Tips for B&G?

[Redser]

What would your ideal B&G be like to work with?

You see, I'm organising my wedding at the moment, and would like some tips on how not to be the photographer's worst nightmare

For a start, I'm assuming that it would be better if I left my 30D in its bag, at least till after the formals

Actually, that's another question: given that most of you are vehement in your dislike of guests with DSLRs, how do you feel about brides and immediate family members (in this case, my dad and his 5D) who will get a kick out of getting their own shots of the day?

[sando]

I'd say:

Be clear on what you want - agree before hand the schedule, and what sort of shots you want

Be open to suggestion

Dont get the hump when/if it rains and you get a little wet!

Make it clear to your guests that 'so-and-so' is the photographer, and when he's done his job you can all take as many as you want. (But, as if that's gonna work anyway!!)

Have fun!!

[tim]

They'd be affectionate, give me 60 minutes to take photos, and would preferably not bring a camera! Hire a pro you trust and let them do their thing. Tell them you have snap happy family with pro equipment but that you'll keep them in line and you've asked them to do whatever the photographer reaonably asks.

I've never had a B&G bring out a camera... dunno if i'd do the wedding photos of a photographer, but then again, it could be fun and interesting.

[Scott_Quier]

• Shooting the wedding of another photographer would be a challenge, especially if the B or G were a wedding photog. A lot of talking would have to happen before I would take that contract.
• B - be reasonable in your schedule and expectations.
• G - Allow yourself to loosen up and don't be afraid to look vulnerable/silly/"un-manly"/etc. Some of the best shots are the "goofy" ones.
• Affection and romance are what the day is all about. Allow yourself to be demonstrative.
• Allow time for the fomals
• Allow time for some two on one photography (B&G and the photog). I like to take 10-20 minutes after they have arrived at the reception, eaten, and mingled a small bit, but before the guests have had a chance to finish eating.
• Be open to creative/goofy/silly/fun ideas
• Communicate with the photog, both before and during the day to make sure you get what you want and to make sure the photog knows what it is you want.
• If you have ideas, be sure to let the photog know. If he/she can do it, they will. If not, let it rest. Remember, the photog is there to make you happy and will not just arbitrarily say "No" to a reasonable request.

[liza]

- Communicate clearly with your photographer.
- Be open to suggestion.
- Be yourself before, during, and after the ceremony.
- Give the photographer time to shoot. Please.
- Offer ideas, but don't demand that the photog adopt a completely different style.
- Instruct other guests not to interfere with the photographer. Banning other DSLR's would be a nice touch.

[Redser]

Both options on our (very short!) shortlist at the moment are on it because we like their style; neither of them is local (the wedding's in france, one phographer's in spain and the other's in california!), but we like them enough that we're willing to hand over a quarter of our whole (admittedly small!) wedding-and-honeymoon budget to one of them. I don't think we need to change their style!

We're certainly willing to give over as much time as necessary for shots; I know on the day there'll be a lot going on, but for me the photos are one of the most important aspects of the day, and will be given as much time as necessary. However much time we spend being photographed will be nicely balanced by all the time we'll spend grinning at them for the rest of our lives : )

Tim and Scott, it wouldn't be the wedding of another photographer We're just over-enthusiastic amateurs. I feel like I'm depriving a worthier photographer somewhere of a 30D when I should be using a P&S (or, as my mother once misheard me describe her camera, a 'bunch of sh*t')

As for banning DSLRs, I'm more tempted to ban P&Ss! I know that of 30 or so guests, 15 will probably have them out during the ceremony, and I think it would ruin the atmosphere entirely. So I think I'll try and ban all cameras except the pro's during the ceremony and formals - I can blame the photographer, right?!

Aside from that, though, I'm just afraid that someone else's photos won't recreate the day as vividly for me as my own would, if that makes sense? I love to look at my own holiday photos and remember where I was and how I felt when I took the shots, and other people's photos tend not to offer that. It's not any reflection on my faith in the pro's skills. And I know my Dad would be upset at losing the opportunity to shoot his daughter's wedding. So even though we're hiring a pro for the real coverage, he'll just have to cope with a few DSLRs around the place, because that's what my family are like. I wouldn't recognise us in a photo if there wasn't someone in it photographing the photographer

[kobus2]

Make it clear to the pro who will be shooting with DSLR's. If he has a problem with that - get another one...

It is your wedding, and the customer is always right. Your dad has every right to take the shots he wants at your wedding, as long as he does not get in the way of the pro, and Im sure he will recognize those moments being photography savvy.

[jessiper]

Originally Posted by tim

They'd be affectionate

I think this is the most important thing, at least for me. You'd think that couples would be super affectionate on their wedding day, but some just aren't, and the pictures reflect that. Of course, as the photographer, I try and get them to show a little emotion, but sometimes it's very difficult. Don't ask the photographer what you should do, just enjoy being w/your new spouse, then trust your photog. to capture it.