What would a wedding tog do?

Galaxy66

Galaxy66

Jeremy Beadle
Suspended / Banned
Messages
9,190
Name
My name is Mal not Jeremy :)
Edit My Images
Yes
I am imagining a situation where a guest with decent gear at a wedding followed you around taking their own pics, taking advantage of the work put in by you the professional in setting up your own shots.

I could also imagine a situation where a guest might even get in the way with a compact.

Have any of you been in those situations ?, I would imagine it would have to be handled delicately so as not to upset the B&G or the guests.
 
Evening mal,

I accidentally got in the way of the pro at a wedding a couple of years ago and he just said "sorry mate but they are paying for my shots and the back of your head in one of them isn't going to please the bride".
 
1 - Don't do lots of set up shots.

2 - When you do make sure yours look better.

3 - Ask them to stop (politely) during the formals if they are being a nuisance so eyes are wandering from your lens.

4 - Do the B&G portraits away from everyone else

5 - Don't price so that you are relying on print sales to make money out of the day.
 
Most photographers go on about their right to take photographs in a public place and without asking peoples permission....until its a wedding photographer. They should be good enough and professional enough to get on with it and be confident they'll have the better shots.

I work in a venue that has around 70 weddings a year and only really see the togs getting miffed when the guests flashes start going off.
 
i did a wedding a couple of weeks ago and there was a guy there with a cheapy little camcorder - on a tripod :S and during parts of the ceremony he just kept following me around :( it was well annoying

the worst it got was when he started tapping me on the shoulder and telling my assistant that my 'camera makes too loud a clicky sound' for his recording.

i totally ignored him until eventually when the cake was just about to be cut and i was chatting to the bride and groom anyway, he plonked his massive tripod/camcorder arrangment right up infront of it and i politely said to Martin (groom) i really cant be in competition for shots with this guy so do you mind if i stand on his toe

They were good friends so Martin had a wee word, by the end of the evening me and the camcorder guy were getting on fine and all was well.

I think i handled it fine, felt no tension for the rest of the wedding, whereas if i had turned around at the beginning and told him to **** off which is what i wanted to do, it could have caused problems
 
The biggest asset in being a photographer of people is having people skills.

This sort of situation is covered by having that skill.

Graham
 
Whoa! That was **** with a P not **** with an F btw - these forum sensors are making me seem much angrier than i was :P
 
When shooting I tell the B&G to ignore the papparazzi and to look my way. This prevents them from looking all over the place. Once I have my shots I let the guests take a quick shot then quickly move onto the next shot. They soon get fed up chasing me around and mostly they give up.
 
I always find these sorts of conversations interesting. As Lomond Lad says, everyone harps on about the right to take photographs in public places until it comes to a wedding!

Surly weddings are more than just the B&G getting married. Are they not all about the gests sharing the event with the B&G and EVERYONE celebrating the day. After all, these people getting in the way and annoying you are guest. Which means they are close family and friends and therefore part of the wedding and I always feel that they have as much right if not more than me to be taking photographs on the day.

The onus is on the “Professional Photographer” to work with everyone on the day to get the best shots and if they can not do that with guests talking photographs as well then are they in the right line of work?

People skills. Knowing when to step in and take control and knowing when to step back.

Debs
 
I attended my friend's wedding as a guest, they'd asked me to be the photographer but I turned it down. On the day, their photographer was grumpy, rude and threatened to sue guests for photographing the poses he'd arranged. He was spoiling the day and I had a quiet word with him.

My approach was always to welcome guests taking photos, I'd even end up draped in cameras, taking their shots for them so they could be in the picture. It was worth so much more in goodwill than a few print sales and kept the day light, stopped guests getting bored as they were involved in the process. It didn't have an impact on print sales anyway.

Before I started wedding photography I attended a course, there I learnt many techniques of spoiling the guests photos. None of which I was comfortable with and didn't use.
 
Weddings that I've done in the past, whether as a guest or as the official phot, have had one thing in common - everyone wants their own photos of the event...
When I was doing the job officially, I'd get the Best Man to organise the groups and corall everyone into place, leaving me to organise the shot once everyone was there (I regard that as his job, as he's more likely to know everyone on the list of shots I have to take...).
At the outset I'd make an announcement to the effect of "no flash photography during the set-up shots please...but after my groups are done with, fill your boots..." That usually seemed to do the trick, though occasionally I'd make my feelings known politely if a guest was taking the mickey...

When attending as a guest, I would talk to the photographer beforehand, assure him that I'm not there to take food off his table and try not to get in his way...but take the shots I wanted to take anyway.

I have a delicate one later this month - a freind of Jules, my GF, is getting married and she's offered up my services as official tog...unfortunately the job had already been offered to another freind, someone significantly less experienced (a photography student, no less). On seeing my photos the bride to be is very keen that I do the job, but is unwilling to let the other guy down as he's very very excited about doing the job also - he's not getting paid for the job, whereas I'll be doing it at a reduced rate - freinds and family discount and all that...
I'm going to have to do all my set-ups of the preparation beforehand and try not to hurt his feelings too much on the day while still getting the main shots...
Since he's a student, I may take the route of "here, let me show you how it's done - I'll set the shot up for you, take a couple then you have a go..." or I may just tie him up, gag him and shove him in a closet somewhere...
 
it's Germany, I think it's more of a wilden-hirsch party...
 
If I were the student I would much rather assist and learn from a pro than try on my own. I'm sure he will jump at the chance of being tutored.
 
Firstly, let me just address the point of public property since a couple of people have raised it.

Bridal prep-private property
Church wedding-private property (but public do have access for the ceremony only)
Civil ceremony -private property (Same rule as the church one just no hymns)
Reception- private property

See a pattern here folks.

The only time I'm on public property is if I do some shots in the street outside or if we go to a park or a beach somewhere. The public DO have a right of access because of that little phrase in the ceremony "If anyone here knows of any reason why these two should not be lawfully married, speak now or forever hold your peace" You obviously need to get in to be able to say it. Except Charles and Camilla got married in council property and they got round it by filling the place with service personnel and then quoting Health and Safety regs for not allowing anyone in.

Back on topic. :)

I have had the uncle with the DSLR getting in my way and I mean really in my way. And yes, it does come down to people skills. I just had a very quiet word with him to the effect that I did not want to spoil what he was doing but did he mind awfully keeping an eye open for me before wandering in to shot. "as a fellow tog I'm sure you know what I mean" sort of flattery.

For the B&G shots, I take them off for half an hour and they know to expect this. I also make sure I have some chocolate and some water for them too. A quick sugar hit and some fluids are very much needed and it's the only break they do get from the guests so I encourage them to make the most of it. And we go and have some fun while the guests have some champagne.

Group shots are usually Ok and if I have a few folks wanting pics then that's fine, I do the same thing, just shout out to everyone that "More than happy just let me shoot mine first please so I get everyone looking the right way" A small explanation that makes sense and everyone gets what they want. Also just a loud "Everyone, eyes to me, here we go!" works wonders.

If anyone was seriously encroaching to the point of making my job nigh on impossible (and that has not happened at all yet) and did not take notice of a polite word then I would approach the B&G if it really was that bad and tell them that they are affecting the quality of what they are paying for. It's then up to them whether they wish to do anything about it, if they do, great and if they don't they can have little complaint when the pics come back with them looking the wrong way!

But. There would have to be something go seriously bad for anything to get to that stage. It should be solvable long long long before that.

Off to shoot one right now, catch you all later :)
 
Wedding photography is 10% photography and 90% people skills. Your people skills should ensure this problem is solved should it ever occur.

Pete
 
I'm attending a wedding next month at which the bride wanted me to be the official photographer. I politely declined as I don't want the responsibility of ruining their big day(!) but agreed to still take my gear and take some reportage shots instead throughout the day.

I've asked them many times to let the official photographer know who I am and why I'm there with some serious glass so that he knows I'm doing it at their request before the day.

Something tells me they haven't quite got round to it yet though!

My intention is to seek him out as soon as I can for a quick word to let him know what I'm doing to diffuse any problems from the off. Given that my brief is more 'reportage' style, I don't think I'll be shooting over his shoulder at any point, but I always think it's best to be clear.
 
You're not going to subdue a horde of amateur phots at a wedding any easier than combating a plague of locusts. Don't think about starting a battle that you have no hope of winning.

Accommodate them - on your terms. Seemples.
 
what is this issue with students! If you had of heard your friend speaking about hiring someone who had spent the last year self studying hard to achieve good results in photography, you wouldnt bat an eyelid but somehow us lot that have gone to get a degree in our field are shunned i think its ridiculous

what breeds this contempt for people who have given their life to photography?
 
Formal groups, guest can do what they like, it doesn't bother me.

B&G shots, I take the couple off alone and if anyone follows us I stand back and say 'go ahead, get your shots and when you're done I'll do mine'. After a few flustered snaps they get the idea, or failing that the B&G tell them to go away ..
 
Interesting replies, proving even more so that wedding photography is not just about how good you are behind the lens and is best left to the experienced professional if the B&G want a good account of their special day.
 
the point being ...does their involvement detract from your fee etc
its a free world
i am one of those who take photos unofficially...and did recently at a relatives wedding on the isles of scilly...but...i was not in any way in the way
and waited till the B/G chose their shots for their albums...then sent them some snaps for online use only
the pro and i chatted a bit and i admired his equipment
taking this from the other side of the fence...the pro was a pro and was in no way seemed to be under threat or displeased with my...and others photography
he gave instructions for his set and kept us all under control
i know my place :D
 
Interesting points these.
I'm new to the game and a friend of my sister is getting married in a couple of weeks. Her friend has agreed to let me come along and take some shots of the wedding.
I don't think her official tog knows about this yet.
I'm planning to call the bride this week and ask if she can let him know.
It's doing me a big favour, increasing my portfolio, but the last thing I would want to do is get in the way
 
ignore them unless they got in the way then a polite word would be spoken.
 
Some of you may of seen the thread I posted about the wedding I went to last sat. the photographers were rude and managed to annoy pretty much everyone by going out of their way to ruin as many other peoples shots as possible.

However, we had one guest, a complete thug who actually got changed in to cheap jeans and Tshirt for the wedding breakfast (he was family unfortunately), who decided that he was going to be clever and hold his P&S over the official togs head for all the set shots.

I had to pull him aside after the second time and tell him that his behaviour would cause all sorts of problems for the B&G if the tog got peeved and walked away. He was better after that.

WeddingHack said:
Formal groups, guest can do what they like, it doesn't bother me.

B&G shots, I take the couple off alone and if anyone follows us I stand back and say 'go ahead, get your shots and when you're done I'll do mine'. After a few flustered snaps they get the idea, or failing that the B&G tell them to go away ..
Click to expand...

No offence but if at my wedding you told people they couldn't follow us around as we had photos taken I'd be telling you that they are more than welcome. The wedding day for most people is a day to celebrate with friends and family, not to leave them all somewhere else while you b****r off. We had lots of B&G shots, you would think we were totally alone in the photos however in reality we had about 15-20 people off camera having a laugh and a giggle with us in between shots.
 
Well touch wood if you're a wedding tog you're gonna have quite good gear anyway, and if one of the guests is following you and you've got a 50mm 1.2 they are using the kit lens at 50mm 5.6 in a church, your shots will probally be worlds apart!
 
The registrar asked me to take the signing of the register and that group first before telling the guests they could then do so.

It obviously prevented the millions of flashes and subjects looking away from my camera.. but it still meant that everyone had pics of that moment.

The bride was laughing as she said it was like the papparazi!!! :lol:

People didnt really follow me round.. but I still only got orders from bride and groom and bride's parents.


My shot:

VG-69.jpg





and the papparazi that followed lol :)


VG-70.jpg
 
Harvey_nikon said:
No offence but if at my wedding you told people they couldn't follow us around as we had photos taken I'd be telling you that they are more than welcome. The wedding day for most people is a day to celebrate with friends and family, not to leave them all somewhere else while you b****r off. We had lots of B&G shots, you would think we were totally alone in the photos however in reality we had about 15-20 people off camera having a laugh and a giggle with us in between shots.
Click to expand...

And that's fine as well, I don't tell the guests to go away, my clients do.
 
If I was a second photographer or just a guest, I would strive for very different shots of the event. Shots from very different angles and much more candid than the official photographers tight remit.

Free of the shackles to be as creative as I could. I certainly would not want to stand next to the official photographer.

I don't recall who posted the link, but I have bookmarked this guy as I love his work.

http://www.jeffascough.com/

I would not dare to be messing about taking long range shots of the B&G getting out of the car (and potentially missing the money shots). However, as a second/amateur shooter you certainly could. It would add to the whole day, rather than be a poor facsimile.

But I'm still waiting to be asked...

Graham
 
That just reminded me, at a wedding last week where I was a guest, I took my 400D along. When the offical tog was busy setting shots up, I went to take a single shot of the B+G looking natural before the posed pic... when he looked over at me, I smiled and gestered as if to say go ahead, Ive got my shot. He looked at me like I was filth!!!! And guess who I was sat next to at dinner? :lol:

There are some ****s out there, he was one of them :D
 
blue max said:
If I was a second photographer or just a guest, I would strive for very different shots of the event. Shots from very different angles and much more candid than the official photographers tight remit.

Free of the shackles to be as creative as I could. I certainly would not want to stand next to the official photographer.

I don't recall who posted the link, but I have bookmarked this guy as I love his work.

http://www.jeffascough.com/

I would not dare to be messing about taking long range shots of the B&G getting out of the car (and potentially missing the money shots). However, as a second/amateur shooter you certainly could. It would add to the whole day, rather than be a poor facsimile.

But I'm still waiting to be asked...

Graham
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing that link Graham, some great unusual candid wedding shots in there.
 
Betty said:
That just reminded me, at a wedding last week where I was a guest, I took my 400D along. When the offical tog was busy setting shots up, I went to take a single shot of the B+G looking natural before the posed pic... when he looked over at me, I smiled and gestered as if to say go ahead, Ive got my shot. He looked at me like I was filth!!!! And guess who I was sat next to at dinner? :lol:

There are some ****s out there, he was one of them :D
Click to expand...

I was at Belsay Hall in Northumberland, a National trust property, with Garvin (erg121). At the time there was an official archery competition being covered by a press photographer with a huge 600L lens, when he was not busy, we approached him and made a friendly remark about the huge lens he had, he took a glance at us and immediately turned his back and walked away!!. Obviously our meagre 70-200L's, not even mine with IS and 1.4 converter:D) qualified us to grace his presence:shake:.
 
After the big group I tend to find people ill always want to shoot the mini groups I'm setting up, so I simply ask anyone a bit keen to wait a mo until I've got one first

I also find that 'splinter' groups also form off to the sides, these can be individual families or sometimes all the 'girls' 'boys' whatever, so I keep my eye out for such happenings too and run over and shoot them too. I often find that while Aunty Pat has set up her own mini group they will all look at me anyway

I've even had people asking me about this at a Wedding meeting, and when I mention my relaxed approach that's when stories of PITA togs come out :lol:

Of course I have previously made it clear that the couple alone shots are simply that, and never had a problem being followed

DD
 
Oh and a funny on 'gear snobbery' - at my last Wedding (last Saturday) the chap covering the Wedding before us had a just one small DSLR (no idea what) and was happily using it's pop-up flash; he also had only one mid-range zoom (but was a Pro though - even had a name badge to prove it ;))

What blew me away though was that he had TWO TRIPODS :eek: and didn't use either of them :shrug:

And both were so weedy they'd have blown over if anyone farted near them :D

See - you don't need loads of gear to do a Wedding :thumbs: :coat:

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
Oh and a funny on 'gear snobbery' - at my last Wedding (last Saturday) the chap covering the Wedding before us had a just one small DSLR (no idea what) and was happily using it's pop-up flash; he also had only one mid-range zoom (but was a Pro though - even had a name badge to prove it ;))

What blew me away though was that he had TWO TRIPODS :eek: and didn't use either of them :shrug:

And both were so weedy they'd have blown over if anyone farted near them :D

See - you don't need loads of gear to do a Wedding :thumbs: :coat:

DD
Click to expand...

And the results...

We need a link Dave :thumbs:

Graham
 
DiddyDave said:
Oh and a funny on 'gear snobbery' - at my last Wedding (last Saturday) the chap covering the Wedding before us had a just one small DSLR (no idea what) and was happily using it's pop-up flash; he also had only one mid-range zoom (but was a Pro though - even had a name badge to prove it ;))

What blew me away though was that he had TWO TRIPODS :eek: and didn't use either of them :shrug:

And both were so weedy they'd have blown over if anyone farted near them :D

See - you don't need loads of gear to do a Wedding :thumbs: :coat:

DD
Click to expand...

Maybe the tripods were for off camera flashes if it rained?
 
swanseamale47 said:
Maybe the tripods were for off camera flashes if it rained?
Click to expand...

That was my thinking too - but the only bag he had with him couldn't have held much more than a packet of tissues. That and it was sunny all day and forecast to be sunny all day too

If it hadn't been for his name badge, I'd have thought he was simply an Uncle with a camera

Still, it's not a hard place to get some good shots so I'll assume he did ok - takes all sorts

DD
 
DiddyDave said:
That was my thinking too - but the only bag he had with him couldn't have held much more than a packet of tissues. That and it was sunny all day and forecast to be sunny all day too

If it hadn't been for his name badge, I'd have thought he was simply an Uncle with a camera

Still, it's not a hard place to get some good shots so I'll assume he did ok - takes all sorts

DD
Click to expand...

Where do you get these name badges from ? I want to look like a pro:D
 
AliB said:
Firstly, let me just address the point of public property since a couple of people have raised it.

Bridal prep-private property
Church wedding-private property (but public do have access for the ceremony only)
Civil ceremony -private property (Same rule as the church one just no hymns)
Reception- private property

See a pattern here folks.
Click to expand...

Technically correct but so far from reality.

I'm a General Manager of a licenced venue which holds around 70 weddings a year amongst other events. Also licensed for civil marriages and partnerships with a registrar as well as ministers. I concede that it IS private property but the reality is, in the 21 years I have worked here, I have NEVER restricted the use of photograghy in my venue...in fact I have positivley encouraged it!

Are you saying that in bridal prep - and I take it you mean at the parents or brides home - that she is going to restrict photography to the Pro Tog and stop Aunty Betty from taking a few snaps because she's in private property? :lol:

Same applies at Church or wherever a wedding is taking place.....photography by the guests are taken as the norm I would suspect.

I think some Pro's attidudes at weddings suck regarding other people around them taking pic's. Fortunately, I have a great relationship with all the local Pro's because they know I have an interest in what they're doing but they know if they mess me or any guests around with attitude they would be off the recommended Tog list as quick as as he could say "smile!". ;)

And don't even think of holding the meal up! :bat:
 
feeb said:
what is this issue with students! If you had of heard your friend speaking about hiring someone who had spent the last year self studying hard to achieve good results in photography, you wouldnt bat an eyelid but somehow us lot that have gone to get a degree in our field are shunned i think its ridiculous

what breeds this contempt for people who have given their life to photography?
Click to expand...

Because all students are soap-dodging dole-bludgers, perhaps?
I was one back in the 80's, so I know...lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top