Wedding Etiquette - "That one guest with the camera"

Im curious... How offensive to another photographer would it be for a wedding guest to take pictures?

I'll be going to my cousins wedding sometime early next year, and I would really love to take pictures of my own. I'm still learning photography and it just dawned on me that I think it would be a pretty a-hole move on my part if I took a shot that should have been one of theirs. On the other hand, I would also like to take pictures of my own for my personal collection and add to my experience. I still have alot to learn about composition and my equipment. Perhaps I should just take my shots before and after the church and just leave my gear behind for the main events?

What are your guy's thoughts on this?

1. Taking pictures = no big deal.
2. Getting in the way and/or being a distraction and/or trying to be a big bad sideline professional = big deal.

I have a clause in my contract that allows me to leave if you're #2 to the extent that I cannot do my job because of you.

I think it depends on the official photographer. If its not too time consuming or distracting, go for it. I am the kind that is the, 1 for you, 1 for me type of guy. I have let others take photos of the formals, but I just dont let it get out of hand and let them run the show.

I dont like the attitude of, "I am the official photographer, let me take all the photos and have the bride and groom get them to you." I say if there is time and whatnot, why not let others have a chance to get photos too.

This makes you look friendly and hireable (yep, made that one up) by others possibly. And here's my final thought... typically if someone is wanting too many photos, the bride or groom will tell them not to take any photos themselves and just let the official photographer do their job. I've seen that happen as well.

Okay, here's more from me. I am just too full of opinions tonight. I know you arent the average person, and you have a more professional setup. I still wouldnt feel offended by that as long as the person wanting a few photos was not rude or pushy. Just talk to the photographer and see what they have to say.

I certainly wouldn't want to be in their way. Prefferably, i'd like to be wherever they're not.

cdifoto wrote in post #4508037
I have a clause in my contract that allows me to leave if you're #2 to the extent that I cannot do my job because of you.

I also have that, but would only do that if the situation got way out of hand. It is just there in case I absolutely need it. Like I said above, typically the bride and groom have more of a leg to stand on if someone is getting out of hand and will put that person in their place and let the photographer continue on with business.

Try and ask in advance, make contact with the photog prior to the wedding, and see what they say!! Who knows you may get an assignment as an assistant or a 2nd shooter. Silly stuff does happen.

Most photographers love to talk about gear, their work etc. Just keep in mind what CDI said and all should be cool. BUT if they say no, please honor it.

Les

There was a thread regarding this about a month ago or so and the consensus seemed to be: Unless you've specifically been asked to shoot anything by the Bride and/or Groom, leave your gear at home and just go be a wedding guest.

koalawalla wrote in post #4508055
I certainly wouldn't want to be in their way. Prefferably, i'd like to be wherever they're not.

This is also quite difficult because the photographer should be in eyesight of the bride and groom 99.9% of the time during a wedding, after all, it is their big day.

Who knows, maybe you would be able to capture the bride and groom alone for a few quick minutes to give your skills a go.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #4508063
There was a thread regarding this about a month ago or so and the consensus seemed to be: Unless you've specifically been asked to shoot anything by the Bride and/or Groom, leave your gear at home and just go be a wedding guest.

The theme of that thread was enjoy the free alcohol and get as walloped as you can.

cdifoto wrote in post #4508068
The theme of that thread was enjoy the free alcohol and get as walloped as you can.

Only after the important photos have been taken

Jeff Allred wrote in post #4508066
This is also quite difficult because the photographer should be in eyesight of the bride and groom 99.9% of the time during a wedding, after all, it is their big day.

Yes it is. I was actually 2nding with Jamie Wexler and accidentally got in his way a few times. Not a major deal because he could yell "hey dip****!" and I'd move, but even if you're trying to stay out of the way but get alternate shots it can still happen. We actually worked pretty well together. It'd be even more difficult for 2 people who aren't working in tandem.

Jeff Allred wrote in post #4508071
Only after the important photos have been taken

Actually. The alcohol is what makes the important photos important.

Lol. I think i'll just take a few shots of my cousin and her fiancee as well as the reception area an hour or two before the wedding when everythings all set and ready to go. I'll definately want to have a chat with the photographer reguardless. I'm sure we'll have alot to talk about.

ask permission
and never ever get in the way... listen to his instruction.. and it might be useful to you to look at what he is doign if you are still learning...

I disagree with some of what has been said above. These days everyone at a wedding has a camera, and many of them are slrs.

Feel free to take photos, but do not get in the way, especially with bridal party shots - do not ask the subjects to look your way, you must let the main photog do their job and pose the party as they see fit.

You will get some great shots just hovering and taking unexpected photos - they do not have to be looking your way for the photos to be ace.