So we have all been to weddings where we shoot a setup and then the guest gives us their P&S because they want their own pics. So I was at a wedding yesterday as a guest and watched the hired pro do his work. Dude had a Rebel XSI, 17-55 and a 580 running on 4 AA's inside the flash only. OMG. Missed some critical moments when the flash did not go off.
So hired pro came around and did table shots, got the other two couples at the table but did not get us. So, I'm a bit...concerned....there was a Broadway actor at my table. Some time passes and I need to go to the little boys room. I see him on the way back and had a conversation that when like this:
me: hey, would you mind if I gave you my camera and you take pics of everyone at my table?
hired pro: Sure. Hey, I'll even use my camera to take one too.
me: Ok.
Some time passes and he comes over and asks for my camera to take a table shot. I think about reaching underneath the table for my Canon 1Dm3, 35L and 580m2 and I....I....could not do it. What's wrong with me!?!?! Am I turning....nice!?!?! I tell him to use his camera for a complete table shot. O God...I need to seek some help. Where's my DVD of Joan Rivers....
The partial Uncle Bob? Dude left at the end of contracted time. The couple could not afford more time, got the impression that they were really, really tight on money. I felt torn because they had one last "thing" to do and there was no pro tog there. So...I took their cake cutting and told them it was free. They did ask how much I would charge but I didn't have the heart....somebody PLEASE bitch slap me!!!!!!
Bring a camera to any wedding (regardless if you're the pro or not) and something similar will happen. That said, talking "business" on a whim like that had you suggested they pay you is never a good idea. Thankfully you were nice about it.
dpun wrote:
\ Dude had a Rebel XSI, 17-55 and a 580 running on 4 AA's inside the flash only. OMG. Missed some critical moments when the flash did not go off.
Theres nothing wrong with AA's for reception usage - recycle times are fine indoors, it's outdoors in sun where you might have to wait a bit.
he might just be doing it for a "Living" no second job to buy flash gear to bring to weddings
And the couple booked him and got what they paid for, whatever that may be, could be a fantastic tog who knows.
I when the wedding video guy shows up with his little prosumer camera. I'm tempted to run back to my office and grab my $25,000 HD camera, wireless mics and full lighting package so I can offer the B&G a real video.
Table shots! Eeek. Unless you are a "customer is always right" fanatic. Then you shoot what the boss asked for. Or hold out for artistic integrity. Maybe offer a refund.
What a goof. The OP actually offered to use the guests camera to shoot the guest, at his table, so the guest would have a free picture with the guest in it. How can he stay in business if he gives away sales like that?
PatFurey89 wrote:
Bring a camera to any wedding (regardless if you're the pro or not) and something similar will happen. That said, talking "business" on a whim like that had you suggested they pay you is never a good idea. Thankfully you were nice about it.
Give 'em the shots, make them happy.
I wasn't going to charge them but they asked how much I would charge them when I offered to take their cake shots. I said it was free right away. I felt bad that they could not afford the overtime for the other tog.
Just in case anyone was wondering, I have my gear with me because I'm traveling for the July 4th holidays and planning to take some fireworks pics tonight. Plans just changed and it turns out that I didn't need to lug around my gear as much but I wasn't sure if I was going to make it home or not. Ugh....turns out I've been lugging 15 pounds around and it wasn't necessary. O well....my arms keep on getting stronger.
I don't take my cameras to weddings when I attend as a guest. I'd rather have a good time with family and friends and let someone else take table shots.
Craig Gillette wrote:
Table shots! Eeek. Unless you are a "customer is always right" fanatic. Then you shoot what the boss asked for. Or hold out for artistic integrity. Maybe offer a refund.
What a goof. The OP actually offered to use the guests camera to shoot the guest, at his table, so the guest would have a free picture with the guest in it. How can he stay in business if he gives away sales like that?
It was a shoot and burn job, remember this was a budget wedding. I found out way beforehand because my better half is friends with the bride. I just wanted a table pic for myself using my own camera....just like most other guests.
So, he actually did what you wanted, was willing to take a pic with your camera? Yet you spared his delicate feelings by not showing you had a better camera? Wow, another hero.
Let me try to be clear, there isn't a smiley for disgust and disdain.
liza wrote:
I don't take my cameras to weddings when I attend as a guest. I'd rather have a good time with family and friends and let someone else take table shots.
But you are missing a great opportunity to show up the poor sap who is actually working the gig, and then mock him in an online forum!
How come there are no threads where the guest 'photographer' is one-upped by the hired photographer, only the other way around?
Craig Gillette wrote:
So, he actually did what you wanted, was willing to take a pic with your camera? Yet you spared his delicate feelings by not showing you had a better camera? Wow, another hero.
Let me try to be clear, there isn't a smiley for disgust and disdain.
As wedding photographers we are always handed a P&S after our shot and this was a reverse case....and I did not do it. I could have handed him my GF's P&S but didn't even bother because he was there and ready. If you knew my sense of humor then you would have picked up on the irony inflection....the internet does not convey that well.
If you have any doubts about my character, l will not upstage another photographer.
"Some time passes and he comes over and asks for my camera to take a table shot. I think about reaching underneath the table for my Canon 1Dm3, 35L and 580m2 and I....I....could not do it. What's wrong with me!?!?! Am I turning....nice!?!?! I tell him to use his camera for a complete table shot. O God...I need to seek some help. Where's my DVD of Joan Rivers....
The partial Uncle Bob? Dude left at the end of contracted time. The couple could not afford more time, got the impression that they were really, really tight on money. I felt torn because they had one last "thing" to do and there was no pro tog there. So...I took their cake cutting and told them it was free. They did ask how much I would charge but I didn't have the heart....somebody PLEASE bitch slap me!!!!!!"
Oh, that's right. You won't upstage him, you'll just come on here and tell us how nice you are not to have.
If it makes you feel better, I think your character has been clearly displayed. Thanks for sharing.
when the wedding video guy shows up with his little prosumer camera. I'm tempted to run back to my office and grab my $25,000 HD camera, wireless mics and full lighting package so I can offer the B&G a real video.