How NOT to offend wedding photographer? [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

RinkRat

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 18:47

**NOTE: I have no aspirations of being a wedding photographer, or any type of paid photographer. This is just a hobby.**

I am invited to 2 weddings in the next month, as a guest, but I want to bring my DRebel, Tripod, & Lenses to keep me occupied. I will NOT be the paid photographer, thank god, but I would like to learn what goes into taking portraits & such.

I mentioned this to both sets of Brides & Grooms, & they are fine with me bringing my new gear.

What is the proper etiquette regarding the Pro? Should I be beaten for even thinking of bringing my equipment? I don't want to upset anyone. I just want to learn stuff, and practice.

Thanks,

-RinkRat

Steveo31

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 18:51

Mistake #1 = tripod. Don't bring it. My mom's ex took my prom photos with a tripod and it was completely unecessary. Increased the time for each photo and just... ick. I think he was trying to be pro about it, which is fine, but a tripod is a no-no unless you KNOW you will need it. Reason wedding photogs use it is so they can set it up, look through, compose, stand up and kinda move people about, go back, etc.

Get to know the guy. If you have a time somewhere where neither of you are busy (unlikely) then talk about it.

robertwgross

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 19:30

Pro wedding photographers always have a signed contract/agreement with the bride and groom. In some cases, that spells out the contractual obligations that the bride and groom have to keep "Uncle Fred" from shooting in any way that disturbs the pro. For example, some pros use optically slaved strobe flash units, and if Uncle Fred's Instamatic fires a flash and the pro's strobes are triggered, then this will likely ruin a shot. To a pro, that is serious. So, different pros have different rules about others shooting at a wedding. Some are quite flexible.

We have one rule. Nobody else gets in our way. We set up the film camera and the digital camera side-by-side for the best angle of the subject. If Uncle Fred steps in there in our way, then one of us signals to the bride and groom. Two faults and we are out of there!

Once warned, however, Uncle Fred waits until the film camera flashes and the digital camera flashes, and then while we are setting up the next shot, he can do all he wants. Pro photographers are normally "on the clock" for real money. Uncle Fred can wait.

---Bob Gross---

rpmx

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 19:39

Im in kind of the same situation at the race tracks, I have no aspiration of becoming a race photog, but really enjoy the races, and taking pictures. With that said, I am a real newbie at the game. Things are a little different at the racretrack, than a wedding, because the photogs at the racetrack are taking pics to sell, plain and simple. While at the wedding, the photog his being paid to produce. I just stay out of the way, and do my own thing, as there is ample room around the track. If they come my way, I move to a different position. I have a website with my pics on it, that are not copyrighted, nor are they right click protected, and I have received an email from a guy saying that I should not be doing that. To a point, he is correct, and I certainly dont want to affect his livelihood, but I enjoy the compliments form the people that visit and see me at the track. I do not ask them for advise, but do look at their gear when they go by. (drooling, hehehe). I am learning by accident, and have suffered some setbacks lately that have really slowed me down, but all in all, its still fun.

I guess thats my point to you. Go and have fun. Let your gut tell you how things are going, and if you're welcome or not.

ron chappel

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 19:51

Yep,lose the tripod-that will be the worst problem
Then you will be very much like any other guest taking snapshots :)
...but you will be doing it better
Talk to the pro if you possibly can.The first thing to tell him is that you are a keen amatuer and that you want to learn but DON'T want to get in his way.
The worst response you'll get is a terse "sorry,abit busy.Just don't shoot until out flashes have gone off" (or something similar)
At best he'll be happy to teach you abit when he has spare moments :D :D

Ronin

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 19:51

Maybe find out who the photographer is, call him up and ask if he's okay with it. Tell him that you're just looking to learn a thing or two about wedding photography.

Steveo31

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 20:03

I have yet to see or attend a wedding in which slaves are used...

AzzKicker

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 21:07

I have yet to see or attend a wedding in which slaves are used...

I've been to a few. Where the bride and groom request family pics. Some families are large 5+ people and require the photog to use wide angle and stand back. In cases like that using a 420ex or 550ex is not the best solution unless you have a crap load of batteries.

unners

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 21:25

I have yet to see or attend a wedding in which slaves are used...

um, i think they used them extensively back in roman times :D

Harry Settle

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 21:42

Most photogs like to talk about their equipment and methods. What annoys them, when they are taking the formal shots, is whith all of the other people running up with their p&s's yelling "wait, let me get a shot". I will talk with the photographer, some, and take some candids away from where he is working. No tripod. And yes, you do need to mind the possible use of slaves.

eRebel

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 21:49

I have yet to see or attend a wedding in which slaves are used...

um, i think they used them extensively back in roman times :D

HAHA funny stuff :)

robertwgross

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 22:44

AzzKicker

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 22:49

I have yet to see or attend a wedding in which slaves are used...

Do you make it to California much?

We generally use one slave flash. Sometimes we use it for wide shots, to fully illuminate a wide group. Sometimes we use it for a backlight/hair light.

---Bob Gross---

I dont see how someone can get good wedding photos WITHOUT slaves. ESPECIALLY for groups. Unless you want to see like 20 shadows in the back.

robertwgross

27th of July 2004 (Tue), 23:03

I dont see how someone can get good wedding photos WITHOUT slaves. ESPECIALLY for groups. Unless you want to see like 20 shadows in the back.

Well, you can, but it is like anything else. You learn to use the tools that you have available and apply them as necessary.

Some people get the best use out of the Canon wireless flash system.
Some get the best use out of studio strobes with cables.
Some get the best use out of studio strobes with optical slaving.
Some get the best use out of anything with radio slaving.
Some figure out how to use a candle and a mirror. Whatever.

---Bob Gross---

cube1

28th of July 2004 (Wed), 04:49

Aylwin

28th of July 2004 (Wed), 05:44

Yeah, I agree with cube1. That's what I usually do. I've "done" quite a few weddings now and sometimes I can capture some really nice moments.

Here's an example: http://www.cal-family.org/albums/europe/aab.jpg
I had a large print made, had it framed and then gave it to them as a post-wedding gift. Now it hangs in their living room. :D

Things to try that doesn't interfere with the pro:

Right after the ceremony:
1) When people start throwing rice everyone has their camera out, get
your's out too. It's mayhem but sometimes you can get some gems.
2) Try to zoom in from afar and get candid facials
3) Shoot the other guests - people throwing rice, others taking photos, kids running around, close-ups, couples, whatever

At the reception:
1) Again, candid stuff and other guests
2) People having fun if the party extends past the "official" reception

Most important: Be aware at all times where the pro is and stay away.

Anyway, that's my experience as a long time newbie amateur. :)

Lamplight

28th of July 2004 (Wed), 07:55

I recently helped a friend videotape a wedding and he wanted me to get some still shots he could use in the video. While the pro was taking his shots, I was near the back of the auditorium sitting in a pew with my zoom lens. I would take shots when he was changing cameras/film/poses/etc. and I never used my flash. This was easy to do at this particular church building because it was very well lit. I don't think I bothered him, as I'm not sure he even knew I was there. Some of the other guests were right up at the front snapping pictures left and right. There was one guy who would shoot right when the pro did everytime, with his flash of course. Hopefully it didn't ruin any of the pro's shots.

AzzKicker

28th of July 2004 (Wed), 08:16

If they have a pro doing the usual then your probably better going for a differnt type of shot anyway... how about concentrating on the guests, setting etc... this way you'll not be in the way of the pro and you'll hopfully get somthing more than the cliched shots.

That is probably what the poster will want to do. I shot my cousins wedding for free. I was just learning photoraphy etc. I think I did quite good. One of the things the bride LOVED was that I took a lot of pics of family interacting, having fun, dancing. She really enjoyed that. because thats what a wedding is about, celebration. And I think I showed that in the pics.

midnightvue

28th of July 2004 (Wed), 09:49

I took a ton at my friends wedding but often found myself in a position before the photographer got there (i.e. when they were putting makeup on the bride, as the bride and groom left the church after taking a million shots, etc). I don't know if I was just thinking ahead or if it was the fact the photographer had food posioning from the night before. At any rate, I don't know if I pissed him off but I was having fun and if he was already in a spot I let him be and went off to shoot something else.

I'll be attending at least 7 weddings within the next year (friends and family) and will get to talking to the photographers there. I'm more for candids rather than the posed stuff so there isn't much getting in the way there I suppose.

RinkRat

28th of July 2004 (Wed), 10:12

Some great suggestions here.

#1) I'll ditch the Tripod
#2) Probably just do my own thing, and stay out of their hair.

Thanks again.

chekone11

13th of June 2006 (Tue), 18:49

I dont see how someone can get good wedding photos WITHOUT slaves. ESPECIALLY for groups. Unless you want to see like 20 shadows in the back.

These being modern times, it is INFINITELY better to use a radio slave, ala Quantum, Pocket Wiz, etc. Optical slaves are good for studio work, but locations, especially with other flashes, or when range is needed, radio slaves are a must.

I don't see where an optical slave makes sense in this application ever, unless it's all you have.

jestergx4

13th of June 2006 (Tue), 19:37

I am getting married this September, and I am curious if our photographer will indeed bring a slave (or two). I am sure he will, i have 30 plus members on my wedding entourage alone. :mrgreen:

oh my fiancee tells me: "...you better not be taking pictures with your Canon 30D on OUR wedding day...." :p

rtphokie

13th of June 2006 (Tue), 19:53

What is the proper etiquette regarding the Pro? Should I be beaten for even thinking of bringing my equipment? I don't want to upset anyone. I just want to learn stuff, and practice.
-RinkRat

Introduce yourself to the pro, tell him you are a guest just interested in taking some photos with your new toys. Ask him to tell you if you get in the way, then do your best to stay out of the way.

Then take the photos the pros dont tend to get. While the pro is off shooting the terribly staged photo of the wedding party, get shots of the guests enjoying themselves. When the wedding party finally arrives at the reception, get candid shots of them. Shots of the parents of the bride looking at their daughter, the bride and the maid of honor laughing together, the best man giving a concerned looking lecture to the groom. Take the best ones and give them to the happy couple in a nice album.

I did this for a friend of mine at work and it's the album that sits out, the pro's album full of predictable cheesy shots they spent thousands on is forgotten on a bookshelf.

dpastern

13th of June 2006 (Tue), 20:15

Introduce yourself to the pro, tell him you are a guest just interested in taking some photos with your new toys. Ask him to tell you if you get in the way, then do your best to stay out of the way.

This is good advice.

I do have a big beef with the pro photographer throwing their weight around though, expecting no one else to get in their "way". That's life, deal with it. If you can't handle a family scenario and get upset by others (either emotionally or egowise) then you shouldn't be in the job. Expecting others not to take shots at a wedding is exceptionally unreasonable. And if one triggers off a slave, tough luck. It happens. Deal with it, and move on.

I'm not saying to go out and deliberately interfere with the pro, so don't get me wrong. What I am saying is that some pros need to be more flexible and less self involved.

As to a wedding photographer pro and a contract that stipulates others can't "take pictures" I'd never hire such a pro. I'd take a long walk from them. As the person paying, I would demand a contract that suits my needs and if they can't provide, then I'd do without their services.

Dave

GovtLawyer

13th of June 2006 (Tue), 20:41

Just my two cents. Leave your camera at home. Enjoy the wedding as a guest. Cozy up to the photographer and ask questions. Why risk even the slightest chance that anyone's feathers would be ruffled on this joyous day. Dance, drink, make happy, enjoy yourself.

BTW: Do you really want ot have one eye on your equipment while you should be having fun?

dave_bass5

15th of June 2006 (Thu), 08:06

I play in a wedding band and two weekends ago i couldnt believe what i saw.
A guest (and close friend) of the groom had a 350D but i could tell he hadnt had it long. it was still in Auto mode and he seemd to be having trouble with it. he went over to the official photographer and after a a few mins of him showing the guest how to use it he offered to take a few shots with the 350D for the guest. he even put it on a spare tripod next to his.
I just thought what a great bloke. i have seen others telling guests off for shooting group shots that they have set up but have not yet taken.
just wanted to tell that story.

Sharyn1983

15th of June 2006 (Thu), 13:52

read this forum

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=180502

and this one

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=179795

You are best off shooting PJ style and offering your services to help keep family with big flashes and camera out of the portrait session. You will earn massive bonus points with a pro if you lend a hand like this. It is by far one of the biggest irritants to a pro. To avoid having someone aim their flash at you just to ruin your shots, I would sit down and have a good talk with the photog and find out what he is comfortable with and how you can help him do his job while still practicing wedding photography.

song4themoon

15th of June 2006 (Thu), 14:30

I would only bring the body with a flash and one lens. Dont go there with a bunch of gear, tripod and switching lenses

dsze

15th of June 2006 (Thu), 14:42

...I'd resist the temptation to bring your kit as some of the others have already stated. Bring one body and one lens if you want. Personally, I don't care if others are shooting as long as it doesn't disturb me. More than likely, other people's images are just going to make mine look even better. Like Robert, my contract also states that no other photographers are to be present and that I cannot be responsible for others getting in my way, taking up my time and throwing off exposure with their flashes. Watch the guy being paid and decide which methods you like and which ones you don't, but don't judge him until you see the images and don't talk to him until he has obviously slowed down to take a breather. I know that the last thing I want to do is talk to people, when I'm trying to anticipate the next shot, the next settings, the next big event, etc. There will be times when he slows down and there isn't much shooting to do. Talk to him then and feel him out...or her. ...could just as likely be female.

...slaves at weddings; ALL THE TIME. I wouldn't do a wedding without 2 slave flashes, unless I knew the venues inside and out and could be promised good natural lighting all day and night.

rlhphotos

15th of June 2006 (Thu), 14:52

When I do weddings no one really seems to bug me when they take their own shots, But dont bring a tripod it will just be annoying. Dont stick your head out in the isle muc hand pic a lense and stick with it, dont bring a huge set of gear or it will just be a pain to everyone around you. I have a wedding to attend next weekend and I am a guest but I am taking my 20d and 28-135. this ought to be more than enough to get some good regular photos. In any case, just dont jut out in the isle and youll be fine.