Wedding Etiquette

[catacon]

Hey everybody,

So in a couple of weeks I'm heading to New Jersey for my cousin's wedding. He is marrying an Indian girl from a wealthy family and they are planning and paying for most of the wedding. It is going to be insane. 450 guests, Filet Mignon for dinner, crazy outfits, and a beautiful venue. I would love to get as many pictures as I can of this once in a lifetime experience. However, while I'm sure there will be tons of people with P&S cameras, I was wondering if it would be inappropriate for me to bring my nice DSLR to the wedding. Obviously, they are going to have their own photographers there and it seems rude for me to show up with the same equipment as those guys, get the same pics, and be under no obligation. So what do you guys think? What are the rules? Should I leave my DSLR at home or take and get some wicked shots?

Thanks!

[mikekelley]

Snap away. As long as you don't prevent them from getting a shot, I don't see any problems.

[Michael]

Hey everybody,

So in a couple of weeks I'm heading to New Jersey for my cousin's wedding. He is marrying an Indian girl from a wealthy family and they are planning and paying for most of the wedding. It is going to be insane. 450 guests, Filet Mignon for dinner, crazy outfits, and a beautiful venue. I would love to get as many pictures as I can of this once in a lifetime experience. However, while I'm sure there will be tons of people with P&S cameras, I was wondering if it would be inappropriate for me to bring my nice DSLR to the wedding. Obviously, they are going to have their own photographers there and it seems rude for me to show up with the same equipment as those guys, get the same pics, and be under no obligation. So what do you guys think? What are the rules? Should I leave my DSLR at home or take and get some wicked shots?

Thanks!
I can almost guarantee you that their equipment will be higher level than yours- not that that even matters. Also, if you're already assuming you're going to get the same pictures, that implies that you will pretty much be shooting over their shoulders, which I would be pissed off about and no doubt they will be too... A lot of photographers have a clause in their contract that allows them the right to leave/whatever they choose if you get in their way/ steal their shots.

Bottom line is that if you want to take different shots than the official photographers, and you will still be able to enjoy the wedding, then take the camera. But, if you plan on basically stealing the other photographers shots, and wish to add none of your own skill/perspective to the shots then leave your camera at home as you will cause more trouble than it's worth and won't gain anything from it.

If you get the opportunity to speak to the photographer, and watch them work, that would be infinitely better in my opinion.

[zerovision]

Don't leave it at home. If your uncomfortable, introduce yourself to the pro and advise you are a cousin and want to take pictures for yourself. Chances are you will not bother them as long as you don't get in their picture(s) or use your flash when they are trying to take a picture.

If they are concerned about you taking away their business, I suggest sitting down during the ceremony and taking candid shots when you can.

If you convince them you are not a threat and you don't keep looking over their shoulder, you should be o.k., but give them their space to work.

If there is only one photographer or maybe 2, you could ask if you can be a tag along. This would be the ideal situation. Not sure they would go along with this since they don't know you, but it could happen. If so, this would be a good opportunity.

Good luck.