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.
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.
Would they still be considered Uncle Bobs if they have the expensive equipment but still took good shots and stayed out of the pro's way? I think I'm an Uncle Bob...sorry Jay Premac....
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 talk with the B&G during our consult about this very thing. I let them know that if I am doing posed formals and romantic shots before/after the wedding I will ask any guests in the room to please refrain from taking any photos. I tell them if the B&G have time when I am done then have at it.
I explain to them that time is usually short and having guests snapping pics of my poses takes away from that...not to mention whos eyes will be on their uncles camera when they should be on mine, I then show them a few examples of the wondering eyes from past weddings...once they listen to what I say then I show them the photos...they are on board 100%
George
4honor wrote:
13 is unlucky... I guess it's time I upgrade this little XSi to like the 1Ds3 or something... Thanks for the warning!
Just a fwiw....if I put my 70-200 2.8 IS on my 5D and take a pic...then I take that lens off and put it on my XSI and take the same pic...you would be only guessing as to which took which picture.
Unless it's real low light where I might have to get over 800 ISO...I have never hesitated to grab the XSI...especially when I need/want a bit more reach.
To the op...I rarely pay any attention to what anyone else is shooting with as long as they are not in my way.
As usual...ymmv
George
jeremy_clay wrote:
You mention that thing more then I do toobz.
I would disagree. Granted, you've been quiet about the toobz this year, but last year you was all about the toobz. Perhaps a thorough search could solve that riddle I'll prolly shut up about it after a while. It's still new to me
dpun wrote:
Andrew is making up for other....shortcomings.
Namely my 50/1.4, 85/1.8 and sigma flashes which I skimped out on upgrading in order to afford said lens
Hmmm. Given my budget I may have to take a different course...I've got decent gear, but it's not new and top of the line. Maybe I'll go the opposite direction...instead of upping to the latest digital gear, I'll become one of those natural light ninjas...I'll only use my Leica, and move around the venue with cat-like stealth. The uncle bobs will wonder if there even is a photographer. I'll make Jeff Ascough look like Aunt Wilma with a disposable point and shoot. Only the *real* camera geeks will recognize what I've got in my hands...the tiny piece of German engineered chrome and leather 1950's technology will baffle everyone else. I'll capture the entire day with nothing but my trusty M3, Summicron 50, and four rolls of film. I'll save the T-MAX 3200 for the ceremony. The "Storm of Grain" can become one of my signatures...
In all seriousness, at least around here I don't think it's that big of a problem. Montana isn't exactly known as a hotbed of economic activity . There are plenty of bobs, but I'll be pretty surprised if I see anyone sporting a 1Ds3. I doubt that many people around here even know what a boda bag is, much less think about taking one as a guest. Seriously, that's just crazy! And bizarre. Why on earth would anyone want to pack all that crap to a wedding they aren't getting paid for?
I do see your point though...there is something to be said for having everything about you appear professional when you're on the job, and having a Drebel probably isn't going to get you any points. At least around here though, I think "pretty good" is probably "good enough" for appearances sake. Only the true gearheads are going to know my 1Ds is getting a little long in the tooth...to everyone else, it's just a great big chunk of a camera.
Always have been, always will be. At least they're behind you and will probabaly remain there. It's not like they're here Sam. They're just coming. It's not like they'll ever get here.
I don't care who's coming. I will shoot whatever I please to get the best work done that I think is possible. On some occasions that has been my LX3!!!
:-)
Sam Hassas wrote:
13 bobs at todays 80 person wedding. 13 with SLR's. D700, 5D's, 40D's, L glass, boda bags, and topped off with one who rocked a fong. 13 who all watched to see what the pro was gonna pull out when it was game time. My equipment was best, cost the most and I had the most red stripes on my lenses. This needs to be everyone's testimony. Bob is watching. Bob also has a big mouth and will talk about your low grade gear.
To the folks on the forum who shoot weddings with Rebels and D40's, your gonna raise a lot of eyebrows. The pro-sumers are out in full effect. Can you shoot a wedding with the said cameras? Sure? Can you shoot a wedding WELL with these cameras? I'd say yes. 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.
...
I guess it's time I upgrade this little XSi to like the 1Ds3 or something... Thanks for the warning! 
. There are plenty of bobs, but I'll be pretty surprised if I see anyone sporting a 1Ds3. I doubt that many people around here even know what a boda bag is, much less think about taking one as a guest. Seriously, that's just crazy! And bizarre. Why on earth would anyone want to pack all that crap to a wedding they aren't getting paid for?