p.2 #3 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
If he's a lecturer, he's probably just dying to pick up his camera for the first time in 10 years
Although there are clearly situations that can be difficult, distracting, I don't see this as one. He'll be in the background with his shiny Leica, sounds fine to me. It's not like he's running in front of your shots wielding a professional dslr (which makes a difference of course ;-).
p.2 #4 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
D. Diggler wrote:
+1
+2
The last wedding I did the best man was a professional wedding photographer. He got his iPhone out once when his partner gave a speech, no camera all day. As mentioned many times before, the last thing most pros would want to do is bring a camera to such an event... But, I can understand why some may, something small and fun, but you wouldn't spend probably more than 10minutes using i the entire day (if indeed you liked the people at the wedding!)
p.2 #6 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
I agree with much of what has been said. I would never bring a camera to a friend's event that I was not hired to shoot, even if I was a groomsman.
HOWEVER...there could always be exceptions. I'm a groomsman in my sister's wedding, and they do want me to take creative photos of them and a few other moments while I'm there. The photographer of the wedding is actually my younger cousin (go figure), and he is completely fine with it (I made sure to get his thoughts on it first).
I'd reply, thanking him for letting you know, and telling him that it will be completely fine so long as he doesn't interfere with the shots that you're getting for the couple. Mention that they're paying for your time, and you don't want to be unfair to them by giving them inferior work (because of him).
p.2 #7 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
I realised that I didn't let on regarding at least a part of my concern. I looked this guy up. I found a website and a 500px. This does not look like the website of a guy who has been in the industry or has much experience in photography in general. It looks, to me, like someone who is interested in photography and experimenting a bit. He states 'photography lecturer' on his site and that is it, no explanation as to where, at what level or in what field. If you lecture, surely you explain where?
The work is ok, but there's not much of it and it's in random fields like smoke trail photography and balloon bursting. Nothing wrong with that but it's the sort of things I shot when I was first getting interested in photography. His 500px flow kicks off with about 20 images of a cat.
It strikes me that something about the backstory doesn't quite add up. If he's a pro and wants to grab some personal shots, then fine, but I fear it may all be a cover for a portfolio builder who is going to try and live in my crack.
In the big scheme of the day, it'll be fine, but it does have me wondering. As for the asking bit, I agree, the tone of the email was somewhat different from the 'may I' attitude I would have adopted. Like I say, it'll be fine, but there are a number of warning signs here.
p.2 #8 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
I think you're making to much of it. Cousin Bob (not even uncle) introduces himself before the gig. Even better, if he is trying to build a portfolio being your shadow, you can kindly remind him of his email and his intention to shoot "only the reception"
And, last thought that crossed my mind: perhaps even better: if he in fact is building a portfolio you can show future brides the difference between a pro and a non-pro. Your work is amazing he won't stand a chance
p.2 #10 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
tonyhart wrote:
Thanks all. I'm going to leave it there now. I'm sure it'll be fine and frankly it's not central in my mind!
Even in light of your concerns I'd still recommend replying to the guy. I think it's very rude to just ignore someone's email, particularly when it's related to a hired client. (Ignoring some random person who is asking for advice is different, you just may me too busy to help them.)
In your reply you could even say you have no problem with other people take photos (it's not YOUR wedding after all), however it is important that people not be shooting over your shoulder etc. as it can directly impact the results the couple is paying a lot of money for.
As long as we have that understanding, we're golden.
p.2 #11 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
Hi Kurtis. Agreed. Already pinged him an email. Said as follows:
Hi XXX,
Many thanks for the email and heads-up. Shouldn't be a problem in the least. I'd please ask that you don't deliver a big set of images in the first couple of weeks following the wedding as I'd like Leon & Amelia to see the day through my lens first, but as long as it's all fairly low-key that's fine. One specific - please don't shoot over my shoulders during formals, I like to have the participants looking into one camera rather than many!
All the best and look forward to meeting you on the weekend.
p.2 #12 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
OT here but the point of 'please don't shoot over my shoulders during formals, I like to have the participants looking into one camera rather than many!'
You should try to photograph an Indian Wedding, camera's everywhere, from iPhones, point and shoot, SLR's and more SLR's! now with the cinematography (video) there are 3 to 4 extra SLR's added to the mix which confuses the hell out of the couples! it's all gone crazy!
p.2 #13 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
Agreed Rav! I've shot a couple of Indian weddings and found this. Tbh, I don't really shoot Indian weddings these days as the style they're often looking for doesn't really work with my coverage.
p.2 #15 · Professional Courtesy or Bob in the Wings?
Rav13 wrote:
OT here but the point of 'please don't shoot over my shoulders during formals, I like to have the participants looking into one camera rather than many!'
You should try to photograph an Indian Wedding, camera's everywhere, from iPhones, point and shoot, SLR's and more SLR's! now with the cinematography (video) there are 3 to 4 extra SLR's added to the mix which confuses the hell out of the couples! it's all gone crazy!
It was kind of fun shooting among dozens of cameras. It gave me a feeling of a paparazzi. For photojournalist style, this did not matter much at all.
The only problem I had was during the formal group photo session. People could not get focused with other cameras around.
