so i was shooting a wedding this weekend...

Your lucky you just had an over zealous rookie. I had a bride totally take control of the shoot and allow everything to become a run amuk shoot. I got some very nice shots, but many times I had guests walking up in the middle of posed photos to chat with the bride and groom(who welcomed them). I got half the photos that I could have, and it took twice as long!

That's funny, sortof. I don't recall having any major problems with guests other than one jumping in front of me for a bouquet toss. I just don't think she had any idea I was standing there since I was between tables.

I generally let guests do their thing for group shots before I even start (telling them straight up anyone who wants to get shots to go for it and then let me have my time). Works out really well, especially letting them go first. They love and as a result love me.

As for throughout the day, I'm all over the place so no one really has a chance to get in my way (aside from that bouquet toss mentioned earlier). I kept the shot of her in my way as evidence in case the bride wondered why I missed that one. People have said my coverage looks like 2 photographers, if not more.

The fiercest weapon in that situation is the mother of the bride. I go ask if she knows that person because they are ruining all the shots by jumping in. And if she would talk to them about making sure I have my shots before they jump in. Bride's moms can be very pursuasive during these times and sometimes down right rude where I can't be.

The fiercest weapon. LOL!

AdrianeCale wrote in post #5827370
I'm a big stickler when it comes to guests taking pictures and being in my shot. I don't care if they sit in the seat and take pictures during the ceremony. But I don't let it fly during the portraits. If I see someone getting up during the ceremony to get different angles, I will walk over to them and ask them to sit back down, and tell them that prints are available for purchase through my website. During the portraits, I'll let a few people snap a couple shots with their point and shoot cameras, but if someone is there with an SLR and they're taking shots of every pose I set up, then I ask them to stop. If they won't, then I tell the couple that their free prints are no longer available, and they will have to purchase everything they want. I warn the couple that I will say that, but it isn't true. Usually the person that is the problem will feel bad and stop, and then everything is cool. But if it doesn't then I pack up my stuff and leave.

If I had been the OP, I would have gone to those people the minute I saw them, and explained the situation. Most of the time people are pretty cool about it. If they give you attitude, then go speak with the bride or groom, and tell them that if the problem isn't solved, then you'll be leaving.

I agree with Dermit, it is a good idea to have a claus in the contract about other "photographers" and distractions. I have one in mine, and since it's been in there, I've only had one person really bother me.

It's fine if you have a clause and they agree to it but if there's nothing there that is really messed up. They paid for whatever package and for you to tell them their prints are no longer available? They paid you to do their pictures - not to manage other photographers. Why would you only bother them if they have a dslr? Is it because there are no good P&S photography? I think you should just manage with what you have - not try to dictate their own wedding. If they dont get the pictures they want, you can explain the situation.

As a wedding photographer you have to have the confidence to control whatever situation arises, speaking to the B&G if necessary.

I just did my first wedding and had two twits following me around all day. One with a tiny little p&s on a massive tripod (it was really quite comical out there in the bright, bright sunlight), and another with a low end SLR. Both were right behind me for the first 45 mins I shot the formals which really irks me cause I was tripping over them everywhere and of course they're stealing my poses and ideas which annoys the heck out of me. Finally I decided to pretend the weren't there at all, I stuck my eye to camera and didn't bother looking around me when I had to move. After a few minutes of stepping on them and placing my body right in front of their shots, I'd successfully made my point and they went away. I have to say, very annoying, distracting and make everything a little more difficult when you're trying to get a job done.

Wow, ninja style. That's tough. I agree here with Tim. I eat people for breakfast that get in my way. I may have to slap someone and I have insurance to cover that.

Seriously, you do have to be in charge and let the guests know that you cannot put up with them getting in your way. Your job is to get the best photos of the wedding and when you are frustrated and unhappy, that reflects on the party. Talk to the B&G, talk to the annoying guest, talk to the bride's Mom, if you have to! Just make sure you are in charge. And if you are getting annoyed, and can't make them stop, it is quite okay to stop, take a breath, and move on. Mace is good.

I think it's a wedding photographer's job to work with the guests rather than bully them around in the name of the contract. Clauses can cover the missed shots, but bullying everyone around just gets you tagged as an *******.

If you work with them as friends rather than against them as enemies, they'll be asking for your business card...even moreso if you're fun and let everyone else have fun too.

cdifoto wrote in post #5834456
I think it's a wedding photographer's job to work with the guests rather than bully them around in the name of the contract. Clauses can cover the missed shots, but bullying everyone around just gets you tagged as an *******.

If you work with them as friends rather than against them as enemies, they'll be asking for your business card...even moreso if you're fun and let everyone else have fun too.

I agree with this, but sometimes, Uncle Joe is right there every time. As a professional, you still have to maintain control, not show any frustration. Joking around is great, and putting everyone at ease is key, that's why the B&G have to be comfortable. These situations really do happen, even at weddings I've covered. Be a professional about it is key.

I always wonder why I can't get more than $75/hour for people photography when I think my work seems to be at least as good as some who charge twice as much. Yet when I raise my prices I never get any calls for work.

cdifoto wrote in post #5834456
I think it's a wedding photographer's job to work with the guests rather than bully them around in the name of the contract. Clauses can cover the missed shots, but bullying everyone around just gets you tagged as an *******.

If you work with them as friends rather than against them as enemies, they'll be asking for your business card...even moreso if you're fun and let everyone else have fun too.

Absolutely. The clauses in the contract are only so I can go there and be covered by it if I have to. I guess I am fortunate in that I have never had any problems that have ever escalated to that point. Most people are very understanding and like said, if you work with them and explain things nicely when the need arises you should not have a problem... of course there will always be exceptions along the way. That's just the way life can get.

SuzyView wrote in post #5834547
I agree with this, but sometimes, Uncle Joe is right there every time. As a professional, you still have to maintain control, not show any frustration. Joking around is great, and putting everyone at ease is key, that's why the B&G have to be comfortable. These situations really do happen, even at weddings I've covered. Be a professional about it is key.

Yep and when Uncle Joe's up your ass, you talk shop with him a little bit, show him some pointers, etc.

I haven't had anyone disrespect me or be a total dick to me thus far. Maybe I'm just lucky.

I meet my couples, and anyone else having a say on the wedding day, a few days before the wedding. I let them know among many other things that taking a photo takes a great deal of concentration and it is not as simple as putting a camera to my face and pushing a button. There are some many things to consider, and one little mistake can ruin images. So I would rather concentrate on taking a good picture than concentrating on how to deal with guests who are hindering my efforts. In the end however, I do have a clause which allows me to leave should the contracted parties fail to contain a situation which will prevent me from doing my job.

cdifoto wrote in post #5834456
I think it's a wedding photographer's job to work with the guests rather than bully them around in the name of the contract. Clauses can cover the missed shots, but bullying everyone around just gets you tagged as an *******.

Ok maybe I need to be more explicit: As a wedding photographer you have to have the confidence to control whatever situation arises without pissing people off, abusing people, while keeping everyone happy and smiling.