Should I give my images to the hired photographer at the wedding?

[SonicYan]

Just needed your opinion guys. I recently took pictures at a wedding where I was a guest. The couple had hired a professional photographer and his assistant. He shoots Nikon by the way... :p Before the ceremonies started, he saw me taking pictures. The professional photographer approached and asked for my name and said something, basically implying that I was not to get in his way, something to that extent. His tone wasn't mad or anything, he stated everything in a matter of fact voice. I replied with sure, I'm just a guest, I won't get in the way.

Later on during the wedding, I pull out the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS which I borrowed just for that event and take more pictures. I would move around, but I wasn't anywhere near the professional. During a break between the ceremonies (there were two ceremonies) the professional sees me walking around with the L, approaches me and tells me he'd let me take pictures at prime spots if I agreed to give him my images. Thinking nothing about it, I said sure. So there I was shooting pictures near him. I give him my number later on.

Five weeks later, the guy has called me about 4-5 times in a span of one week, asking about my pictures, leaving a message everytime. The last one was something along the lines of me not following our agreement. I've been holding off on contacting/calling him back though, since I've been thinking if I'll even get credit for the pictures I'll be giving him. He is actually asking for my RAW files. I already gave the newlyweds a DVD of all the images I took.

So what do you guys think? :D

[Banbert]

Personally I would tell him to F off, but then I wouldnt have agreed to give him my images in the first place which was a mistake imo.

The couple (who are presumeably good friends of yours seeing as you were at their wedding) have paid this guy good money to take pictures and now he wants to use yours either as part of his package that they have already paid for or as part of extras he is gonna sell em after the wedding.

My only exception to this would be if he was creating an album for them and had an important shot or two missing for some reason that you had managed to capture and in that case it would make the couples album complete, but in this case I would expect him to let the couple know that you had helped him out.

Last wedding i was at as a guest they had hired a pro to shoot and we had a couple of chats and all he asked of me was that I didnt use my flash whilst he was shooting which I was more than happy to do as it was great to see someone work using ambient light .. no flash for anything. I just stayed well out of his way and observed and it was a great learning experience as he seemed extremely competent and focused.

[Philco]

It sounds like you made a deal, however ill advised, so I dont see where you have much choice. It's not very professional of the pro to even pose such a deal, but since you agreed, I don't see where you benefit by backing out. Maybe the pro will like your work and want to pay you to go along as second camera on other shoots, providing you with more valuable experience in the long run.
I was asked to provide my images to the hired pro. at a friends wedding under identical circumstances and I explained that I was providing some extra coverage as a favor to my friend, the bride. Then it was up to him to ask the bride if she wanted to share the images.

[Hellashot]

I would give the shots of the wedding to the wedding couple printed and/or on a disc. Giving shots to the paid photographer is pointless. If the couple likes your shots they will keep them with their wedding stuff.

A funny thing to do is to offer the photographer a book of proof prints with a huge copyright across the entire print for him to select photos he would like to buy. :)

[SonicYan]

Personally I would tell him to F off, but then I wouldnt have agreed to give him my images in the first place which was a mistake imo.

Yeah, I agree. I just said yes just to get him off my case and to avoid further discussion. I didn't want to create a scene at the wedding.

My only exception to this would be if he was creating an album for them and had an important shot or two missing for some reason that you had managed to capture and in that case it would make the couples album complete, but in this case I would expect him to let the couple know that you had helped him out.

I wouldn't have a problem with that, but he is asking for all my RAW files.

Last wedding i was at as a guest they had hired a pro to shoot and we had a couple of chats and all he asked of me was that I didnt use my flash whilst he was shooting which I was more than happy to do as it was great to see someone work using ambient light .. no flash for anything. I just stayed well out of his way and observed and it was a great learning experience as he seemed extremely competent and focused.

That's what I was expecting as well. I guess the pro's argument is that he let me take pictures at prime spots normal guests wouldn't have been able to do, which is why he has leverage to ask for my RAW files.

[SonicYan]

It sounds like you made a deal, however ill advised, so I dont see where you have much choice. It's not very professional of the pro to even pose such a deal, but since you agreed, I don't see where you benefit by backing out. Maybe the pro will like your work and want to pay you to go along as second camera on other shoots, providing you with more valuable experience in the long run.
I was asked to provide my images to the hired pro. at a friends wedding under identical circumstances and I explained that I was providing some extra coverage as a favor to my friend, the bride. Then it was up to him to ask the bride if she wanted to share the images.

Well I don't really see any benefit by backing out, but I do see potential benefit for the pro if I don't, at my expense.

so did you ever end up giving him your images?

[Phil V]

It's a question of honour really. You promised him the pictures, so you have to give them to him. If you don't want to, you should never have agreed to.

Personally I wouldn't dream of asking a guest for images. I wouldn't even take them if offered. The only exception would be in a catastrophic situation where I lost lots of my own work.

If you have any aspirations to becoming a professional (anything - not just a photographer) you need to understand the technical skills are far less important than integrity, sense of humour, ingenuity, and people skills. You gave the guy your word, you have no choice.

[SonicYan]

I would give the shots of the wedding to the wedding couple printed and/or on a disc. Giving shots to the paid photographer is pointless. If the couple likes your shots they will keep them with their wedding stuff.

A funny thing to do is to offer the photographer a book of proof prints with a huge copyright across the entire print for him to select photos he would like to buy. :)

I already did give the images on a DVD to the wedding couple. The pro was mentioning in the voicemails that he was putting my images on a website he created for the couple, I guess part of the package they ordered.

[Padawan Dad]

A funny thing to do is to offer the photographer a book of proof prints with a huge copyright across the entire print for him to select photos he would like to buy. :)

I totally agree with this! You made a deal to give him pictures... your still coming through with your end of the deal. If he wants to sell them... make him pay for them. If his work wasn't good enough, maybe he should call it quits instead of depending on the wedding guests to do his work for free.

I understand that the pro should have the ability to shoot without uncle joe jumping infront of his lens right at the "kiss" shot. But give me a break... no pro owns the Church, or the reception hall. Just go where he isn't. There is always plenty of "prime" spots to shoot from without messing up the pro's shots.

Half the task of being a "pro" photographer is to have the ability to work around obnoxious relatives with cameras... not complain about them, or bribe them with realstate that they don't even own.

[Banbert]

That's what I was expecting as well. I guess the pro's argument is that he let me take pictures at prime spots normal guests wouldn't have been able to do, which is why he has leverage to ask for my RAW files.

Thats the bit I guess I dont quite understand tbh, unless he brought scaffolding with him or ladders that you used or actually moved out of your way for you to take shots I dont really see how he could have stopped you taking shots if you had said no to his request in the first place. I know some Photographers have it in their contract that only they are allowed to take photos or something to that effect but tbh I think thats a load of bollox anyway, unless your getting in the photographers way or hindering his/her progress with the shots in some way how can they possibly object to other people taking photos, its just not reasonable.

[Phil V]

Personally I would tell him to F off,


that's the kind of immaturity and un-professionalism that seperates the professional from the wannabee. It's not equipment or technical skill, it's PROFESSIONALISM. Personally I believe the Pro on this occasion shows a lack of same. However just because he has doesn't mean it's open season.

[aacmckay]

I would probably just send him some "proof" type imges and say that he hadn't specified that he wanted RAW at the wedding. Ask him if he's willing to give up his RAW images and I think you'll find that the answer is no.

At my cousin's wedding this summer there was a hired photographer, but two of my uncles are pros and were there with their equip. Plus I was there with my SLR, and borrowed an L-Glass lens from my uncle. My dad had my older Canon SLR and I gave him my EF28-135mm. Felt sorry for the hired photographer, but she was fine with it. Her only comment was that we were to give her the space to take the shots she needed, otherwise she was fine with it. So we were like paparazzi lined up with our SLRs and giant lenses. Needless to say, my cousin got a lot of shots of her wedding. :D

[SonicYan]

Thats the bit I guess I dont quite understand tbh, unless he brought scaffolding with him or ladders that you used or actually moved out of your way for you to take shots I dont really see how he could have stopped you taking shots if you had said no to his request in the first place. I know some Photographers have it in their contract that only they are allowed to take photos or something to that effect but tbh I think thats a load of bollox anyway, unless your getting in the photographers way or hindering his/her progress with the shots in some way how can they possibly object to other people taking photos, its just not reasonable.

That's true. I guess the main reason why I did say yes was just to avoid any problems/confrontation which would have jeopardized the couple's wedding pictures. I didn't really need the "prime spots" he keeps mentioning. I was pretty happy getting candid shots and what not.

[Banbert]

that's the kind of immaturity and un-professionalism that seperates the professional from the wannabee. It's not equipment or technical skill, it's PROFESSIONALISM. Personally I believe the Pro on this occasion shows a lack of same. However just because he has doesn't mean it's open season.


Obviously I would do it in the nicest possible way ... well it was obvious to me anyway :)

[Padawan Dad]

Obviously I would do it in the nicest possible way ... well it was obvious to me anyway :)

"PLEASE" go F--- off ;) jk... I couldn't resist.

[SonicYan]

I would probably just send him some "proof" type imges and say that he hadn't specified that he wanted RAW at the wedding. Ask him if he's willing to give up his RAW images and I think you'll find that the answer is no.



Yeah, I think that's what I'll be doing instead. Since I did give the couple high res jpgs of the pics I took on DVD, the pro can use those instead.

[Banbert]

"PLEASE" go F--- off ;) jk... I couldn't resist.


You forgot the "thanks" at the end :)


In all seriousness I guess I was just expressing my distaste at the fact that someone would do that.

[cdifoto]

Send him proofs of your worst images...out of focus, poor composition, etc.

[Gerry@Rick]

I'd be inclined to talk to the bride & groom as you've given them a CD already and see what they would like you to do. The last thing that you want to do is to spoil their happy occasion.

Funnily enough my wife and I were at lunch today with a group of friends one of whose daughter is getting married and we all admitted that none of us had looked at our own wedding albums more than a couple of times in the umpt-diddy years we've been married. Once you realise that it puts the whole thing into perspective.

[cdifoto]

I'd be inclined to talk to the bride & groom as you've given them a CD already and see what they would like you to do. The last thing that you want to do is to spoil their happy occasion.

Funnily enough my wife and I were at lunch today with a group of friends one of whose daughter is getting married and we all admitted that none of us had looked at our own wedding albums more than a couple of times in the umpt-diddy years we've been married. Once you realise that it puts the whole thing into perspective.

That's cuz it makes you long for the good ol' days...and sends you into a downward spiral of depression. :) :p

[SonicYan]

I'd be inclined to talk to the bride & groom as you've given them a CD already and see what they would like you to do. The last thing that you want to do is to spoil their happy occasion.



Doing this as well. I talked to the groom and he said to call the bride to check if she has been in contact with the pro.

[RachaelSilvers]

Doing this as well. I talked to the groom and he said to call the bride to check if she has been in contact with the pro.

Yes definitely chat with the B & G and clue them in to the situation.

From the pro POV, I would never ask for images from one of the guests at the wedding for my use.

I have had nice chats with guests about cameras and lenses and asked for them to send me a link so I could see what they got. But that's on a friendly level and not for my use.

How could he even know you got anything usuable? It could all look bad (I am being hypothetical) and then make him look bad, ya know? He knows nothing except that you had a certain vantage point and some nice glass.

This is just plain weird.

If I were in your position though, I wouldn't have agreed to use a specific vantage point in return for giving him my images. I have been a guest at a couple of friends weddings and brought along my camera and a lens or two but I have made sure to stay away from the pro's and give them right of way etc. After all they're there to do a job and I'm there to celebrate.

[Gerry@Rick]

That's cuz it makes you long for the good ol' days...and sends you into a downward spiral of depression. :) :p

Good 'un. No it's cos we look around and realise how unlucky we could have been.:evil:

[cosworth]

A man is only as good as his word.

How good is your's?

[cdifoto]

A man is only as good as his word.

How good is your's?

I honestly wouldn't care how good my word appeared to a "pro" who tried to weasle me out of my RAWs, no matter what I had said beforehand. It's possible to be caught up on the spot and not really think about your response before responding.

[pieq314]

I think you should because you agreed to, and the pro fulfilled his part in your aural agreement.

Just my thought.

[MagicallyDelicious]

Tell him you have already given him the pics to the couple. He probs wont be interested then as he wont be able to make money from them!

[cdifoto]

I think you should because you agreed to, and the pro fulfilled his part in your aural agreement.

Just my thought.


IMHO there was no agreement. It was a casual "sure"...not a well thought out/through plan. It wouldn't even hold up in court.

[aacmckay]

I think you should because you agreed to, and the pro fulfilled his part in your aural agreement.

Just my thought.

I agree that he should give the pro copies of the image and fulfill the agreement. However, I think that the pro is asking too much by wanting the RAW images. Unless of course that was the actual agreement.

[cdifoto]

Hey Magic...I'm twisting your quote into one of my own. ;)

[MagicallyDelicious]

Hey Magic...I'm twisting your quote into one of my own. ;)

You big quote stealer you.

Wanna swap it fairly for a lens or two? hahaha ;)

[Tiffany]

I think you should deliver a copy of the CD you gave to your friends. Whether or not the pro was professional in making the offer, or had a right to do so, or whatever, you did agree to it. Honor would say you do what you say, not back out because you changed your mind later. RAW files, no, not gonna happen.

[Philco]

Well I don't really see any benefit by backing out, but I do see potential benefit for the pro if I don't, at my expense.

so did you ever end up giving him your images?

In your case, the worst thing you can do is blow this guy off. It doesn't matter that he made an unprofessional deal with you so much as it matters you maintain your integrity. This guy could turn out to be a valuable reference by referring overflow work to you, or refer you to other photographers for second camera, assuming your images look good. (I doubt it based in his behavior, but it's about you now, not him) I don't see the point in being overly precious w/ these images of yours since there's no money in it for you. There's not really money in it for the pro either. He's not going to sell them prints of your images since the B&G already have the files for free. They may end up in the album, if the B&G so choose, but they'll know they're yours, so you're not losing out on photo credit. If he makes a duplicate album for himself to sell from, then you may never know, but you already agreed to fork over the images, so it's your bad.

PS- I don't recommend giving over raw either. PS them to your satisfaction as if he was your client and give him what you feel represents the look you're going for. If he wants them tailored to his style, he'll have to work with JPG.

In your talks with the pro, you have every right to maintain your copyright on all of your images. You can explicityly state that your images are not to be used on the pro's website or without attribution in anyway without your permission. It's not hard to keep an eye on a website just to make sure.

[JMHPhotography]

I had a woman follow me around during one wedding reception. Everytime I'd find somebody doing something worthy of photographing, I would stop... focus and snap. Then a second later I'd hear the shutter and see the flash from directly behind me. I laughed and turned to see this little old lady with a disposable p&s that the couple left on the tables for their guests. She told me that she knew if she followed me around, I'd pick the prime spots for her to shoot from.

It's really odd to me that anyone would believe that there is only one spot at any given moment to take a great photo from. I just let her follow me around until she ran out of film. I didn't care at all and wouldn't dream of asking for copies of her pictures. I figure if I wasn't able to get the shot with my gear and she was... God bless her and I have a 30D and 20D with a variety of lenses and flashes for sale. :P

I think as far as the OP is concerned... I agree with Bill and everyone else who says... give him proofs so that you are holding your end of the bargain, but I don't think giving him your RAW files would be the wise thing to do. He says these photos are strictly for the website... give him 800x533 pixel jpegs at the very MOST. He shouldn't have the need for your RAW files for that purpose. If you ask me, I would guess that he's unhappy with the results of his own work or he wouldn't be so insistant of you holding your end of the bargain. I personally think it's very unprofessional of him to even propose that deal to you.

I sometimes work as a second for a photographer friend of mine. She contracts me out for the event and our agreement calls for me processing my own images, and then giving her full resolution JPEG's on CD in sRGB 8bit. She doesn't get my RAW files and doesn't want them. The format she wants them in are specific to her lab that she has print her digitals and develop her film(she uses both), and she has all the images printed at that lab. This way all of the photos presented to the couple are consistant in appearance and feel. But I'm actually contracted and PAID by the hired pro and still do not give up my RAW files...lol.

[aacmckay]

In your case, the worst thing you can do is blow this guy off. It doesn't matter that he made an unprofessional deal with you so much as it matters you maintain your integrity. This guy could turn out to be a valuable reference by referring overflow work to you, or refer you to other photographers for second camera, assuming your images look good.

I agree. You should play nice because there is always the outside chance of picking up some of his overflow buisness. You never want to burn bridges if you don't have to.

[cdifoto]

You big quote stealer you.

Wanna swap it fairly for a lens or two? hahaha ;)

Sure...gimme your lens and you can have my twisted quote. :) :p

[cdifoto]

Like I said, give him your worst proofs so you're holding up your end...you didn't promise great shots did you? ;)

No need for him to have RAWs...or even very big JPEGS. Watermark them across the middle with your name/business/whatever that makes it obvious they aren't his...and there ya go. He has what he asked for.

As far as the burning bridges thing...if he wants RAW and doesn't get them...but does get proofs that are useless...do you REALLY think the guy is gonna be a valuable reference for overflow anyway? I think not. He'll be ticked off.

[RachaelSilvers]

I'm quite curious on WHY he wants them?

I would contact him and ask what he intends to use them for?

[MagicallyDelicious]

Sure...gimme your lens and you can have my twisted quote. :) :p

Gah i fell into that!

[cosworth]

I honestly wouldn't care how good my word appeared to a "pro" who tried to weasle me out of my RAWs, no matter what I had said beforehand. It's possible to be caught up on the spot and not really think about your response before responding.

Impulse agreements don't usually involve swapping of contact information. I think it's not a matter of it standing up in court, but of of this OP weasliing his way into the PRO's workspace.

Give him the pictures, but you have the copyright. Big deal. If the images are worth so much to you frame them and give them to the bride and groom. Or you can repay the PRO for letting you leech off his prime spots by giving him some files.

If the PRO was working for free, this discussion would not be happening.

[Mathiau]

you said yes to giving him the images... BUT

you NEVER stated in what quality or format

give him a bunch of 300 x 200 jpeg or something copies of the images :)

he shouldnt need anything else if he is JUST using them to see how good you are :)
He wants the raws to sell and make money off of you.

[kobus2]

wow - never thought something like this could be considered so important - I did 2 weddings as "free assistent" to a pro. I gave him fully edited cd's with about 100 of my favourite photographs per session. This was a learning curve for me. Even if this pro might make $10 off you, he will not get rich off your "hard work". Just give him good quality images like you agreed to. You get to show what you capable of and it might benefit you in the long run... Why would u even consider spoiling images with watermarks or 300x200 etc?

[Mathiau]

He never agreed to give "good quality" images to him. :D


Why does the PRO need the raw images? what for? there is ZERO reason why he needs the raw images unless he plans to do editing on the files...

[xandria]

Whether or not you made this agreement without thinking it through and whether or not it was professional for the pro to ask you DID make the agreement and he DID fulfill his end of it. Unless you agreed to give him the RAW files at the time the verbal agreement was made then you have no obligation to give him RAW.

Make up a written agreement that makes him give you credit for the photos he uses on the website (assuming this is a password website for the B&G's enjoyment). Also state in the agreement that you own the copyright to the images and that he can not use them for commercial gain. Be very specific about what he can use them for.

Put a watermark on every image, in the lower area of the pic so as not to be distracting since they will only be used for viewing. Give him 800xwhatever images so that he can put them up for the B&G. Also let him know that you have already given the B&G the images, that way he won't try to pass them off as his. Give him your best images - - you could get more work or at least get free advertising if he puts them up on his website.

[Hank2122]

I'm quite curious on WHY he wants them?

I would contact him and ask what he intends to use them for?


he might have missed a bunch of key shots.

[tim]

I didn't read this whole thread because I don't have time. If you said you'd give him your photos, give them to him, but make sure you get credit for them. It doesn't help anyone for you to hold onto them, but it could make for a better album for whoevers wedding it was. You might even get a job 2nd shooting out of it.

[SonicYan]

Wow, this thread blew up! Thanks for the many replies everyone. Really helps to see different points of view. :D

I have decided to just call the pro photographer back tomorrow and tell him to just pick up the DVD with all my images (highest quality JPG) from the couple, since I did make two copies for them and they are in the same city as the photographer. I'm sure that's more than sufficient for his purpose of making a website for the newlyweds. I live a good 20+ miles away from the photographer, and not only is it not gonna benefit me, but it'll even be detrimental because of the gas prices these days. Since it is his job to create that website that he mentioned for the couple, I guess its only fair that he put the effort to visit the couple and pick up my images from them. I still end up meeting my end of the bargain.

I have to say though, had I known this was gonna be a big deal, I would have just said no. But this is the first time this has ever happened where the pro asks for my pictures. Most of the time, its just "please no flash while I'm shooting, don't get in the way, etc." I basically just said yes out of disbelief and to avoid any drama.

Regarding the whole "referral overflow work", I'm not really that interested in wedding photography yet, so this is more of a non issue. I still prefer shooting cars and hot women. :p

but of this OP weasling his way into the PRO's workspace.

http://smiliesftw.com/x/pat.gif


I would move around, but I wasn't anywhere near the professional...approaches me and tells me he'd let me take pictures at prime spots if I agreed to give him my images...

Last time I checked, I wasn't even near him, nor did I want to take the same images he was taking or even be in his "prime spots". Neither was I near the assistant. Good way to weasle in onto the pro's workspace... http://smiliesftw.com/x/ugh2.gif

or you can repay the PRO for letting you leech off his prime spots by giving him some files. If the PRO was working for free, this discussion would not be happening.

I didn't really need the "prime spots" he keeps mentioning. I was pretty happy getting candid shots and what not.

Yup I was leeching off his prime spots. http://smiliesftw.com/x/hsugh2.gif This discussion would not even be happening if he was just like most of the wedding photographers I've met... http://smiliesftw.com/x/dunno.gif

Anyway, I guess the thing that bothers AND amuses me at the same time is that, initially, he treated me like just another Uncle Tom who might get in the way. I complied with his request, which I already knew I should do anyway since I've been to a lot of friends' weddings. As soon as he saw me bring out the big guns (L), his whole mood changed and was now making offers. Never did I approach him asking to take the same pics, nor was I in his way. He even made this offer not during the ceremony, but during a break in the ceremony, while I was taking portraits of my friends with my (errr borrowed)L lens.

That's it. Thanks for the replies everyone. :D

[SonicYan]

I didn't read this whole thread because I don't have time. If you said you'd give him your photos, give them to him, but make sure you get credit for them. It doesn't help anyone for you to hold onto them, but it could make for a better album for whoevers wedding it was. You might even get a job 2nd shooting out of it.

Sounds good Tim. I'm not really holding onto them, since I've pretty much given my pictures to the couple already. Regarding the job 2nd shooting, not really interested like I said. I have other...preferences... ;)

[cosworth]

This discussion would not be happening if he was doing it for free. Period.

When you shoot your first wedding and you get booted out of the church because of some guy with an XTi using his flash or you go to get the perfect cake cutting or father's kiss shot and that same guy steps in front of you, then I'll take up this discussion with you again.

It happens to me with my shoots and I lose revenue. Part of the territory. It shouldn't be.

[lostdoggy]

There were nothing stated or implied as to the type of file to be transfer and as to the ownership. As a profesional courtesy you should fulfill your part of the bargain. But, nothing is said that you should give up the raw file. Provide him with 4X6 72PPI files and make sure you have your copyright watermark place on them. Just as he is a business man there should be no reason for you not to be compensated for the work you did. Remember your obligation as a friend has already been satisfied, you just have to satisfied the gentleman agreement you made w/ the pro.

[SonicYan]

http://smiliesftw.com/x/metallicblue.gif... then I'll take up this discussion with you again.
http://smiliesftw.com/x/metallicblue.gif

Don't get your hopes up. With a mindset like that, I am only reminded why I stay away from weddings and only do photography for fun and not for money. That wasn't the point of the discussion anyway.

Looks like I'll be following Mizuno's advice from now on...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=223321

Too much drama just to follow through on a favor asked by friends. :confused: Gear stays at home from now on at weddings.

Again, thanks for everyone's opinions. As stated already, I have decided that I will be giving the images to the said professional.

[SHANGHAi]

The whole letting you shoot from "prime" spots ordeal sounds like BS. Weddings are not territories you can claim. You can go wherever you please so long as it does not go against regulations, or interrupt the ceremony. It is not only unprofessional, but makes the "pro" photographer seem like he is incapable of shooting on his own and needs the help of others to get a job done he was paid for.

Besides, being 1 foot away from a "prime" spot with a telephoto lens doesn't make THAT much of a difference. He could have easily stepped next to you and shot photos.

[freefallu]

the thing that strikes me is you made a deal with the guy, therefore the question is if you live up to your word. Who knows what doors it might open for you , and if nothing comes from it all you have got is the satisfaction you dont have to avoid this pro on ( if anything like here ) a small circuit in future. I have done a few weddings as a guest where the camera person told me to F off when i pulled out my gear .. so you have also got valuable practice....


Edited to add, i didnt see your reply to conclude the thread straight off , glad you arrived at the conclusion you did. :)

[mizuno]

Looks like I'll be following Mizuno's advice from now on...

You could do far worse. :D

[Honeybee]

You missed the perfect answer...tell the pro to borrow the CD you gave the couple.

I don't give this verbal agreement much credence and don't think it involves honor, integrity, et al. He didn't even know the guy and with the 70-200 IS could get shots from pretty much anyplace he wanted to stand. The pro knew this and IMHO made his offer of prime position bogus in the first place.

It all ended well, but dang, RAW format request???

Carol

[freefallu]

You missed the perfect answer...tell the pro to borrow the CD you gave the couple.


Carol


good answer...

[DocFrankenstein]

I beleive the pro shouldn't be bothered. He's there doing a job and literally shadowing him and ripping off the posing is not good.

On the other hand - he can't insist to have the only camera at the wedding. There's gonna be lots of cameras brought by guests and as a professional you must learn to deal with them.

IMO the original poster didn't interfere in any way. If you want to separate yourself from the guests - put a pocket wisard on a 500 joule strobe with a large umbrella. Your photos will be of a whole new level.

I can't beleive the audacity of the "pro". I'd send level zero jpegs at 300/200

[Mathiau]

Photographers need to learn to adapt to their workplace, like many other trades people and professionals.

Those who choose not to adapt, will become nothing but a memory, if that.

[freefallu]

must guests dont get in the way like many on here could , they point and shoot whereas many " pros " here would compose point and shoot. Having done one wedding and watched others i can clearly see the need for a wedding photographer to tell other " photographers " to f off. If your trying to do group shots for example and have members in the group looking at five different cameras your probably not going to get decent pics ?

as regards that " pro " , like it or lump it , its his gig ,. he makes the rules and rightly so..

[TeeJay]

must guests dont get in the way like many on here could , they point and shoot whereas many " pros " here would compose point and shoot. Having done one wedding and watched others i can clearly see the need for a wedding photographer to tell other " photographers " to f off. If your trying to do group shots for example and have members in the group looking at five different cameras your probably not going to get decent pics ?

as regards that " pro " , like it or lump it , its his gig ,. he makes the rules and rightly so..

I tend to agree with you David.

It isn't the fact that others are "grabbing your shots" , or how professional you try to be, but having 8 pairs of eyes gazing in all directions except at YOUR camera is really frustrating (I'm gonna get slated for saying that!)

If I were the original OP (who it seems has already made his mind up) having agreed to provide the images, I would supply low res files (no-one said at the time of agreement that they had to be RAW images) and let the photog purchase any that they needed! :D

[BJ Pulsipher]

People are always behind me taking pictures at weddings. I do mind only if wedding party are confused at who they are supposed to be looking at at any given moment and my shots have people's eyes all over the place. Someone with a little p/s is just annoying. I wouldn't give anyone my RAW shots, ever. I don't care what you told the pro, he was the exclusive PRO not the friend who took a few shots for fun. You don't owe him a thing. Don't give away your intellectual property. If you are feeling really nice, let him see the pics you took as proofs.

[deadpass]

I read this whole thread, not so much because i wanted to see the outcome, but because I was simply amazed at the knee-jerk reactions of the posters replying. I've been noticing lately how militant some people are getting in their philosophys and/or opinions. Sure the OP asked for advice, which plenty was given, but he didn't ask for a sermon.

[Chet S]

as a shooting pro for over 25 years; OTHER people take photos at a wedding - it is just that simple - very few times a person has gotten in my way - I usually tell them POLITELY (professionally) the couple has HIRED me to provide images for them - if the photog wants your images; INCLUDE A BILL --- !!

[Rachellebee27]

I' m a little curious what happened. What did you say to him, how did he react?