Question for the pro's

[interlock]

Hi,

I am not thinking off getting into wedding photography. I do however want to take some decent shots at my sister in laws wedding this summer. The idea is to provide her with a book over and above the Album she has from the pro.

My thoughts are to capture more of the day than the pro, as if like my wedding has a set time period. I don't want to get in the way of the pro doing their job, but may want to take advantage of the scene setting, external lighting and positioning they provide.

As a pro would this hack you off? Would it make any difference if I contacted the pro first and let them know my intentions?

The main photos will likely be in the ground of the hotel and I was thinking of doing some ring and other shots pre wedding.

Advice appreciated.

[sapearl]

Hello interlock and welcome to POTN :D.

You seem to have a sensitivity to other folks so I don't envision any problems here. So long as you stay out of the way of the pro, don't interfere with any of his shots, don't DELAY any of his groups, etc. things should be fine.

It may not be necessary to phone him prior to the actual day, but you could still give a friendly hello to him the day of the event and introduce yourself. I always encounter other family photogs at a wedding, I enjoy chatting with them during down time, and as long as they respect my space and schedule we get along fine.

As far as doing the ring shots before the ceremony, I'm not sure what time frame you're referring to. "We" like to get a lot of informal, candid prep shots of the B/G and family in the hours before the actual ceremony, so you may have a narrow window of time. - Stu

[sapearl]

One other thing I forgot to mention - if you intend to provide the B/G with a high rez photoshopped disk of images, this has the potential of cutting into the pro's sales. This is certainly your prerogative and I'm not judging it as right or wrong.... it's just a fact of business life.

[interlock]

Cheers sapearl

No it would be just the book, if I get that many printable ones:)

I can get as much time beforehand as I need with rings and so forth as we live in the same town. Seen some cool pics in the wedding section for that kind of shots, replicating will be another task. But I have time.

[randplaty]

you're just a relative taking photos... shouldn't be a problem for the pro as long as you don't interfere.

[stathunter]

I shoot weddings for a living......and honestly would not have a problem with you shooting while I was taking photos. The problem is that you probably will not get "as good" of shots as the pro--- and if the pro is putting together the book---well they will probably do a great, professional, job. So your book will look at best ok -- kind of like a home made gift thing.
So while the intention is noble -- not sure it will work out as planned. I think books are tough to put together-- unless you are a graphic designer -- you might have a few issues.
This is just my opinion--- without knowing much info. Maybe you could take a few photos-- not as many as you would need for a book-- maybe something different or funny. Then have them put on a coffee mug or t-shirt.

[bnlearle]

I've had some SERIOUSLY aggressive relatives/friends of the fam who bring their cameras. It's never bothered me - but I know it bothers others pretty good.

The main thing I think you might be crossing the line with is this...

"My thoughts are to capture more of the day than the pro, as if like my wedding has a set time period. I don't want to get in the way of the pro doing their job, but may want to take advantage of the scene setting, external lighting and positioning they provide."

The underlined part is starting to go off course, in my opinion. Would I stop you? No. But again, I NEVER care about this stuff. Where I would stop you is in the couple photo time (where I take the bride and groom after the ceremony and get the fun, romantic, kissing shots). Not a chance another photographer is allowed with me there (it'd be WAY too distracting). Gene Higa (world renowned photographer) recently twittered about how he HATES when "uncle bobs" steal from his posing, lighting, and background arrangement. Almost as if it's plagiarism. I can see where he's coming from...

Aside from that part, it's best to have your sister ask the photographer, if you're going to have anyone do any asking ;) Either way, you sound like you are very concerned to do things right - and unless the photographer's a jerk, or you're going to act more aggressive than you sound :) you should be totally fine.

Bobby

[tim]

I don't mind if people take group shots that we set up, so long as we have time, but really it just slows things down. Like Bobby there's no chance i'd let another photographer come along with the wedding party/couple shoot.

[razyl]

My thoughts are to capture more of the day than the pro
What makes you think you'll capture more than the pro?! Sure you might get a different angle, you might get something they don't have time for / cant be in two places at once.....but more?! Dont kid yourself.

but may want to take advantage of the scene setting, external lighting and positioning they provide. As a pro would this hack you off?
In a word: yes. No sane person could think otherwise.

Would it make any difference if I contacted the pro first and let them know my intentions?
Possibly but I doubt it :)

The main photos will likely be in the ground of the hotel and I was thinking of doing some ring and other shots pre wedding.
This sounds like you plan on taking them on a photo shoot, that wont fly. Or worse, do you plan to tag along with the pro? I cant think any hired photographer would allow either.

My advice: sit back, enjoy the wedding, and let the pro do their job.

Darryn

[interlock]

razyl

When I was saying capture more than the pro I was talking about more evening shots and the week leading up to the wedding with family gathering. If like my wedding, and what seems to happen in scotland, the pro arrives in the morning and stays for first dance then disappears .

Obviously, judging by the posts in this thread, there are pros that take a different view to you on whether I am sane or not, your interpretation fair enough.

I was not thinking of taking them on a photo shoot. More that, I have seen within these forums some classy wring shots. And I have the time and access to the rings to get these done outside of the wedding day.

At my wedding in a similar setting there was plenty of family with point and shoot whilst we were getting our main pictures done.

The essence of what I am trying to get at, was would a DSLR piss someone off more than a point and shoot. You obviously don't need to answer that, however for others it appears they are more relaxed.

Hence my post in this forum.

Cheers

[SOK]

The essence of what I am trying to get at, was would a DSLR piss someone off more than a point and shoot.

Short answer; no.

(In fact...I do recall reading one thread here on POTN about a 'pro' who was getting all bent out of shape because the brother of the bride was planning on bringing his 1Ds and associated fruit along - but those situations are the exception, rather than the rule).

What you do with your DSLR will dictate whether you annoy anyone or not.

It's been covered already, but you will have no dramas if you;

Stay out of the pros way
Only 'use' the posed group shots if invited to, and don't slow things up
Don't attempt to join in the 'couple only' shoot afterwardFrom a personal perspective; I recently attended the wedding of an old school mate. As I was one of the groomsmen, I couldn't have my camera with me before or during the ceremony, and didn't have a chance to even pick it up until the group formals were done. Besides the pro and her 2nd shooter, there must have been 10 consumer DSLRs and about 100 P&Ss in the 'paparazzi' group. I quickly dismissed trying to get shots of the couple - they would have thousands of shots from everyone - so I set about shooting different things and generally being where the other photographers weren't. Needless to say, as far the photos taken by guests went, my images were unique, and the B&G were quite thrilled with them, as they made a nice (surprise) supplement to the pro's pics, and to the 1000s of other guest pics. So....there can be hidden value in steering clear of the pack (and the pro inparticular) and doing your own thing...

[acousticvibrations]

Hello Interlock and Welcome,

If i had a Guest ask if they could take photos along side, Ya, the more the merrier.

As long as the guest is not to intrusive.

Last month a saw a guest run out of batteries during the formals. Best way to get a good impression, i offer them 2 AAA free of charge, lol

[lil_miss]

I agree with with whats been said above re no one else coming along for the bridal photos.. I'd leave the main photog to do the bride/groom/bridal party shots and the rest of the time just keep out of his way :)

[danir.photography]

...but may want to take advantage of the scene setting, external lighting and positioning they provide...
The woman that I am working with contractually prohibits any photographers from taking pictures at her scenes.

She's quite vehement.

[tim]

The woman that I am working with contractually prohibits any photographers from taking pictures at her scenes.

She's quite vehement.

Uncle Bob didn't sign a contract...

[sapearl]

I hear this now and then...... so what does it REALLY mean? If aunt Sally shows up with her P&S and starts taking candids does she void the contract and walk out?

As Tim points out, Uncle Bob didn't sign the contract. Now realistically I state in MY contract that nobody shall interfere with my picture taking. This is kind of a general statement. But that gives me the right to tell a guest to stop or get out of my way - diplomatically of course - if he is delaying my shots or causing problems.

How often does the above happen? Not very. I build a relationship with my guests. I treat them respect and enjoy their company. They can be great allies for great group shots and fun poses. Be kind to them and they will be good to you. I let them take their pictures but they also know my boundaries. It works for both sides.

The woman that I am working with contractually prohibits any photographers from taking pictures at her scenes.

She's quite vehement.

[bnlearle]

It means that it's the client's responsibility to control his/her guests. It gives the photographer leeway if he/she is going up against an uncle bob that is either relentless or appears to be a pro shooting on your money day (and therefore has the ability to cut into your print sales).

I couldn't care less. Just clarifying who's signing the contract.

I have something similar in my contract. My wife is exceptionally pretty (so I'm told :)). I had a guest get too drunk and kissed my wife on the cheek, wouldn't let her go (literally), and then tried to kiss her straight up. All with her looking like she was about to get kidnapped. I'm an (admittedly) over protective husband and my wife is not the flirtatious with drunk wedding guests type. I'm also not one to pass up choking someone out who puts their hands on my wife - especially when she's not happy about it. The bride and groom were there (right there) and were uncomfortable about it, but did nothing. The whole thing lasted about 10 seconds, I swam in and scooped my wife away, nothing else happened, but my wife does not want that to happen again. Luckily for us, it happened on our way out and we didn't have to deal with the guest for the rest of the reception.

I now cover the bases by saying it is the clients' responsibility to keep male clients off of my wife :) It's only happened once, probably won't happen again, but if it does, the contract states that the client has to remove the guest or we leave. It's admittedly at our discretion, but we make it clear that people hit on Lindsay, ask her to dance, offer to buy a drink, etc., and these things are fine. It's the grabbing/kissing when you don't know her that we aren't cool with. So even though the drunk scumbag doesn't sign the contract, I'm cleared to leave if he doesn't. :)

Bobby

[babuszka]

^^ Jeez, that would get really annoying! (people grabbing on your wife).

I hope to go into wedding photography in the future (fingers crossed). I know if some drunk dude was grabbing on me while I was resisting, he'd better be a fast runner, because my husband would definitely want to get hold of him!
Some people shouldn't be allowed to drink if they act like idiots.

PS: I've looked at your blog/site (which is awesome, btw) and your wife is beautiful! :)

[bnlearle]

Awwww... thanks. I think so, too! And thanks for the kind words about the blog/site :)

Bobby

[Agamemnon]

Uncle Bob didn't sign a contract...

Uncle Bob might not have signed a contract, but depending on how the contract is worded, it could be up to the B&G to ensure there are no other photographers during the wedding party / B&G shoot portion.

I'm not sure I'd put it in a contract, but I'd have to agree about not wanting other photographers weasel in on either a studio or location shoot where the photographer has made decisions about lighting, posing, and other things.

That's about as close as you can get to a photographer's intellectual property. That's one of the only times in the event that you get to place and pose people how you want.

I've only shot one wedding, and it was a last-minute favour, and I knew that. There were tons of people with P&S cameras shooting the group shots right beside me, and people were looking everywhere, and it was a very frustrating experience - I didn't even have time for a couple sitting.

If I did, I DEFINITELY would've asked the other photographers to leave while I was doing that, or just refused to do anything further.

I did act professionally while I was there, or at least as much as possible, since I had never shot any sort of event before, especially one so important.

It was a very low-budget wedding, and I thought of it more as experience than anything else - I don't want to shoot weddings as a source of income.

[tim]

For the family groups I don't mind much, unless they spoil my photos, which they often do just by being there. With the wedding party I just refuse to let anyone else with a camera come along. Easy.

[interlock]

It is obviously an emotive topic. Think I light the blue touch paper there. From the responses it has given me a steer and that is what I was after.

All along it was not my intention to get in the way of somebody doing a professional job. Certainly if someone started to inter-fear with my running of projects then it would irritate me.

Thanks for the comments, by coming on here and posting I was trying to take into consideration the above and this will help.

[sapearl]

And POTN is pretty good for that - opinions are like elbows: everybody has at least two of them. There's another phrase that goes along with that, but I'll keep the discussion PG :lol:.

......Thanks for the comments, by coming on here and posting I was trying to take into consideration the above and this will help.