Wedding Photographers
By bobmnu
@bobmnu (8157)
United States
May 5, 2008 1:28am CST
I receintly attended a wedding as a family member. As I do, when they have engaged the services of a professional photographer, I started to approach the the photographer and explain who and what I was doing. The photographer turned to me and asked who I was and then told me "I am the photographer and you can't take any photos I am taking or set up." Respecting the wishes I stayed out of the chapel while the formal shots were taken. What bothered me was as I was taking candid shots of the people coming to the wedding and greeting the bride and grooms family members the photographer suddenly started taking some of the same photos I was taking. During the ceremony the photographer between my self and the shot. Most wedding photographers place them self close to the front of the church for the processional so that they can get more than one shot of the wedding party members. I took a seat about 2/3 of the way back and on the isle so I could take some photo that were not "set up" by the photographer. The first photo taken by the photographer was from the opposite side of the isle and then after looking at me moved to my side of the isle. giving me a very narrow shooting range. For the rest of the evening it seemed that the photographer was usually between me and the shot.
Later I heard that one of the other guests was told that if she interfered or took a shot that there would be trouble. I have worked along side many different photographers at weddings and have never been treated in this manner. I know that when I am shooting a group shot, that I will be selling, I have asked that parents wait until I am done and then let them take shots. I have had several people comment that their photos never turn out as good as mine and they buy from me. My feeling is that a little good will goes a long way.
What is your experience with trying to take photos when a professional photographer has been hired to cover the event? How are you treated?
2 people like this
4 responses
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
5 May 08
I have been to many weddings and thankfully I have never come across a photographer like this. Usually the only thing the professional asks is that other people wanting to take a picure wait until he/she is done. The extra flashes affect the exposure. Not to mention the problem of the people who are in the photo looking in different directions.
The photographer sounds as if they were threatened by you in some way. Like you were going to cut in on their profits somehow. In my opinion they acted unprofessionally and downright rude!
@jayperiod (870)
• United States
5 May 08
As a wedding photographer, I talk to the couple up front about other people taking shots. I am a little different, though, in that I am not really looking to sell shots afterwards. I cover the event, then give them the photos with a release for reprints as part of the package. I do tell them, though, that I want other photos taken after I have taken mine. I sometimes use slave strobes and if someone takes a shot, it could affect my shot. I also want to make sure someone doesn't flash at the same time as I do, which would affect my exposure. I don't think I've ever had any problems with other respecting that.
It sounds like you were trying to be respectful and the photographer was being over protective. If his photos are of a superior quality, he shouldn't have to worry about someone else "stealing" shots or sales.
Again, I'm only worried about making sure I provide the best possible product to the couple for the money they've spent on my services. As long as it's not going to take a lot of extra time, and they can be respectful of my services, snap away. I do warn those with point and shoots, though, that if I'm using a slave strobe, it may affect their exposure.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
5 May 08
A friend who was at the wedding told me that most wedding photographers charge a set amount and make sure they cover their expenses up front. Like you they give reprint rights. In the case of a couple of family members who have had such service, reprint rights, they feel it is the way to go. What they have to charge five years later and the time to look up the photos is not always worth it to the client. The biggest use of reprint rights is Christmas cards and to email photos.
My intention always was to work around the photographer and not to interfere. I wanted to know where he/she was going to be so I would not be in the way.
