B&G Want Cardboard Cut-Out of Missing Brother - Should I Do It?

I am not going insane. My oldest son is getting married in August here in VA, and we just sent his younger brother on a mission for 2 years. The older one thinks it would be funny to have his brother's last picture blown up and put on cardboard, cut out his upper body from the shot and put that in some of the family pictures. I have never seen that before, and as a wedding photographer, I think it's tacky, to say the least. What should I do? Humor the B&G and shoot a few like that for kicks, or tell them it's totally ridiculous and no way?

If I didn't know them I would humor them; but since it's your son, I would take into account how much time and effort this will cost you. If you'd rather not do it, I would try and sway him from the idea.

Just be honest about how you feel. You are very likely the person with the most wedding experience that the B&G will encounter during their wedding preparation. They should take your advice seriously.

On the other hand, if you want a more life-like (3-D) model, you can always use an inflatable doll and paste his face on it!

sblais wrote in post #3559672
On the other hand, if you want a more life-like (3-D) model, you can always use an inflatable doll and paste his face on it!

Now that an idea! Then I'd really get some weird looks.

I can get a blown up picture at Costco for about $10 and then just put it on a stick, but really, I think it's silly. I know recently paper cut outs of people are actually popular with so many fathers and mothers going to Iraq, but for a wedding?

There was a television commercial of this scenario...maybe that's where they got the idea.
I agree, it is cheesy...but also funny...and if weddings aren't fun, then what's the point?
It's probably not about trying to actually make the photos look like he was there...it's about the silliness of doing it.

If it's what the older brother/groom & his bride to be want then why not? I'd consider tmaking a life-size cutout and standing the cutout in the group shots at the actual wedding rather than adding in it afterwards.

I'm visioning a group shot, in clusters, with the younger son cutout in the background, as if he's watching in on the wedding since he can't be there himself. It might cost a little to make the cutout but I think it carries some sentimental value. Certainly take some shots without the cutout also though.

I'd just do a couple of them for fun, Suzy. What can it hurt?

sounds hilarious. Someone did that at an office I worked at. He was on vacation for two weeks so he made a lifesize cardboard cutout of him and put it at his desk. If you weren't looking closely, you could hardly tell he wasn't actually there. It was hilarious.

why not do it. It could be fun! It'll make people laugh for years every time you show that photo. OF course, take the same photos without the cutout too!

I also think it would be fun and something that they would talk about the rest of their lives. I think sometimes we get too serious about life and miss out on a lot fun times...

Okay, I'm downloading the image I want to the Costco website right now to blow up and mat on board so I can cut me out of it. I will post the shot I'm thinking of.

SuzyView wrote in post #3561302
Okay, I'm downloading the image I want to the Costco website right now to blow up and mat on board so I can cut me out of it. I will post the shot I'm thinking of.

Suzie,

For what it is worth...a few years ago my daughter and son-in-law asked us to buy them a house sight unseen in State College, PA. They were in Japan at the time and wanted to come home to a house ready to move into. We, of course, were very reluctent to do this but they insisted so we agreed under the condition that they could not complain about the house or neighborhood we choose for them...if they didn't like it then they could simply sell and move to a new location. Anyhow, we found a house that we loved and would have lived in for sure and bought it. We had a power of attorney to sign for them. When we got to the lawyer's office my wife pulled out an 8x10 photo of the two and set it on the desk. When the lawyer asked what was that all about my wife replied..."this is their first home purchase and they are going to be here for the closing." And so they were

Ends up they loved the house...lived in it for ten years and made a $100K+ profit when they sold to move to Chicago on a job transfer.

JimAskew wrote in post #3561393
made a $100K+ profit when they sold to move to Chicago on a job transfer.

I could buy an H3D (and then some) with that and run around claiming to be the next Annie Leibowitz, except male.

As for the cutout thing, do it. Live a little.

Great story, Jim. I appreciate everyone's opinions.

Here is the shot:

SuzyView wrote in post #3561433
Great story, Jim. I appreciate everyone's opinions.

Here is the shot:

Of course, I'm taking myself and the bunny ears out.

He will be a handsome cutout for sure

logistically, will it be a problem to take the picture of a picture (cardboard cut out)? Most of us use a bit of fill flash for group shots, wouldn't the glossy surface be a big problem? I guess one would have to place the flash from the side, then...