How would you deal with this situation ?

Pretty straight forward scenario. A few weeks before the wedding, you find out from the groom that he has asked his friend (Photographer in training) to shoot some stages of the wedding. He has attended a prior wedding you covered as a guest and attempted to shoot over your shoulder as well as using the reception venue studio and strobes for shots without asking..... How would you approach this with the couple ?

Refuse, you're being paid to provide a quality service, either you're allowed to do what you need to do to fulfill the contract, or you can't properly fulfill the contract. Imagine matey boy makes a massive mistake and they start hassling you for some photo's of a section you let him do, contractually you said you would provide them, what do you do? Do they blame you, sue you?? At the very least draw up a new contract agreeing what sections you will shoot, and make it clear that due to unprofessional behavior previously observed by this individual he will not be allowed to work when you are working, or be allowed near your equipment.

Beatdowns. Start handing out beatdowns. The groom, the other "photographer", anyone involved. Go to the mattresses.

Or.... just talk to the groom and tell him what a distraction the other dude is and how he'll make your job harder and point to the part of your contract where it says no other photographers and convince him what a terrible idea it is. If he insists, do the best you can and be sure to include any shots you take of the back of the other photographer's head when he gets in your way.

MichiTimm wrote in post #18022072
If he insists, do the best you can and be sure to include any shots you take of the back of the other photographer's head when he gets in your way.

But only if this ammunition is needed.

It sounds like you're not comfortable allowing his friend to take photos too. Contact customer. Sir, I'm sending over a revised contract for your signature. I've added a papragraph explaining that (company name) can't be held responsible for poor images or missed opportunities if others are allowed to take photographs over my shoulder. I've also included an additional rental charge for your friend's use of my lighting equipment (?). You can have him reimburse you the cost at your discretion. What, you don't want to revise the contract? Problem solved. Something to that effect.

I have zero experience shooting weddings, but lots of experience dealing with contracts and clients.

Tell him you would appreciate his friend enjoying the ceremony as a guest.

Ideally, yes, it would be better if the other photographer refrained. His participation introduces confusion as to the service you're rendering. His work may inevitably reflect poorly on you no matter what measures you take to protect yourself. But If the client wants to bring in another photographer, that's his business. And you should try to avoid offending the client or insulting the second shooter. As previously mentioned, you'd be well-served to execute an agreement that specifies your bailiwick. I'd also make it clear that it's your strict business policy that only you and your associates have access to your equipment. No one else is touching my strobes, including this unaffiliated m̶o̶n̶k̶e̶y̶ shooter.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #18022087
Sir, I'm sending over a revised contract for your signature. I've added a papragraph explaining that (company name) can't be held responsible for poor images or missed opportunities if others are allowed to take photographs over my shoulder.

Yes, exactly right! In fact, this clause should've been in the contract in the first place.

First draft.
--
Dear Groom,

I've heard that you have asked another photographer to photograph parts of your wedding. While I understand that you may want additional angles or a backup plan, this actively hinders the photography you're paying for, in a number of ways:
- The other photographer can get in my way
- The other photographer distracts subjects, as people don't know where to look when there are two cameras present
- Guests may think that we're working together, which can negatively affect the reputation of my business if something goes wrong

The quality of the photos you're paying for will be compromised if you choose to allow this photographer to take photos at your wedding. I'm giving you official notice that if this person is allowed to take photos I cannot guarantee either the coverage or quality of images I provide, and I can tell you from experience that it will mean I give you a lower quality of photos. I note that I have previous experience with this individual, and I've found that while very nice, friendly (etc) I was not as happy with the photos I delivered when they were present.

Option 1: I strongly advise that this individual be asked to enjoy the wedding as a guest and you allow me to do the job you are paying for to a professional standard.
Option 2 (I wouldn't do this): If you would like this individual to take photos at your wedding as anything other than a guess then I have no choice but to withdraw my offer of coverage, as per the "sole photographer" clause in my contract.

Regards,

You

Larry Johnson wrote in post #18022087
It sounds like you're not comfortable allowing his friend to take photos too. Contact customer. Sir, I'm sending over a revised contract for your signature. I've added a papragraph explaining that (company name) can't be held responsible for poor images or missed opportunities if others are allowed to take photographs over my shoulder. I've also included an additional rental charge for your friend's use of my lighting equipment (?). You can have him reimburse you the cost at your discretion. What, you don't want to revise the contract? Problem solved. Something to that effect.

I have zero experience shooting weddings, but lots of experience dealing with contracts and clients.

I pretty much already got that in mine--my contract is four pages just to preempt myriad garbage headaches

Mainly to deal with this kind of stuff and other crap like brides not wanting to feed vendors. In my contract it says that my team can leave for up to two hours if there's no food for us.

Why not approach the guy photog in training and ask him to shoot second, in return to build his port, and will offer some guidance and tips/training?

Better to trap the fly with some sugar, and have some controls? Otherwise then the Groom is put in an awkward position. You can always go to that as plan 2 if you have to.

Have someone second shoot risking your business reputation. Someone you already know doesn't have basic decent professional standards (using equipment that isn't theirs without permission). Someone who already has shown disregard for what the paid photographer is there to do and got in the way. And then to boot you train them for free.

Sorry, but that is a really poor option to choose.