Bridesmaid Flasher

[*Mike*]

So, I was going through a wedding I shot recently, and I had a ton of great shots of the bride getting ready. All the bridesmaids and the bride had on a summer plaid shirt and jeans - kind of cute in a country sort of way.

Anyway, the make-up shots, and hair shots - all SUPER. Really happy with them. Nice color and comp - not too much stuff in the background. Then, as I'm getting the images ready to post in here, I notice the lone bridesmaid in the far background of EVERY single shot - TOPLESS!

Holly shoots that part (my wife) and is so careful not to shoot anyone when they are undressing. The girl must have just been walking around topless for at least 10 mins.

Anyone else ever have issues with streakers ruining shots? Odd problem to have...Could by the type of thing that only happens to us. :rolleyes:

[Naturalist]

POst the image and we'll let you know! :lol:

Just kidding, of course!!

[Big John]

:cool: hmmmm..perhaps you shoud post some examples so we can evealuate how best to crop the images;) ;)

[*Mike*]

Holly noticed it. She just posted a bunch of shots on another forum. And there is the girl in every getting ready shot. And she can't be cropped out. One really sweet shot of the brides cousin doing her hair - nice angle - they both look great. The bridesmaid can be seen through the space b/t the cousins arm and the curling iron. We've gotta have 1 shot without her. I was shocked to see she was in that many shots - and since she's looking at the camera, she knew Holly was there.

And I suppose no one else has stuff like this happen? Girls and locker rooms - those will always be mysterious things.

[thewavebb]

Last septemeber I was shooting the bride getting her dress laced up her back and her bridesmaid walks in and say's "hey" and then strips down to nothing but a thong and bra and walks around getting ready like it was no big deal. Kinda caught me off gaurd to say the least.

Last night's wedding we had a girl in her lower 20's wearing a really skimpy dress that needed more tape on top. She would just let them pop out and act like it wasn't a big deal. Then later at the dance she was swing dancing.... The men were entertained to say the least.

[LeesaB]

Hey Mike...you think it is possible to clone her out? Might be tough work, but you will be able to save some great shots...???

[howzitboy]

how could u not notice? to me the background is as important as the foreground so nothing is included in my shots that I dont want... and to not see a topless girl? errrr whats your eye sight?

[Banbert]

how could u not notice? to me the background is as important as the foreground so nothing is included in my shots that I dont want... and to not see a topless girl? errrr whats your eye sight?

Please show us some of your shots because I for one canot recall seeing a single wedding shot of yours and you have no website linked in your profile yet you seem quite liberal with your advice to others. Theres nothing wrong with giving advice of course, were all here to learn but when I see people like yourself giving lots of critique and saying what they would have done differently and talking about "how they used to shoot like that" etc I am interested to see some of their actual work to see if its just bulls**t that should be ignored or if they do really have the skills and experience to give the advice they are giving.

Sorry if this sounds a bit harsh but I did a search the other day after you posted some comments in another thread and the only photos I could find that you had posted were a few average looking bird photographs.

This aint a put up or shut up request btw anyone is free to give C&C, I just prefer to be able to see the basis of some of the advice that is given here thats all.

[howzitboy]

ahh sorry u feel im just talking bs but I am a contracted photographer doing Japanese weddings. I dont own the pictures i shoot so i have no right to post them up. But, i do feel i can add my critique because ive shot over 8,000 weddings + and been doing weddings for over 15yrs.

i give advice because i try to help everyone who asks for it. I dont criticize anyone intentionally but like i said when i posted "I" dont put anything in the shots "I" dont want and I guess its wrong of me to think that others felt the same.

oo, and the eye site part was a joke, sorry i missed my smilie...

[th3r0m]

how could u not notice? to me the background is as important as the foreground so nothing is included in my shots that I dont want... and to not see a topless girl? errrr whats your eye sight?

I believe that his wife shoots that part and as such probably does not key in on unclothed female parts the way a male would.

[mizuno]

ive shot over 8,000 weddings + and been doing weddings for over 15yrs.

SO let me get this straight...

You've shot over 10 wedding per week for 15 years straight and you don't have a single image to share?

Excuse me if I don't believe a word you say. :rolleyes:

[howzitboy]

*sigh* again the flames but yes, ive shot over 8000 weddings probably closer to 10,000 by now and nope, I dont keep any because Im not trying to get more work. I turn down every wedding that anyone asks me to shoot. As matter of fact, I dont even look at the pictures i shoot anymore, because I know what they are going to look like.
you will get to that soon after youve done as much as me.

[mizuno]

How do you manage over 10 weddings per week?

[Tomi Hawk]

How do you manage over 10 weddings per week?
It's pretty easy ... when they bring them in by the bus loads ..

I beleive HowzitBoy .. been there done that .. and yes .. "sigh" ..
Manoa Valley Chapel? Oh yeah! .. wheww ..

[howzitboy]

It's pretty easy ... when they bring them in by the bus loads ..

I beleive HowzitBoy .. been there done that .. and yes .. "sigh" ..
Manoa Valley Chapel? Oh yeah! .. wheww ..


thank you kindly, finally someone who knows what I shooot. Wailoli chapel in manoa yup, they used to do a wedding every 30minutes before. I knew one photographer who would shoot all 15 in a day!! he was my god!!

[tlc]

thank you kindly, finally someone who knows what I shooot. Wailoli chapel in manoa yup, they used to do a wedding every 30minutes before. I knew one photographer who would shoot all 15 in a day!! he was my god!!

oh, i see. drive-thru weddings! waht is it - one picture per wedding? haahahhaahah

i'm sorry but i have to agree with banbert - and i fail to see your 'brag' rights.....

[howzitboy]

brag? who is bragging? its more a longevity thing. Not many can last doing these things and i wish it was one picture!! i shoot about 400 shots a wedding depending on package.

[Banbert]

thank you kindly, finally someone who knows what I shooot. Wailoli chapel in manoa yup, they used to do a wedding every 30minutes before. I knew one photographer who would shoot all 15 in a day!! he was my god!!

If all that you are shooting is conveyor belt weddings then what you said previously in the thread about controlling background details makes much more sense as the challenges that you face on a day by day basis are quite different to the challenges that the majority of photographers here face when they are shooting serveral different new locations every single wedding.

Thanks for clarifying your experience.

[Phil V]

I knew one photographer who would shoot all 15 in a day!! he was my god!!
I'd rather have a Michelin starred chef cook my dinner than the guy who's flipped 2000 burgers a day in MacD's, it's a completely different skillset, and you choose your heroes.
None of my heroes would attempt more than a single wedding in a day, because all my heroes cover the DAY. In the UK I used to shoot just a few pre ceremony and post ceremony portraits and be home in time for a late lunch. But eventually it bored me, and now I enjoy the look on the Brides face as I 'give her the day back', when I deliver the proofs (a quote from my last bride).

[Banbert]

I'd rather have a Michelin starred chef cook my dinner than the guy who's flipped 2000 burgers a day in MacD's, it's a completely different skillset, and you choose your heroes.
None of my heroes would attempt more than a single wedding in a day, because all my heroes cover the DAY. In the UK I used to shoot just a few pre ceremony and post ceremony portraits and be home in time for a late lunch. But eventually it bored me, and now I enjoy the look on the Brides face as I 'give her the day back', when I deliver the proofs (a quote from my last bride).

Thats exactly my philosophy, much more rewarding. Each to their own though eh.

[Claire]

Ok, I've heard about those conveyor belt weddings. Much be extremely tough to keep yourself on edge throughout it all. At least I would think so. Every couple will be expecting the best (yeah yeah, I understand the Michelin vs McD thing and I also prefer Michelin, but truth is, couples will STILL expect quality work evn if they're #400 in line...). I would be too knackered to keep my edge through 15 wedding shots/day. Ugh. So, some respect should be given for that.

At the same time, when I first began to read the wedding forum I was in all honesty amazed how the US photographers would only shoot one wedding. For me that was just weird as in Sweden it's much more common to only get formal portraits of the bride and groom. The whole PJ thing is very new here, and mainly people only opt for portraits or half day shoots. So, to me one wedding a day sounded very strange.

[*Mike*]

Well, I thought this was odd - and it wasnt a matter of checking the background. This was a matter of having a flasher run into the frame. She was inconspicuous, so it was more like finding where's Waldo. She appeared to do it on purpose. I take it thats a little odd? No one else come across streakers at weddings? lol. Talk about things you never thought you'd say.

[Big Mike]

Here's a thought...do you really need to worry about the 'flasher' in the background? The bride (& others) apparently didn't mind it at the time so would she really mind if that is what is in the photos? I'm sure there are people she won't show those ones to, but she will probably get a kick out them them and say something like "Look at Beth, she's at it again...ha ha ha".

In many parts of the world, it probably wouldn't even be an issue for discussion. It's a shame that 'western society' has equated human skin/nudity with evil.

[cdifoto]

I say leave the girl in and not worry about it. Just don't put 'em in the Asukabook. :p

[Claire]

Holly noticed it. She just posted a bunch of shots on another forum. And there is the girl in every getting ready shot. And she can't be cropped out. One really sweet shot of the brides cousin doing her hair - nice angle - they both look great. The bridesmaid can be seen through the space b/t the cousins arm and the curling iron. We've gotta have 1 shot without her. I was shocked to see she was in that many shots - and since she's looking at the camera, she knew Holly was there.

And I suppose no one else has stuff like this happen? Girls and locker rooms - those will always be mysterious things.


If all the pics she's in are like this, her not really that prominent (otherwise I assume you both would have noticed much earlier!), then just let it be. If you're really worried what the B&G will think, just ask them. At least I hope they have a sense of humour and such...

[tlc]

i wouldnt want some other chicks' boobs in my wedding pictures. :p

are you sure there werent some underlying issues going on here between the girl and the bride???????????????

[howzitboy]

but still a great story to tell !!

[Tomi Hawk]

oh, i see. drive-thru weddings! waht is it - one picture per wedding? haahahhaahah

i'm sorry but i have to agree with banbert - and i fail to see your 'brag' rights.....
Wow .. I just got in to see that this really got off topic quite quickly .. and errr, rather harsh?
Then again .. I doubt we're all professionals here on the forum .. so, I suppose laughing about it
and assuming someone was "bragging" can be tolerated .. mmmmm .. not!

A wedding, is a wedding, is a wedding ... is a .. welll .. a wedding .. I'm sure that all of us
no matter how many weddings .. who they're done for .. or who contracted us to do them ..
be it a catering service from a major hotel .. a booking agent overseas .. or, heyyy ..
the Bride herself .. I believe, we all give it our best .. nuff said ..

Getting back on topic however, during a reception once, as the ladies were all being hearded out on the floor
to catch the Bridal bouquet .. uhh, we all know just how aggressive some of these women can be ..
There was one very cute and not too shy individual who made it a point to let everyone know
that she was most certain to come down with them flowers ..
She roamed the front of the other ladies, as if she was a linebacker in the NFL .. :rolleyes:

She was wearing one on those short, short skirts .. and wellll .. when she jumped up
to make the slam dunk .. the Metz fired one shot .. and, the pretty guest with the very short skirt
came down with the bouquet .. surprise, surprise!

During the editing and numbering process .. I noticed something quite different ..
That short skirt had somehow found it's way to about her waist .. and lowNbehold ..
she was pantyless .. yep, no undies .. with errrr, her own lil flower showing .. omyyy !

When it was time for the Bride to pick up her Art Leather presentation .. I asked her
if she knew the gorgeous lady who caught her bouquet .. and she replied that it was indeed
a cousin of her's, and how she was soooo happy to have been "privileged" to have been the girl
who happened to catch it .. (yeah right .. Ms Junior Seau :P)

I asked her if she would ask her cousin, to come view the album with her ..
The Bride said, "oh surrre .. why? You got a *thing* for her? .. I'll make sure she's with me" (wink wink) :rolleyes:

The Bride came in, sat at the lovely Koa reception table, her album right in the middle, closed ..
and ready for her to open and enjoy to her lil heart's content ..
I asked her cousin if she would mind sitting with me at the lightbox, as .. well .. I had a "lil something"
that I'd like to present her with also .. I showed her the 6x7 neg first .. there she was ..
in all her glory .. looking like a power center for the Lakers .. and I said ..
"Look at that form .. such style .. there was'nt anyone gettin in your way of grabbin them flowers!"
She was so thrilled .. "yeaahhh baby .. wow .. I'm the woman!" I then slid the 8x10 out from under
a manila folder .. and .. simply handed it to her, and said .. "It's all your's .. for all eternity ..
and posterity's sake, please .. cherish this for as long as you live."

Her eyes got about the size of dinner plates .. and then .. laughter like I've never heard before!
She shared the image with the bride .. and they both had a great time laughing and giggling.
I gave her both the neg .. and the 8x10 print .. and about a year later, was honored to be
her wedding photographer at the same chapel and .. the same hotel ballroom!

:)

[Claire]

DigiGrin, now THAT'S what I call a good story!!

[twisted pixels]

i wouldnt want some other chicks' boobs in my wedding pictures. :p

are you sure there werent some underlying issues going on here between the girl and the bride???????????????


Or the groom?? :o :o

[Curtis N]

Yep, you have a little exhibitionist on your hands, selfishly undermining the bride's pictures just for a little attention. Only one way to handle this.

1) Use liquify to make her look either really flat-chested or really saggy.
2) Post them up for online ordering.

[Tragerman]

How about just blurring them and her face out? Or maybe pixelate them like some faces on COPs.

-Mickey

[j5uh]

post some samples!!! hehehe

[twofer]

Ok first time browser and first time poster in this forum but couldn't you just sit down with your client and show her the pictures. You could then tell her what the options are and ask how she wants to proceed??

[*Mike*]

Wow, this thread got long! I wasnt asking so much what I should do - more of is this common? I've been shooting for a while and hadnt run into this before now. There is always the 1 bridesmaid that is, how shall I say this nicely, overly flirty. I've shot weddings for a group of strippers - they were more modest than this girl. It was just interesting and it seems some others have had that type of thing occur. All part of the job! ;o) lol!

[jamesdean007]

The closest thing to this that I experienced was this past weekend. The bridesmaids were dressed and in several bedrooms doing their makeup, etc. I walked into one of the bedrooms to take some shots and there was one of them breastfeeding her baby.

(:oops: , turn, exit room)

[LeesaB]

not happened to me..but I use the closed door policy...if it's closed, I won't enter..if it's open..be prepared.

Although the last wedding I did, the sister came out in pantyhose and a tank top...very sheer...nothing else...I have a nice shot of her helping her sister on with her dress...cropped it over the waste and I think it looks ok...It's been posted and no one has cried foul yet.

Then they undressed the poor junior bridesmaid in front of me..and I she was so embarrassed...she was about 12. they told her.."ahhh..she has seen it before" and I said..yes, but I have not seen her before and turned my back. Poor kid...

[Samitude]

Some suggestions.


If the bride is wearing a veil extend it to cover most of the woman.
Put some flowers in front of her.
Blur the background as much as you can to disguise it.
If she's in front of a wall cover her up to make her look like part of the wall.

[DAVIDJAY]

how could u not notice? to me the background is as important as the foreground so nothing is included in my shots that I dont want... and to not see a topless girl? errrr whats your eye sight?

i give advice because i try to help everyone who asks for it. I do appreciate you trying to help people. If I had read your above comment I would have taken it kind of as an insult and demeaning so personally I wouldn't have felt helped.

I'm sure if we're all honest we'll find many things in our pictures that we hadn't noticed in the rush of a wedding day.

[DocFrankenstein]

It's a media phenomenon. There isn't that many full day shooters around as it seems to be.

Basically the weddingp photography magazines can't print classical poses forever. The PJ shooters get images in because they're a breath of fresh air for editors. This makes it seem like there's a lot of whole day shooters, but reality is that a lot of pros just cover the ceremony and the formal poses.
Ok, I've heard about those conveyor belt weddings. Much be extremely tough to keep yourself on edge throughout it all. At least I would think so. Every couple will be expecting the best (yeah yeah, I understand the Michelin vs McD thing and I also prefer Michelin, but truth is, couples will STILL expect quality work evn if they're #400 in line...). I would be too knackered to keep my edge through 15 wedding shots/day. Ugh. So, some respect should be given for that.

At the same time, when I first began to read the wedding forum I was in all honesty amazed how the US photographers would only shoot one wedding. For me that was just weird as in Sweden it's much more common to only get formal portraits of the bride and groom. The whole PJ thing is very new here, and mainly people only opt for portraits or half day shoots. So, to me one wedding a day sounded very strange.

[howzitboy]

I do appreciate you trying to help people. If I had read your above comment I would have taken it kind of as an insult and demeaning so personally I wouldn't have felt helped.

I'm sure if we're all honest we'll find many things in our pictures that we hadn't noticed in the rush of a wedding day.


no , i totally forgot to apologize. i read after that his wife shot them sooo i look horrible for saying anything.
so, to the OP, many sorries *smiles*