner just keep my main stash close and work from it. i cant believe that someone would say that a black photo vest is a bad idea, then suggest a "fanny pack" a person in a tie with a big belt of equipment hanging off is probly more of an eyesore than anything.

i think ill just play it safe and go "as a guest" and work from a stash of gear parked in the corner.

[Lord_Malone]

From my limited wedding photojournalism experience, I'm going to patent the first formal photo vest or jacket designed exclusively for the formal event/wedding photographer. Features include:

*Hidden pockets designed to hold flash battery packs and spare AA batteries
*CF and SD card holders sewn into the vest or jacket sleeve, or small discreet CF/SD pouches that can be worn on a regular belt (hidden by a jacket when worn)
*Back up camera carried in a small toploading PJ style bag that can be shoulder carried or slung across the body, which would accomodate your back-up camera and up to 3 additional lenses or flash unit.

Everything else is carried in your main kit bag, maintained by your assistant Igor the hunchback, and out of the way.

*burp*

EDIT: Hmmm... I didn't see Woolburr's post up there.

[MichelleM]

While it would be so handy to have, I wouldn't wear a vest to a wedding. I have a cute little P&S camera bag (black quilted leather with a chrome clasp) that has an adjustable band that is also removable. I adjust it to go around my waist so I have a tiny bag for my CF cards, comb, compact, license and keys, and my business cards. Everything else stays in my bag. Many of my dress pants don't have pockets so that little bag is essential for my CF cards at least...and it's classy and stylish in design.

[sapearl]

"Stealth" is always a nice way to go. My ladder, rolling cart and the big cases are off in the corner, under a table (but handy) and otherwise out of site. A mid size Tamrac shoulder bag is my "working" bag which stays close - batteries, lenses, film, misc.

Light meter is clipped to my belt, next to a small black Lowepro case that holds the CF cards.

I agree that the suit jacket can get damn hot in the summer and in warm climes.... it gets shed pretty quickly during the warm months. I do like that suggestion for stealthy black shirt though.... hhmmmmmm.... gives me some ideas.....;)

I.......i think ill just play it safe and go "as a guest" and work from a stash of gear parked in the corner.

[linarms]

I'm still new to this business, and the pro I work with is a collar and tie and jacket guy, so that's how I shoot weddings at the moment.

But ultimately I think this depends on how you wish to present yourself and your business. Blending in with the guests need not be necessary -- you're the official photographer and it doesn't hurt to be different. My brother's wedding was a pretty formal affair, and the photog was wearing jeans and a casual shirt. But he wasn't daggy - he obviously took his craft seriously and wanted to shoot in what he was comfortable wearing. You're being paid to make art - how many artists wear a collar and tie while they're working?

I figure if you're professional, consistent and take great photos, you'll attract a clientele who won't give a damn what you're wearing.

That said, I personally reckon those vests make you look more like a lab scientist than anything else. Especially in a wedding context. :-D

Just my $0.02 worth.

[Merle]

Judging by your own statements, even you feel it is dressing down and you are wondering if it will be accepable. Those vests were intended for the photojournalist in the field. First impressions are important, a lot of your future business is going to come from the wedding party and wedding guests. I do not want the initial exposure to me to be a let down. Your never under dressed when you wear a shirt, coat and a tie to a wedding.
;) :) :D

Good shooting to ya !!

Merle

[cosworth]

My grandmother armed me with one sage phrase:

"You can never be overdressed for anything, but you can always be underdressed."

[E3_Photo_Studio]

My grandmother armed me with one sage phrase:

"You can never be overdressed for anything, but you can always be underdressed."

Your Grandma sounds like a very smart lady. ;)

[linarms]

My grandmother armed me with one sage phrase:

"You can never be overdressed for anything, but you can always be underdressed."

Fair enough. Whatever works for you. Personally, when I'm shooting alone, I intend to go 'smart casual'. That's neither overdressed or underdressed IMHO. But I'm keen to challenge what people think is "right" in most areas (i.e. if something is expected of me for purely historical reasons, I'm not interested). So maybe it's just me. But you do have to choose your battles ;-)

EDIT: Sorry, I think I'm drifting off-topic. My fault. We're talking about the vests, aren't we ... :s Incidentally, I still agree with those who discourage the use of these things at weddings and such like ...

[therosefairy]

I have personally used a photo vest, black to me looks better than the tan color for weddings. I have never had anyone say or complain that I looked dressed down. I use it for the weddings in which I work without an assistant. In my opinion what makes you comfortable and being able to get what you need quick is what matters. I usually wear black slacks, a nice white button up shirt and the black vest, sometimes I actually look better than certain guest even w/the vest on. I suppose it may depend on the venue, but I've even been to lots of weddings where I was the guest, and nice locations and have seen photographers wear this. I think if what you were going to wear was going to be a big issue, the people hiring you will request you to wear something specific.

[sapearl]

I'd never consider jeans at a formal wedding. Unfortunatley most people still do judge you and treat you according the way you dress and appear. I'm sure he was a fine photographer, but why not look the part of the respectable craftsmen then? :rolleyes: .

......... My brother's wedding was a pretty formal affair, and the photog was wearing jeans and a casual shirt. But he wasn't daggy - he obviously took his craft seriously and wanted to shoot in what he was comfortable wearing........

[linarms]

I'd never consider jeans at a formal wedding. Unfortunatley most people still do judge you and treat you according the way you dress and appear. I'm sure he was a fine photographer, but why not look the part of the respectable craftsmen then? :rolleyes: .

Oh well, I guess we just disagree here. Each to their own :-)

I think if what you were going to wear was going to be a big issue, the people hiring you will request you to wear something specific.

I agree. Ultimately I think it's better to dress comfortably so you can get the best shots, than to dress up to the nines so you don't offend anyone and miss shots because your necktie got in the way.

And btw, there are some jolly slick lookin' jeans out there these days :-D

[sapearl]

Yes, I know ...... point taken :o . I just can't afford them for myself, what with one daughter still in college. Just the Basic straight leg GAP jeans for me ;)

Oh well, I guess we just disagree here. Each to their own :-)
........And btw, there are some jolly slick lookin' jeans out there these days :-D

[Bu Yao]

This interest thread. In China hired photographer dress as guest. In cold month, he wear suit like guest. Also, if family have informal wedded, photographer dress informal too.

In summer, normal clothing for guest is light pants, white short sleave shirt not tuck in pants. Married woman and man dress formal, sometimes western tuxedo for man, simple dress and hat for woman.

Sloppy vest might be accept here but I don't see it. Maybe big city like Beijing or Shanghai you see that.

[sapearl]

That's a very interesting perspective Bu - thank you for sharing. I appreciate hearing a different viewpoint from half way around the world from me.

This interest thread. In China hired photographer dress as guest. In cold month, he wear suit like guest. Also, if family have informal wedded, photographer dress informal too..................

[MikeMcL]

I am surprise that this topic is such a gray area. i would have thought i'd get about 4 responses, all definately one way.

I think that the vest could possibly be construed as a tool, and a very important part of the photog's "outfit". I think that i would not assume that i could wear it, go overdressed... but take it just incase it ends up being a looser atmosphere.

I have some very classy clothing, and nice shoes. i can say that i would never wear my nicest "foot shredder" dress shoes to a full day event. that is one place where my "dress" would have to be tolerated. Photogs get no rest. not during the ceremony, not during the dinner, or reception... i never see one taking even a 5 minute break.

I sorta feel that if i am working like a dog, i need to have access to the few things that make my job easier... including a clean, pressed, black vest... lol

thanks to all for participation, and please keep the input flowing. If there is any more to add...

[grego]

I'd ask the bride and groom if its okay. And then go with what's comfortable. Whatever gets you your shots, without ruining their wedding, is the best way to go. If you can, try to be as invisible as possible though.

[Mick Finn]

My brother was lucky enough to get one of Australia's best wedding photographers when he got married (In fact he was voted Australia's best that year, 1995 I think?)
The photographer wore black suit pants, and a black long sleeve formal shirt. His assistant carried most of the equipment.
He arrived in a white Ferrari! :D

[sapearl]

That Ferrari sure beats my Mercury station wagon! :lol: I imagine all of the equipment had less elegant transport? ;)

............The photographer wore black suit pants, and a black long sleeve formal shirt. His assistant carried most of the equipment.
He arrived in a white Ferrari! :D

[rightaway]

I'd say avoid the vest!!!
Salmon fishermen wear those with long boots around here for river salmon fishing. :D

[12345Michael54321]

Well, let's see...

It's a formal or semi-formal wedding. The guests are dressed appropriately.

Is it okay if the waiters wear shorts and t-shirts? What if they explain that it's hot in the kitchen, so cool, comfortable clothes help them do their job better, and that's what you've hired them for, right?

Is it okay for the minister/justice of the peace/person asking the "Do you take this man?" question to wear sneakers? What if he explains that he'll be standing up for a long time, and dress shoes aren't as comfortable as his Nikes? After all, you've hired him to do a job, and he can do it more easily when his feet don't hurt.

Is it okay for the musicians to show up wearing sweats? What if they explain that "This is what we usually wear in practice. Anyway, you hired us to sound good, so what difference does it make how we look?"

The point being, even the "hired help" is expected to fit in at a formal event. And fitting in involves looking, sounding, and behaving a certain way.

If you think that such standards of appropriate dress are old fashioned, arbitrary, and should be abandoned, fine. You're entitled to your opinion. But it seems to me that if you want to champion such a cause, you ought to be hiring yourself out as a social critic, and not a wedding photographer.

Please understand, I don't insist that a photographer need always wear at tuxedo to the wedding. I do suggest that he dress in such a way as to avoid having his appearance conflict with the overall atmosphere of the event. If there's a good chance that what you're wearing will cause some of the guests to notice what you're wearing, you're probably not wearing the right clothes.

If having to wear a dress shirt, or a jacket, or sometimes even a tux, or dress shoes, or a bra, or whatever, will prevent you from doing your best work, well, all I can say is that there's no shortage of skilled photographers who can dress up and still do a first rate job. Don't be surprised when you lose jobs to them.

At the risk of getting off topic, I'd further suggest that if you have a snake tattooed across your forehead, or a beard down to your knees, you should expect it prove an issue in many sorts of professional situations. (I concede that in some situations it might well prove to be of benefit. But in general, such appearance options are probably a net negative, from a professional standpoint.)

[dosha]

I had a very natural outside wedding, and if the photog had been wearing a vest like that - she would've stuck out - so I would have to vote "No" to the vest.

[linarms]

Interesting how many of us have weighed in with quite strong views on this topic.

In the end, I think we just need to have two simple aims in choosing attire: comfort and appropriateness. The first aim takes in things like making sure we don't sweat so badly we dare not get close to anybody :-) The second will make sure we don't stick out like a sore thumb.

That might mean collar and tie or it might mean something a little more casual. We all have to make that call for ourselves.

But it's hard to imagine a vest like that being 'appropriate'.