When wedding shoots turn to other kinds of shoots

Sorry--I have no idea how to word this with brevity in the title !

So here's the scenario. You're shooting a wedding, when a cousin or aunt of the bride or groom request a group photo of their family (not including B or G or close family) in such a way as to suggest they're getting basically a free family photo out of the wedding they're attending. Or suppose a cousin asks for some shots that he will use for his business card or modelling portfolio or what have you.

What do you consider fair game in terms of these kinds of requests ? Now, I always defer to folks and get their shots as long as it doesn't impede my work covering the more directly important aspects of the wedding. But sometimes I feel like folks are taking advantage and basically getting free work out of my presence at the wedding.

I'm just curious about your attitudes about this.

i've done a quick family picture, because i'm hired by the bride and groom to shoot their wedding. As long as it doesn't interfere with the wedding i don't see a problem in taking a quick snapshot. I wouldn't be bringing out lights or anything light that for a "modeling portoflio" shot.

There the scum who phone you up afterwards and ask if you have any better shots where ugly uncle Joe doesn't look so drunk.

Just say you busy about to do something artistic and your at the end of your roll of film.

I have no problems doing it. It is not that uncommon. I usually post images for friends and family to buy. If that kind of shot increases sales....great.

As long as it doesn't interfere with my job, I have no issues with snapping a few family photos here and there.

Happens all the time, doesn't bother me. Family photos, no problem, hopefully they buy a print but most likely they just get the file off the couple. I was already paid for my time, no big deal.

Commercial use is different. The require permission for this, and may pay a licensing fee.

I have no issue with it, in fact during the reception I encourage it. I've been paid to be there for the day as get as many of the guests as possible. If that means I nice family shot that is no problem.

As my clients get high resolution copies of the files any way, and I don't sell prints I lose nothing by doing so but gain great WOM.

As everyone has already said, as long as it doesn't detract from you doing your job. Half the time, the couple will want the photo, too, anyway.

I'm often asked all throughout the day, usually at times I'm too busy doing what I was paid to be doing so I nearly always ask them to seek me out sometime during the reception.

Primary goal is to capture the day... If someone tapping me on the shoulder with a request that helps meet that goal, or doesn't interfere, then why not!

IMO, it's not "free work", you're being paid to be there. I've found it to be very common for families to ask for a picture. For many families, weddings are one of the few times they can all get together and be dressed up to boot.

This happens all the time. Other family menbers at a wedding are dressed to the 9's and they want a decent family picture....I take them and give my card so they can view the gallery later on and decide if they want to purchase online.

On a few occasions I have had people ask for family shots during the formal photos. I play it off the couple-if they are some rather distant relatives, I will tell them to find me during the reception, but if they are close enough that the couple wants a photo with them, I will do it during the formal session. If an individual wants a modeling portfolio or head shot, I would give them my card and have them call me to schedule a portrait session.

These usually take under 5 minutes of my time and as long as I'm not busy shooting something important I do it happily. Now if I feel they are too demanding or want a dozen shots in different poses that's a different story.