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Archive 2009 · 13

Sarah Dickerso
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p.2 #1 · 13

My wedding this past Saturday had ZERO Bobs. I was sooooo excited!! My only issue was that we did formals on the front steps of the chapel. It was 100 degrees and the chapel did not have air conditioning. Everyone was getting tired and loopy and there was a crowd of people that didn't get the bride's directions to "go to the reception and cool off!" and stood around with their p&s's. I had wandering eyes EVERYWHERE and then the family was getting cranky because it was taking so long....but when grandma is about to pass out and can't concentrate on anything but the guy at stage right with the hot pink p&s....

I've mentioned it before but I shoot horse shows as well as weddings and the uncle Bob-ing is getting really bad in that world, too. The unfortunate thing is that my income is earned at shows off of sold prints. I have twice this year had someone sitting in the stands with a white lens and then discovered they were selling "candids" on the side....and I was the listed official photographer. Plenty of parents showing up with prosumer gear there, too. I oftentimes still sell the prints because they may have a zoom that works indoors and reaches across the arena, but they have no idea how to frame a horses' stride. Riding the shutter just doesn't produce the same results as good ol' fashioned knowledge of timing.

Anyway. 13. WOW.

Jun 29, 2009 at 03:52 PM

dan101
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p.2 #2 · 13

I attended a wedding a few weeks ago and the photographer had much cheaper equipment than I did. (I might have been an uncle bob, but I didn't take my cameras with me since I was a guest.) Anyway, I talked to the MOB yesterday and I ask her how the photo's were and she said the photographer said they would have them in six weeks. Is this normal? Six weeks to put digital photo's on a web site? I would bet a lot of potential sales are lost in that much time.

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:02 PM

dpun
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p.2 #3 · 13

Six weeks is not too far out if they are a full-time photographer with a studio and really cares about quality control on all their shots.

Dave

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:09 PM

animal-chin
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p.2 #4 · 13

My name is not Bob, its Chun... I guess that could be equal to a Bob in Korean.

I'm a hobbyist and rock the TT belt when shooting. But you won't have to worry about me. I try my best not to shoot when there are hired photogs. My wife's friend asked me to take some pics at her younger bro's wedding. They said they were on a tight budget. I arrived with my gear and saw that they had 2 photogs. I only took pics of my son that day.

I did get busted once for rocking the TT belt. My friend asked if I and another friend could take some Engagement shots. We headed to Crystal Cove by Newport Beach (with our 5D, 5DMkII, 1DMkIIN, 40D all L glass). We were immediately approached by the lifeguard asking for our professional photo permit (I think the cost is $500 a month or year). We told him we were amateurs and these were our friends. He pointed to my belt and said,"Sorry, you guys are gonna have to leave".

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:11 PM

mcarr
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p.2 #5 · 13

BKphotography wrote:
Most just get drunk and asked me why I'm pointing the flash behind me.

I've got this a few times. This last wedding the FOB "whispers" loudly during the formals: "Does he know his flash is pointed the wrong way?"

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:16 PM

tomKphoto
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p.2 #6 · 13

It's really bad - last season at an Arabic reception there was a line of five dSLRs, all wielded by kids under 12! Like a freakin' junior press corps.

This Spring I counted 35 guest cameras at one wedding in particular.

I have a 'Bob' PDF I give to all clients after they book - goes with the standard info pack. Tastefully written (my wife's a long time published writer/editor) it has 6 really bad Bob-corps images with a suggestion that guests might be urged to leave their cameras behind. About 1 in 10 actually does it, but it's a start.

As for gear, I don't care - I've seen 645's with Leaf backs, and Bob spouces holding wireless speedlights. Whatever, it's your wedding - I've already been paid.

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:18 PM

hardlyboring
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p.2 #7 · 13

If their are that many bob's then I think its only right to challenge some of them to a shoot off. Wait till the reception and then make a small wager about who can achieve the best "flare" shot of the b/g. At the end of the night compare shots and see who the real pro is! Just another way to push yourself as a fotog.
HA
13 wow, at least they had nice equipment but that doesn't mean squat. Someone to talk to I suppose if you were feeling friendly.
Doug

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:20 PM

tomKphoto
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p.2 #8 · 13

The only time I ever say anything is when Mom or Dad starts to be a Bob. "Please, enjoy your son/daughter's wedding - I've got the photos covered"

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:21 PM

jetmutant
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p.2 #9 · 13

Holy smokes 13 Uncles! Mine this weekend had only 1 (auntie Bob!) 30D with a 50 1.4 and supposedly had a 24-70L but that never materialized...she was the GF of the videographer (goofball) and was constanly around my neck with "Bob tips" and digs about my MKIII's really wanted to

her one...

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:22 PM

lisy78
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p.2 #10 · 13

sboerup wrote:
It should also reaffirm your necessity to get paid upfront for everything. I don't care if there would be 15 bobs, as long as I am paid. If bob is in every pic, thats not fault. I really wish brides would tell people not to bring those kind of cameras.

I'm not sure why the "discrimination" against "those kind of cameras"

In my experience, the inconsiderate guests with the big zoom dslrs can be obnoxious due to the sheer size of their cameras... but guests with Point and Shoot and CELL PHONES are no less annoying due to their getting much closer (not enough zoom... don't know they have zoom... don't know what Zoom means?) and their idiotic arms stretched forward stance.

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:24 PM

ksoze2507
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p.2 #11 · 13

Stephen W wrote:
Crazy... Sam I think it's the area you work in. Bay area tends to have a bit too many gearheads. Haven't seen any guests sporting primes (other than me bringing a nifty fifty to a friend's) or L's yet?

I think this is true. Of the few weddings I've shot in that area, the Bob's had better gear than usual. They were really smug about it, too!

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:28 PM

Jimsokay
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p.2 #12 · 13

Yesterday's bride stopped the formals and told the numerous guests with their cameras not to take photos till after the photographer was finished.

I must have gotten my point across at our last meeting.

Jun 29, 2009 at 04:34 PM

jofoto photo
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p.2 #13 · 13

wrong Sam, none have your eye

They might get a lucky few but that's it. It's a shame for the bride when it turns into a video/photoshoot

Why on earth they hire a pro beggars belief, maybe they just like the fuss of having there picture taken.
Attention syndrome, I'mCelebday who knows.

Jun 29, 2009 at 06:05 PM

HJ_Mayes
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p.2 #14 · 13

I bet you that most of 'em are hovering so that they can grab shots that YOU set up and use them for their own "portfolio" to get started.
I saw that recently at a wedding I did a second for - I set the shoes up on a pretty stained glass window sill and when I went to retrieve them after the shot - two people were behind me and asked for me to "leave them there" so they could get the shot too.
Bottomline, there are those that can and do, and those that wish and won't. Honestly, Sam, I wouldn't worry - you are one of the ones that can and do - on a daily basis. The rest will wither and fall away...no matter how expensive their equipment is.
PS _ that just means when they move on to the NEXT hobby - ask 'em how much they wanna sell their equipment for.

Jun 29, 2009 at 06:16 PM

Steve Tinetti
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p.2 #15 · 13

I shot a wedding where John Fielder was there as a guest. No camera - not even a P&S. Good for him.

Jun 29, 2009 at 06:25 PM

MPLS_photog
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p.2 #16 · 13

animal-chin wrote:

Have you seen him?

Jun 29, 2009 at 06:34 PM

57suzi
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p.2 #17 · 13

In my experience, most of the Bobs are using those cameras as expensive point and shoots.
I asked one young man proudly wielding some fancy gear a few casual questions and it was obvious he didn't have a clue.
But some hobbiests do, and they truly shoot for the love of it. Long as I'm not tripping over them, I have a special fondness for everyone who shares my passion.

Jun 29, 2009 at 06:41 PM

sidewazzz388
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p.2 #18 · 13

I saw a BOB's pictures the other week on facebook and had the best laugh in a while

Jun 29, 2009 at 06:46 PM

Andrew Welsh
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p.2 #19 · 13

Sam Hassas wrote:
Will it hurt your reputation as a pro photographer to be out done in way of equipment by a guest a wedding? I'd say yes.

Buy the best. Bob is coming.

The 200/2 pretty much shuts up every bob that I've encountered.

Jun 29, 2009 at 07:01 PM

Volktronic
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p.2 #20 · 13

The camera a photographer does not make.

Jun 29, 2009 at 07:05 PM

jofoto photo
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p.2 #21 · 13

What about your back and the full kit must make you imprint the carpet.
Doing so makes it you easy to track

I vote for a resources thread "how to shake a bob or bobberette"

Andrew Welsh wrote:
The 200/2 pretty much shuts up every bob that I've encountered.

Jun 29, 2009 at 07:36 PM

msack
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p.2 #22 · 13

tomKphoto wrote:
The only time I ever say anything is when Mom or Dad starts to be a Bob. "Please, enjoy your son/daughter's wedding - I've got the photos covered"

I had the MOB this last weekend. I told her to enjoy the wedding and not feel like she had to take pix...she refused and would reset up shots after I finished.

The brother of the bride was worse and jumped in during the formals and started moving people. I gave him a look and that seemed to keep him away.

Jun 29, 2009 at 07:54 PM

animal-chin
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p.2 #23 · 13

MPLS_photog wrote:
animal-chin wrote:

Have you seen him?

I am he

...

Did you watch the movie??

Jun 29, 2009 at 08:25 PM

kick1578
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p.2 #24 · 13

Sam,

Only 13 out of 80? I had worst. I had guy bring monopod, fighting for seat at the isle, and tripping over each others to get "the shot".

I usually bring my wife to play official. She is real tactful until you get to her, then watch out.

Jun 29, 2009 at 08:41 PM

jeremy_clay
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p.2 #25 · 13

Andrew Welsh wrote:

The 200/2 pretty much shuts up every bob that I've encountered.

You mention that thing more then I do toobz.

Jun 29, 2009 at 09:11 PM


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