Attending Wedding this Saturday

[cory1848]

I am attending my brother inlaws wedding this Saturday and I will have my camera in tow...I am not the wedding photog but I know family members will ask for copies of pictures.
My question is, do you think its rude to direct them to my zenfolio account to get copies of these pictures? I am not charging for them nor do I want to, I just figure that if they wanted printed copies they could get them through my account. If they just want a digital copy, I would allow downloads for no charge as well. My instinct tells me to just hand them my business card and they can visit it later, but thinking about that, I dont want to come off like I am there just for business...
I have no issues with giving copies to the family, but on the other hand, I wont burn CDs and ship them at my expense either.
This would only be if someone asked me for copies, not going to advertise it.

Thoughts?

[Robert16]

I think the hired pro is going to hate you! Just go and enjoy yourself. Is this self promotion? Giving out business cards? If family members ask you then fine but you are really stepping on the pro's toes by directing people to your site etc. Just my two pence, knock yourself out.:rolleyes:

[cory1848]

I think the hired pro is going to hate you! Just go and enjoy yourself. Is this self promotion? Giving out business cards? If family members ask you then fine but you are really stepping on the pro's toes by directing people to your site etc. Just my two pence, knock yourself out.:rolleyes:

I have no intention of stepping on anyones toes at all. The pro has his contract in place and is getting paid either way. I dont see why that person would be offended. This is not self promotion at all, I have no intention of trying to become a wedding photog. This will be my fourth wedding, including my own, with this family and from previous experience, everyone swaps copies of pictures after the date...the last time a wedding happened, I got the "Can you send me copies on a disk? " requests and I just cannot afford to do that this time so I thought this would be a good solution. One or two people asking for a disk is fine, but when you have 15-20, shipping adds up quick.. .Some bring laptops that I just download the card too. I could leave the business cards out of it, just afraid people would lose my contact info if that happened. Its a rather large extended family and most are really struggling financially including myself. I am going to take pictures regardless for myself and the bride and groom if they want them...I was just thinking zenfolio would be a great way to get prints at cost for those that did not have a home printer. IT would better quality than prints at walmart and cheaper as well. Am I over thinking this?

[Redfish]

You are stepping on the toes of the pro - yes you want to swap shots - but why don't you get the web address of the pro and buy copies of his prints outside his contract.

If you wish to step on his toes - why don't you just e-mail zipped files to everyone? quick and easy!

[Robert16]

I made my point because a lot of pros make their income from print sales after the event. That is a great situation you've got going there. Knock yourself out.

[Robert16]

I just realised how sarcastic that " knock yourself out " sounds. That is not my intention. What I mean is 'go for it'.

[cory1848]

Just looking for opinions, not sarcasm but thanks anyways... I will make sure to tell everyone that attends to leave their cameras at home...;)

Sorry I just dont understand that logic...I have been 9 weddings in my lifetime, not as many as some of you, but in those 9 times, I have never once heard any photog offer prints for sale from his company to any guest. This is including my own wedding photog when I got married. Either this wasnt an option for them, or they suck at advertising...
If the wedding photog cant get the shots I am getting, then I am not taking away from his business. He may be following around the bride and groom and I will probably be with the family somewhere else. So that is stepping on his toes if the people I am taking the pics of request a copy? Sorry, that just doesnt make sense to me.

[Mario.]

Just looking for opinions, not sarcasm but thanks anyways... I will make sure to tell everyone that attends to leave their cameras at home...;)

Sorry I just dont understand that logic...I have been 9 weddings in my lifetime, not as many as some of you, but in those 9 times, I have never once heard any photog offer prints for sale from his company to any guest. This is including my own wedding photog when I got married. Either this wasnt an option for them, or they suck at advertising...
If the wedding photog cant get the shots I am getting, then I am not taking away from his business. He may be following around the bride and groom and I will probably be with the family somewhere else. So that is stepping on his toes if the people I am taking the pics of request a copy? Sorry, that just doesnt make sense to me.

I offer prints to guests as well. In fact, they typically ask me if I offer prints. I say yes, hand them a business card, and to email me so I can send them information in regards to ordering.

Anyways, you're right - the photog is getting paid either way - however it's disrespectful. If you don't think the photog can't do the job he's paid to, then they should be using another photographer, plain and simple.

[flareak]

i dont think the pro will hate you. as long as you aren't taking the engagement shots and family/wedding party shots, etc. i mean, there's definitely a difference if you're not the main photog shooting up and down the aisles, etc. Seriously, the pro should know that you aren't getting the same angles and what not.

I don't know why that's any different than someone taking pics with their point and shoot and then uploading it online so they can share with their family. I mean, don't hand out business cards, but if you just slip them a note with your website on it, i dont see what's wrong with that at all.

[cory1848]

Anyways, you're right - the photog is getting paid either way - however it's disrespectful. If you don't think the photog can't do the job he's paid to, then they should be using another photographer, plain and simple.

I think you misunderstood my intention. I dont doubt the photogs job qualifications. I am sure that person will be great.

Like Flareak says, I am not taking the party shots, I wont be in the aisle or at the alter, I wont be getting in the way of the hired photographer. I am just another guest with a camera offering to share my photos with the family in a cost effective way, that is all.

[Alexajlex]

The 3 most important things a pro wedding photog in a situation like this are:

1)People have cameras (some have SLRs). They post pictures online .

2)Just because someone has an SLR does not guarantee great pictures (no disrespect intended, good pictures come with practice).

3)The Pro should have already built the fact that guests take pics.

I would not worry about the Pro hating you and such. On the same hand I'd try to stay out of the way (you get incredible nice candid shots by stepping back from the action anyways).

As far as you slipping cars with your info in it I'd say it is just savvy business. While there is a Pro there if he is not passing cards then I'd question his/her business promotion skills.

I have the same 2 lenses you have (50 1.8) and the 28-135IS and have used them at a wedding as a guest last year. The 50 1.8 is fine and on the 30D you can open that up to ISO3200 if needed (watch the exposure). The 28-135IS is a fantastic lens but you may need a flash to get the best results. I used the 28-135IS with my 580EXII + XTi and it was fantastic.

[stathunter]

In my opinion if they wanted you to take photos and distribute them to their guests they would of hired you or asked you.

[cory1848]

In my opinion if they wanted you to take photos and distribute them to their guests they would of hired you or asked you.

Again, I am not advertising this...I am not trying to make a business opportunity out of this...just going off of experience WHEN people will ask for copies, and they will. I know the family very well.

Put yourself in my shoes, your a guest at a wedding, you take pics like everyone else, if someone ask you for a copy, do you say no?

[cory1848]

The 3 most important things a pro wedding photog in a situation like this are:

1)People have cameras (some have SLRs). They post pictures online .

2)Just because someone has an SLR does not guarantee great pictures (no disrespect intended, good pictures come with practice).

3)The Pro should have already built the fact that guests take pics.

I would not worry about the Pro hating you and such. On the same hand I'd try to stay out of the way (you get incredible nice candid shots by stepping back from the action anyways).

As far as you slipping cars with your info in it I'd say it is just savvy business. While there is a Pro there if he is not passing cards then I'd question his/her business promotion skills.

I have the same 2 lenses you have (50 1.8) and the 28-135IS and have used them at a wedding as a guest last year. The 50 1.8 is fine and on the 30D you can open that up to ISO3200 if needed (watch the exposure). The 28-135IS is a fantastic lens but you may need a flash to get the best results. I used the 28-135IS with my 580EXII + XTi and it was fantastic.


1. Is a given.
2. I would hope the wedding photog has better quality images than mine, because I have never shot a wedding before.
3. This is why I cant imagine the photog being offended. I would assume, most expect it.

I intend to stay out of the way...I let the grooms mother get in the way, she is good at that...:)

I will probably leave the business cards at home...

[Robert16]

I will probably leave the business cards at home...
This was the main issue. No pro is going to care how many people are walking around with slrs - the more the merrier - heck, if he/she lost their memory cards afterwards and nobody else had a decent photograph? Disaster.

[Robert16]

[quote=cory1848;4721924]Just looking for opinions, not sarcasm but thanks anyways... I will make sure to tell everyone that attends to leave their cameras at home...;)

quote]
I just said that I did not intend to be sarcastic - even made a post to clear that up... An opinion was what you got. If that is how you want to be then good luck my friend:(

[FlyingPhotog]

Just my opinion: If the B&G have specifically asked people to "help" the hired gun, fine. If they haven't, leave the dSLR + Gear at home and take a good quality P&S. You'll still get better pics than probably 90% of the poeople at the wedding.

Just go drink the free booze and have a good time. Why even try to be anything more than a wedding guest?

[cory1848]

[quote=cory1848;4721924]Just looking for opinions, not sarcasm but thanks anyways... I will make sure to tell everyone that attends to leave their cameras at home...;)

quote]
I just said that I did not intend to be sarcastic - even made a post to clear that up... An opinion was what you got. If that is how you want to be then good luck my friend:(

I posted that before I saw your repost...No need to take it defensively...

[Robert16]

Pot, kettle?

[Robert16]

:lol:Look, we're getting nowhere like this. Lets kiss and make up

[Philco]

As long as you don't impede the hired photographer in any way, it doesn't matter what you do with your pictures - they belong to you. Most contracts stipulate that there is only one hired professional, but that has no bearing here. If you're shooting with a profit motive in mind, that's one thing, but it sounds like you just aren't interested in losing money by sharing your images. Guests share images online all the time, it's not a big deal at all. It's really only how you behave when capturing your images that matters to the paid professional as well as the bride and groom.

[cory1848]

Just my opinion: If the B&G have specifically asked people to "help" the hired gun, fine. If they haven't, leave the dSLR + Gear at home and take a good quality P&S. You'll still get better pics than probably 90% of the poeople at the wedding.

Just go drink the free booze and have a good time. Why even try to be anything more than a wedding guest?

Its a cash bar...:( I like shooting, what can I say...My P&S is only a 3.2mp, takes great pics but doesnt even come close to my 30D. Besides its not like I am walking in there with a 100-400 monster on it...its wont be that noticeable..

[FlyingPhotog]

As long as you don't impede the hired photographer in any way, it doesn't matter what you do with your pictures - they belong to you. Most contracts stipulate that there is only one hired professional, but that has no bearing here. If you're shooting with a profit motive in mind, that's one thing, but it sounds like you just aren't interested in losing money by sharing your images. Guests share images online all the time, it's not a big deal at all. It's really only how you behave when capturing your images that matters to the paid professional as well as the bride and groom.

AND, one hopes the hired photographer doesn't have a clause in his deal that says:

"Any other cameras get in my way, I go home..."

Don't laugh, some have it.

[EDIT] Just to clarify, I do not know anyone who has ever walked off a gig, however...

[cory1848]

:lol:Look, we're getting nowhere like this. Lets kiss and make up

Its all good, no worries :p

[Robert16]

There we go! Good luck with it anyway. Post us some shots

[SuzyView]

I did not take more than 3 pictures at my own son's wedding, letting the pro do all the work. He did a great job, but not too people ordered from him, which made me feel bad. If you know what the pro is doing and discuss it before hand with your family, I don't see anything wrong with it. But if the pro will not allow it, I think it would be stepping on toes. I often take pictures and give them to the B&G, but that's it. Let them do with them as they wish.

[cory1848]

AND, one hopes the hired photographer doesn't have a clause in his deal that says:

"Any other cameras get in my way, I go home..."

Don't laugh, some have it.

Interesting...In a guests situation, how does a guest know this? Highly doubtful the B&G are going to police every guest on where they cant or can take pictures. I would think that would be a reputation killer for a photog if they actually enforced that...

[THPhotography]

Just looking for opinions, not sarcasm but thanks anyways... I will make sure to tell everyone that attends to leave their cameras at home...;)

Sorry I just dont understand that logic...I have been 9 weddings in my lifetime, not as many as some of you, but in those 9 times, I have never once heard any photog offer prints for sale from his company to any guest. This is including my own wedding photog when I got married. Either this wasnt an option for them, or they suck at advertising...
If the wedding photog cant get the shots I am getting, then I am not taking away from his business. He may be following around the bride and groom and I will probably be with the family somewhere else. So that is stepping on his toes if the people I am taking the pics of request a copy? Sorry, that just doesnt make sense to me.

I am a wedding photographer and have been to many more than 9 weddings. I have offered and sold many prints to guests of the wedding. I also advertise that at the wedding in the form of a small card that has the password to images that guests can take with them. A good portion of my sales come after the fact outside of the contract.

I don't mind people running around with cameras but my radar does go up when I see someone handing out business cards at the wedding. I worked hard to get the wedding and work hard at the wedding and rely a lot on word of mouth from those weddings. So I probably would take a second look to someone handing out business cards. Sharing images among family, hey, I know that is happening and don't have a problem with that, but the apperance that someone is horning in on my potential customers while I am on the job that's a whole different ball game.

i would leave the business cards at home. That could cause the misconception (outside the family) that you are working with the photographer. But take pictures and enjoy yourself.

[FlyingPhotog]

Interesting...In a guests situation, how does a guest know this?

Exactly...

Highly doubtful the B&G are going to police every guest on where they cant or can take pictures.

They shouldn't have to...

I would think that would be a reputation killer for a photog if they actually enforced that...

Guess that would depend on the reputation of the photographer to begin with. I know if I had spent serious coin on a photographer who's work I felt were worth that much money and I thought someone was affecting his ability to get the level of quality that I'm paying for, well, it wouldn't be pretty...

[Philco]

My contract states that I am to be the only paid professional and that I am to be the only photograher during formals, period. Do guests care what's in my contract? No. It's only in my contract to protect me in the event that I miss a shot due to unruly guests. It's my job to make sure everyone is looking in my camera when I shoot, and sometimes guests to cause distractions, but again - it's my job to deal with it. I've never heard of a fellow photog. walking off the job because if it. That's why we're pros.

I did have one grouping recently where an aunt was ALWAYS looking at her husbands camera and never at mine. She was kinda loopy and there wasn't anything I could do. There were a ton of people around and I had to shout to get the group to hear me at all. That's when guests camera's bother me - because the bride and groom won't have that shot now.

[JakeB.]

So long as guests don't try to take over my formal session, I don't care what camera they have, or what they do with it...

I think your intentions are fine, and I don't see a problem what you want to do.

[THPhotography]

My contract states that I am to be the only paid professional and that I am to be the only photograher during formals, period. Do guests care what's in my contract? No. It's only in my contract to protect me in the event that I miss a shot due to unruly guests. It's my job to make sure everyone is looking in my camera when I shoot, and sometimes guests to cause distractions, but again - it's my job to deal with it. I've never heard of a fellow photog. walking off the job because if it. That's why we're pros.

I did have one grouping recently where an aunt was ALWAYS looking at her husbands camera and never at mine. She was kinda loopy and there wasn't anything I could do. There were a ton of people around and I had to shout to get the group to hear me at all. That's when guests camera's bother me - because the bride and groom won't have that shot now.


Agree, I would never walk off the job. Other cameras don't bother me. i know I am getting a better shot. I have had one mother to step in front of my camera and take the shot just before I would pull the trigger. i took one of her doing that and sent it to her and asked how her shot turned out? We had a huge laugh!

[Philco]

Ditto on the Business cards. That would be kind of tacky in my opion.

[Alexajlex]

AND, one hopes the hired photographer doesn't have a clause in his deal that says:

"Any other cameras get in my way, I go home..."

Don't laugh, some have it.

[EDIT] Just to clarify, I do not know anyone who has ever walked off a gig, however...

Some have it but I feel that enforcing that would be a bad choice and I figure a Pro should be good with the crow control.

[Bionic Frog]

Cory1848,

Take your camera and have fun - as it's your brother-in-laws wedding you'll know some/most of the guests and your photos will have a more personal meaning to the B&G than the pro's will.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the business cards - but I think you've already said as much.

Just my opinion.

Regards,

[S-Man]

I'm going to a friends wedding this weekend and taking my XTi/430. Another friend of mine has a 40D and lot's of L-glass and is also taking his gear. But the Hired Photog knows this and is supposed to be cool with it. I'm just shooting to gain experience, and to have fun.
I don't understand all the scandal about other 'photogs' (people with cameras) being at a public event and the pros 'taking offense' at 'joe's with SLR's'.
It's not like they'll be paid less because we took pictures too...
I do plan to stay out of the way and/or help the pro in any way possible. If a pro Photog tried to tell me to stow my gear I'd be inclined to respond "make me".
I can understand not wanting any other cameras during the formals, but all other times its a free-for-all. (Not a circus though)

[Dermit]

I shoot quite a few weddings a year and tend to agree with the general sense of the direction this thread is going. I know a lot of other pro wedding photographers who shoot a lot as well. For the most part we don't care about the uncle Bob's and Aunt Betty's running around with their own cameras as long as they know their place and don't impeded or get in the way of us. People in formals looking at other cameras is a problem. This is usually the only time I have to lay down some rules for the guests with cameras. But, I simply explain to them why I don't want them shooting the formals while I am shooting (because the people in the shot don't know where to look and I need them looking at me). But I also tell them that after I shoot, or sometimes before, I let them shoot as much as they want. But when it's my turn it's just me. They totally understand. I try to keep it light and usually refer to them as the poparazzi. So I shoot, then say something like, OK now hold the pose for the poparazzi, and let them go.

If I see a more serious camera like dslr I usually talk to that person to lay down some rules as far as not getting in the way during the important shots like first dance, cake cutting, boquet toss, etc.

At the last wedding I shot there was a groomsman who brought his brand new 40D and 580EX II to the reception and was shooting away. I went over and asked him about it. He looked a little worried that I might tell him to put it away. Instead I gave him pointers on how to take better shots at this outdoor night time reception. I had a slave flash 580EX on a stand and I actually dialed his 580EX II to the same channel as a master and showed him how to use the secodary slave in his shots. So we were both triggering the slave. I use a heavy duty external battery so I was not worried about drain. This gave me the oportunity to see what he was shooting as I dialed in his gear. From what I saw of what he shot already I had no worries.

If you think about it this was a big plus for me, and it usually is. The bride/groom/parents/guests will see his shots and my shots and instantly know why they hired a professional. If you are NOT shooting better than your average renegade with a camera then you could be in trouble business-wise you lieky will not last.

As far as offering prints for your cost alone as a guest here's my take...

There are two main ways to shoot a wedding and usually the pro is one or the other. There's the charge less up front and make money on the prints type and then there's the chrage more up front and don't care about print sales. I prefer to make more up front and not care about prints. Depending on which style the pro chooses greatly influences how he shoots and how much he may or may not care about the 'guest' photographers out there. If the pro at this wedding is depending on prints for sales he may not be happy with you if he perceives that you have decent gear and you look like you know what you are doing. Yes, a lot of us have the 'escape clause' in our contracts that covers 'other' photographers at the wedding that ultimately can allow us to bail if things don't go right if these photographers impede our work. But like said before, I've never had to do it and have never heard of it hapening. No one has to police the guests for cameras, etc. The pro photog will do it in their own way and if there is a problem they can either talk to the offending guest and/or the bride/groom to take care of it. Once warned though if the problem persists that's when they would bail and have every right to do so.

I choose to charge more up front and not worry about the print sales. I do offer an album that I make money off of when they choose it. By not caring about print sales I shoot more photojournalistic style and get a lot of candids which most my clients prefer over a lot of posed shots. I do all the formal family/wedding party posed shots, but the rest is sniper mode getting candids. If I depended on print sales I would do way more posed shots and a lot less candids. This is because the larger prints is where the money is made and candids usually don't get ordered as 16x20, they are more for the album or scrapbook.

So. My advice is go ahead and take the camera but don't even get it out of the bag until you talk with the photographer. More than likely he will respect the fact that you came to him and will not have a problem with you being there. He will also let you know what his ground rules for you will be, which you should respect. As long as you are up front and show respect he shouldn't have any problems with you.

[canuck88]

As long as you don't go near the pro (ie. don't take the shots he sets up, don't be shooting from behind him or over his shoulder, etc) then you'll be okay. But respect that he's been hired to do a job and stay clear.

Ultimately, depending on who they hired, I suspect your photos will leave the pro with nothing to worry about (no offence).

[GilesGuthrie]

Dermit (Ron) talks a lot of sense.

Be aware that there will be a lot of photos flying around after the event, and - with the best will in the world - most of them will be garbage. When I got married, I must have accrued over 1,000 prints, many of which were utterly unusable.

Feel free to take shots, and I applaud the idea of creating a web album that allows people to order their own prints. But don't make it look like you're doing business, and concentrate on having fun. If people really want your photos, they'll contact you after the event, especially since it's a family wedding.

[randy98mtu]

I was going to ask this recently. Good to see the concensus. I've got 2 weddings this year. I'll bring the 40D and only one lens, my 50 f/1.4 or my 17-85 (I should have my 70-200 by then, but won't take it to a wedding.) I brought it to 1 wedding last year and felt a bit funny using it. I didn't end up taking very many pictures with it. But the B&G were very excited about the pictures I did take as apparently their photog didn't do the best jobs in a few areas (overall shots of the reception hall was the main comment I remember) I have them posted on my web gallery and I think she sends a lot of people to it as it gets on average a bit more traffic than my other galleries.

I will just be taking the advice here and not take any of the staged shots unless they are candid from a distance. As Dermit said, everyone needs to be looking at 1 camera. I was at a wedding last year with my P&S where the photog took his shot and then let all the P&S people take all they wanted while he started getting things ready for the next shot.

[cory1848]

Dermit - Great post, I appreciate it.

I only have 2 lenses and I will bring those, one for outside and one for the reception. I was never planning on taking the formal shots, Honestly I would rather be eating the appetizers at the reception than hanging out with the party doing photos. I think some of the replies here still think I am in this as a business venture, I am not. The whole business card thing was just something I thought I could give out so I didnt have to write down my addy all the time...call it laziness...lol or convenience. The whole "buying" prints thing was an idea of convenience for the people I am sharing the photos with. The cost would only be what zenfolio charges for prints, no upselling.

[BIG H]

I was asked by my neice to take snapshots at her wedding. She actually announced that Uncle Harry would be taking pictures. This wedding was more like a four day event. It included a harbor siteseeing cruise on Booths Bay Harbor Maine. I had lots of opportunity to take pictures where the pro photog wouldn't be. At the wedding/reception I concentrated on photographing guests in attendance. I also took pics of the B & G and of the pro photog in action. ( it was fun watching him work ) I made 4x6 inch prints for the B & G and sent along a disk with all the processed pics. This gives them the opportunity to send pics to friends and family as the wished.

[Alexajlex]

Last wedding I went to was my BIL's to be.
I took my XTI + 580+ 28-135+ 50 1.8

The BIL is a PJ photog and a lot of the guests were photogs or what or in the news business.

I have to say that it is a different atmosphere when the B or G is a photog.
I was out of the way and took candids.

The paparazzi line was 10 deep and they were all snapping the same shot as the main photog (he was a cool guy and it did not bother him at all....I really liked the way he handled the pressure). He was an old college buddy of the groom in the PJ program.

I ended up getting about 1600 pics from the wedding and rehearsal. I stood away from the razzi line and got some great candids.
I'm putting together an album from the BG + I gave them the high res copies on DVDs.

This is the the wedding situation and people can either embrace it or not.
Most weddings you will have paparazzis behind you shooting the same shots the main is doing (maybe not 10 or 15 but there will be a few). It is a given that the Pro needs to be able to deal with this (part of the money he charges can be attributed to crowd control).

The paparazzi crowd control mentioned by some on this thread is know by quite a few Pros. Typically it involves having business cards printed out with "Wedding Paparazzi" written on them and giving them to the guests, then the Pro (after he got his shots) says "Ok paparazzis, go get them" :) The guests like the recognition (now they have a business card) and everyone has a laugh. You also make sure you put your contact info (the Pro) on the back of the paparazzi business cards so now you just handed out 10-20 cards. Not only did you defuse a tense situation but you also passed some cards around.

[scottm7]

As long as you stay out of the professional photographer's way, you should be fine. These days, most professionals make their money on the package up front or the professional albums they put together.

I used to be a professional wedding photographer. When I got married, we flew in a photographer from another state because I liked his work. Unfortunately, all of the photos were lost on his trip home. The only photos we ended up with were the ones our guests took.

Ever since, I have made sure not to discourage any guests from taking photos.

[cory1848]

The wedding went great. Very small wedding of about 35 people including the party. The chapel only held about 60 people and I didnt have any wide lenses so that made it difficult to get any decent pictures. I also screwed up the ISO on my camera, left the setting too low at 100. Call it a rookie mistake, out of about 475 photos, I kept just over 100.

There was some issues with the hired photog that was there, I wont go into them in case he is a member here, but I was pretty much begged by the b&g to take photos just in case, so I snapped away. I stayed well out of his way so some of the shots show this. Anyways, besides that, everything went off without a hitch.

Here are two shots. Again, I have never shot a wedding before but after this experience, and the money I see change hands, its very tempting to want to get into it.

Feel free to C&C

http://www.fixedfocus.us/images/IMG_2153.jpg

And one more...

http://www.fixedfocus.us/images/IMG_2198.jpg

[OdiN1701]

I wouldn't ever get upset with any guests taking photos at a wedding I'm doing.

As long as they are not being disrespectful or interfering with specific shots which I was hired to take - I don't mind. I just trust that my shots will be better, and that's why I'm being paid to be there.

Most of the time, if I'm shooting - especially at a reception where a lot of guests are shooting, then if they see me coming to get a shot they will move and let me get where I need to be. As long as you aren't in his way, he should have no problem - but there are some photogs with big egos out there. If he shows concern about you - I would tone it down or whatever, just in case he doesn't pull a breach of contract on your family and leave because of you - I've seen it happen, but that's mostly because a "uncle Bob" or similar is there with his setup and is interfering with posed shots and stuff. I've been in that situation once, and if the couple getting married weren't two of my good friends, I would have left - it was pretty bad.


-Edit-

Just saw your photos.

The second one is a great shot!

The first wedding you do is a total rush - and since you weren't the primary, you probably only experienced a quarter of it :P You learn so much with that first one. It's a great experience. I really enjoy providing photos to a couple and seeing them happy with your work is very rewarding. It can be very stressful though.

[S-Man]

those look good. Do you have any more to look at?

I also went to a wedding last Saturday (as I mentioned in a previous post). It was such a thrill, like Andrew said. I only took around 350 pics though, with a very high keeper count. The hired pro was very very cool and didn't mind me and another guy shooting one bit. We did stay out of her way though.
I accidentally set off her umbrella strobes during some formals with my 430...I shot in between her shots, so no harm done, but I was sooooo embarassed, especially since she called out "you guys, with the flashes...you're setting of my strobes, please stop".
I thought she had a radio transmitter setup, not an optical. My shot turned out great though :) I apologized and she was cool about it.
I'll try and post a few here. It takes so long to process RAW, especially on my slow computer.
I too, wouldn't mind getting paid for this stuff...I enjoy it so much!

[OdiN1701]

Haha I know about the strobes. I usually use RF transmitters. Especially if running on battery - that way they don't get triggered by others. If I left them as optical though it ruins a lot of their shots heh.

[S-Man]

yeah, it ruined the shot initially, but I toned down the exposure in RAW and it looks great! If i'd have shot JPEG i'm sure it would have been trash.