a question about videographers

is it standard practice for the videographer to be present for the getting ready shots and the formal shots
he was in a wedding i did and people didnt know where to look

depends on the package the couple paid for. Sometimes the video guy tries to cover everything... To the point where he is standing side by side with you the entire day. When you are doing the formal group shots, you must make it clear to him that he has to be standing to the side to prevent confusion with the guests.

it has happened to me at a wedding, and it was one of the second worse weddings I have shot to date.

professional videographers know what angles they are shooting from and collborate with the photographers to let each other know where they will be.

patrick clarke wrote in post #15085912
people didnt know where to look

I'm saying as nicely as possible but if people didn't know where to look it's because you didn't take charge of the situation and tell them.

easier said than done sometimes bryan
in the pre-wedding correspondence i specifically said only bridal party at formals and yet i had a point and shooter taking pictures over my shoulder as well as the videographer

patrick clarke wrote in post #15096755
easier said than done sometimes bryan
in the pre-wedding correspondence i specifically said only bridal party at formals and yet i had a point and shooter taking pictures over my shoulder as well as the videographer

In EVERY wedding that I shoot, there are tons of cameras there, from cell phones to full blown DSLR rigs. It's a fact of life.

It's your job as a Professional photographer to make sure everyone is looking at you and to check the photos to make sure you got the shot. Don't blame anyone else except yourself if you end up with wandering eyes.

nicksan wrote in post #15096961
In EVERY wedding that I shoot, there are tons of cameras there, from cell phones to full blown DSLR rigs. It's a fact of life.

It's your job as a Professional photographer to make sure everyone is looking at you and to check the photos to make sure you got the shot. Don't blame anyone else except yourself if you end up with wandering eyes.

Just looked at your site.....you, sir, are an amazing photographer!

The first time I was a videographer I called the wedding photographer before hand and asked if there were any certain rule or concerns. She said as long as the couple are happy then she will be happy. I let her know that I plan on being a fly on the wall and her pictures come first. Meaning I can still capture the moment and develop a lover story where sometimes you only have one chance to get the perfect picture. She was great to work with and let everyone know she was running the show by directing people during her shoots. She was also great at giving me a couple minute after each shot or scene to grab some video.She would even ask them to look at the video guy from time to time when she was giving direction. I made sure I stayed out of her way by standing behind her and just to the right or left. I really didn't need anyone looking directly at me as I was there to capture their day and what really happened. She actually made my job easier by being an awesome director. When editing the clips it was funny because I heard her voice all the way through the first half of the day. here is the final video. http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=bYX7YyfqiYY

Agreed, take charge!

Whenever there's group shots and everyone else is taking pictures causing people to look in all directions I usually wait a few seconds for the "snapshotters" to get their picture and then with a strong & clear voice (and a smile) I say: "Ok guys, everyone look at me please!" (If it's a fun crowd I'll say something that makes them all smile or laugh if possible). It hasn't failed me yet. People will focus on you for a few seconds before they start drifting again. Repeat as required.

If it's posed group shots where I'm posing them I also find that moving onlookers to the side helps, that way no one "catches the eyes" of those standing behind me. People in the direct line of sight of the group will always cause someone to look at them instead of the camera (especially kids. The attention span for boys is about zero and for girls maybe a second).

There's a thousand ways to do it, but take charge and you'll get the picture you want.