Question re: Public weddings

Not sure what the proper protocol is for when something likes this occurs, so I thought I would ask in here.

Is it wrong to take photos of a wedding if it is taking place on a public beach where there are plenty of spectators watching from all over (the beach, the poolside area, the outdoor tiki bar) and they are all taking pictures with their P&S cameras, etc. ? There was a hired photog as well as someone video taping the small wedding (Bride/groom, 1 MOH/BM and maybe 10-15 people in attendance).

I figure if it is in a public place then it is open season, right? Nothing wrong with taking pictures for practice purposes as long as you don't profit from them, correct?

Why would you want to take photos of a strangers wedding?

this has "getting punched in the face" written all over it. as Ben mentioned, you may have the right to, but if there's another photog there, plus you don't know the people and they see you paparrazi'in the wedding, someone may get pi$$ed enough to go after you or at least start asking questions. especially if there's only 10-15 people there. I would think it would be pretty tough for you to "blend in".

I guess the question I would ask you is it worth the risk just for the practice? personally I wouldn't want someone photographing my wedding if they didn't know me. but that's just me.

Your Story Photoart wrote in post #12554968
this has "getting punched in the face" written all over it. as Ben mentioned, you may have the right to, but if there's another photog there, plus you don't know the people and they see you paparrazi'in the wedding, someone may get pi$$ed enough to go after you or at least start asking questions. especially if there's only 10-15 people there. I would think it would be pretty tough for you to "blend in".

I guess the question I would ask you is it worth the risk just for the practice? personally I wouldn't want someone photographing my wedding if they didn't know me. but that's just me.

I guess I need to be a bit clearer on something. It's not like anyone was moving around taking pics. It was more of from a distance. Nobody was intruding on the wedding at all. I was a good distance away sitting on one of the wooden chaise lounge chairs on the beach and took a few shots as did the other dozen or so people that were watching.

Trust me everyone was very respectful during the ceremony and kept their distance. everyone even cheered when they kissed.

For goodness sakes , don't make a nuiscance of yourself. This is where dorky photographers like yourself spoil it for the rest of us.

You're not a guest nor the hired photographer so I guess the question is "Why?"

I'm just trying to figure out what type of "practice" this would give the OP. Wouldn't he get more "real world" exposure by second shooting with someone?

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I'd spend my time finding a photographer that could use a second shooter.

bnlearle wrote in post #12554875
In California, if you have no reasonable assumption of privacy, anyone can shoot anyone in a public place.

There are a few people I want to travel to California with me.... This could solve a ton of problems for me!

as long as you're not interfering with the wedding or the photographer, then sure....

I'm thinking if there's a wedding going on at a beach where I'm at, I'm getting out of the way - there will be enough 1/2 naked people to make up the background, I don't need to be in those shots!

And why would you want to take pics of strangers at a wedding?

Mr. Bill wrote in post #12555102
I guess I need to be a bit clearer on something. It's not like anyone was moving around taking pics. It was more of from a distance. Nobody was intruding on the wedding at all. I was a good distance away sitting on one of the wooden chaise lounge chairs on the beach and took a few shots as did the other dozen or so people that were watching.

Trust me everyone was very respectful during the ceremony and kept their distance. everyone even cheered when they kissed.

still seems strange to me and I just don't get how this will help you "practice". there's not much that sitting on a beach chair observing a strangers wedding will teach you about actually shooting a paying clients wedding.

PeaceFire wrote in post #12554877
Why would you want to take photos of a strangers wedding?

Isn't this what we do all of the time?

highway0691 wrote in post #12555153
For goodness sakes , don't make a nuiscance of yourself. This is where dorky photographers like yourself spoil it for the rest of us.

Agree... Keep your nose where it belongs.

JasonLambert wrote in post #12562066
Isn't this what we do all of the time?

NONE of my wedding clients are strangers. I work with most of my couples for over a year before their wedding, helping connect them to preferred vendors and venues and going through the details of their day so we're all on the same page. and let's not forget the all important (at least for me it is) engagement session where I really get to know my couple and see how they react with the camera long before their special day. I take alot of pride in making sure each of my couples get personalized service and that they know that I truly care to help make their special day as seemless as possible.

far from strangers.

OP is this what you're talking about:

http://www.mrbillphoto​graphy.com …xz3nBH#13236065​87_5RX5LLH

If so, what you're using them for is against the law. You don't have a model release. It's also shady, IMHO.

Some posts in this thread are just full of win.