What about when you aren't the photog?

I am invited to two weddings in the coming months, neith of which am I the photog for. How do I remain respectful while still catching the best shoots possible?

A few things come to mind--don't compete for the same shot. i.e. if the photog is getting a group shot don't stand right beside or behind him, as half the people will look at you and half will look at him, thus ruining the shot for both of you. #2) stay out of the background of the other photog's shot. #3) be sure to be respectful not only of the photographer but of the B&G as well. It's probably more important to them that the main photog "catches the best shoots possible" instead of you.

I'm sure others will chime in.

~mp

How about just enjoying the day? I'm a groomsman at a wedding in about a month, it'll be the first time i've seen another photographer shoot a wedding!I will have a camera somewhere near me for part of the day, but I have no intention of interrupting the day so I can take photos.

tim wrote in post #4279294
How about just enjoying the day?

That's what I'd do. Just relax and enjoy the free alcohol...enjoy it a lot!

ypx3 wrote in post #4279186
I am invited to two weddings in the coming months, neith of which am I the photog for. How do I remain respectful while still catching the best shoots possible?

Unless I was asked by the B&G to contribute photographically in some way, I wouldn't show up with anything beyond a P&S.

They've hired a photographer and they aren't getting married so you can enrich your personal portfolio.

Sorry if this comes off as really blunt but this issue falls sqaurely in the catagory of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

If others disagree, fire away...

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #4279319
Unless I was asked by the B&G to contribute photographically in some way, I wouldn't show up with anything beyond a P&S.

They've hired a photographer and they aren't getting married so you can enrich your personal portfolio.

Sorry if this comes off as really blunt but this issue falls sqaurely in the catagory of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

If others disagree, fire away...

I agree with this. At best, I would throw the 50 or something similarly inconspicous on the camera for photos of the group I'm with at the wedding, my kids in their outfits, and sure, everybody takes a shot of the first dance, etc.

They've invited you to their wedding because they consider you close enough to be someone they want to share this day with.. They want you to witness their vows, they've spent way too much money on your meal, and they've thrown a party at which you are one of the likely very carefully chosen guests, so respect their wishes and enjoy it.

If you still want to take photos of the wedding on a higher level, I would talk to the B&G first. Perhaps ask them about any gaps in coverage. Maybe there's no one covering the guys getting ready, or they'd like you to get shots of the cocktail hour while they have posed formals done. I would just feel so intrusive taking photos otherwise, particularly during the ceremony.

Leave you gear at home.

I agree. Leave your gear at home, unless the bride and groom specifically ask you to bring it and grab some shots for them - ie. if their paid photog is only doing ceremony and formals, they might want you to shoot the reception or pre-wedding stuff.

cdifoto wrote in post #4279311
That's what I'd do. Just relax and enjoy the free alcohol...enjoy it a lot!

+1. I've been waiting a long time to hit the open bar at a wedding and ordering something other than water or soda (or the stupid fruit punch fountains that always flow too slowly). I'm a guest in a wedding in March and I can't wait!

I'm attending a wedding next year... It's been a long time since the last one where I was a guest. I'll keep my gear minimal.

I was actually thinking of contacting their 'tog and shadow them... because I think that I'll be bored out of my mind if I just go as a guest... I'm just so used of running around like a chicken with its head cut off! But I'll check with the B&G first though!

sblais wrote in post #4279741
I'm attending a wedding next year... It's been a long time since the last one where I was a guest. I'll keep my gear minimal.

I was actually thinking of contacting their 'tog and shadow them... because I think that I'll be bored out of my mind if I just go as a guest... I'm just so used of running around like a chicken with its head cut off! But I'll check with the B&G first though!

Why would you shadow them? Take photos of stuff the main photog isn't getting.

sblais wrote in post #4279741
I was actually thinking of contacting their 'tog and shadow them... because I think that I'll be bored out of my mind if I just go as a guest... I'm just so used of running around like a chicken with its head cut off! But I'll check with the B&G first though!

Are you serious or taking the piss?

Bad wording... now shadowing, but second shooting. If the 'tog doesn't already have a second shooter, of course. You can always learn a thing or two by second shooting.

Guests don't get to go to formals... they have to wait. They don't see the preparation.... they have to wait. I'd just get bored waiting!

sblais wrote in post #4279810
Guests don't get to go to formals... they have to wait. They don't see the preparation.... they have to wait. I'd just get bored waiting!

Take photos of the people mingling and having a few drinks. Have a few yourself.

mizuno wrote in post #4279783
Are you serious or taking the piss?

Oh, and I've never second shot with anyone yet... I'd like to try having fun shooting at a wedding without the stress of being the wedding planner also! I just don't see what all the fuss is about!