"You Suck As A Photographer"!

jcolman wrote in post #16801949
How long did it take you to get setup? If you kept the people waiting for more than 5 minutes then yes....you do suck as a photographer.

You really should be able to set your light in less than a minute or two at the most.

from what it sounds like, OP was setting up before things got going in the reception and these people were early hang arounds as there always are.

peeaanuut wrote in post #16802041
from what it sounds like, OP was setting up before things got going in the reception and these people were early hang arounds as there always are.

That is normal. Once the ceremony is over, people are going to be hanging around waiting for the formals. But I want to know how long if took the OP to set up his light or lights for these pics.

You really have to be FAST setting up your lights. I never use more than one.

Of course if you have assistants then it is a different story.

If you are not, it will look like you do not know what you area doing. People get cranky when they are hungry too *L*

"Ma'am, when you say that, I think you would prefer poor results..."

;}

Oh, and this.....

http://en.wikipedia.or​g …llegitimi_non_c​arborundum

I'm shooting budget weddings myself. I've never had anyone tell me I suck but, I can say that my clients are extremely demanding. Keeping everyone happy requires being not one, but at least two steps ahead of everyone.

I never associated the high demand with their investment ($1,500 and under), I just thought that's whats typical in the wedding photography industry.

For what it's worth, I do whatever I can to avoid having my clients exposed to any of the "behind the scenes" activity. I have a feeling that somehow, it takes away from the professionalism of what we do.

Just my thoughts.

Was the woman the bride? Did she hire you?
Could we see results of the shoot?

My bro hired a photog who claimed 25 years of experience with albums, etc. Hired!
Well, boom, the bozo sends his 21 year old son to shoot the wedding with a
Canon 350D, and a macro lens.

The photos were just fine, but not what the client paid for.

I'm a smartass at heart. I would have shouted back :

1. Yes...I do suck as a photographer. The bride said the guests are rude and horrible, so might as well go cheap!

2. You suck as a guest. Enjoy the free booze...bartender cut her off.

3. I sure hope I brought the flattering lens! Ooops...I forgot, let's take you later.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #16798768
Poor people are generally unruly and lacking in class, it's true.

Speaking of lacking in class....

Read more carefully. I was reprimanding the commenter above me, if you took time to notice.

PhotoMatte wrote in post #16811770
Speaking of lacking in class....

Nathan wrote in post #16799156
So many generalizations about poor people, CEOs and politicians... which basically says we've run the gamut of the human socio-economic spectrum. Put those generalizations aside... if people are arseholes, they are arseholes, regardless. Status has nothing to do with it. I've worked and volunteer with "poor" people and now I work regularly with CEOs of small to large size companies and politicians. All sorts of types, but 98% of the time people are courteous, polite and professional.

Part of it has to do with my effort in presenting myself as courteous, polite and professional. That's what is key here. Sorry to the OP for encountering these situations. Just remember that your response should always be courteous, polite and professional regardless.

Me and my family are poor. My parents grew up poor but never lost respect and never failed to show kindness and I do my best to be that way. It is all how you are raised and the environment you were raised in. I wish I was not poor but not able to do anything about my situation right now so generalizations on the poor is unwarranted.