Cameraman

I had a very unique experience shooting a wedding a few months ago. I was hired to photograph and video by the groom’s father. The 3 of us (2 photographers and 1 video guy) went there and found that the bride’s side had hired their own team! So there were 2 more videographers and one more photographer. A total of 3 photographers and 3 video guys!!

We were quite puzzled for a few minutes but then I introduced myself to the other team leader, shook hands and agreed to cooperate and work together with them. We finished shooting without an incident – we even took the couple’s photos together one by one. We delivered our photos and video and got paid.

Should I have done anything differently? Of course, from now on, before I agree to shoot any wedding, I always ask them if they are hiring someone else also.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Wheeeeeeee!

I don't think you (or the other guys) could have handled it better.

(Apart from remembering that 'unique' means 'one of a kind' so you can't have 'very unique'. Or was the bride 'slightly pregnant?)

Seriously, with that degree of family rivalry, you can't help wondering about the pressures on the marriage. Sounds really nasty to me. How were the vibes from the family (families)?

Cheers,

R.

Cameraman

Thanks for correcting my English (I could use an excuse that this is my second language but I won't.)

I also wonder how those families are getting along when they cannot even plan nor agree to hire the same photographer.

I did meet the other photgrapher at a wedding show and we talked nicely and even agreed to work together if we need someone in other's area (he lives in north California while I am in the Bay Area).

photogrl57 Loc: Tennessee

Sounds to me like it was the parents that could not agree on a photographer... typical I would say... You handled it quite well ... kudos

Cameraman

While we are on the subject, here is another special case (note that I did not say “unique” or “very unique”). We are working on the final video editing of another wedding and they want us to do 2 separate videos and 2 separate albums. Boy’s side does not want us to include the video and photos of events in which only girls side family was involved (they had 7 different events and some were only for bride’s side and some only for girl’s side). The same for Girls’ side video. As a result, we have to do 2 separate videos and albums. I thought the whole idea of a wedding was for the bride and groom as well as two “families” to get together!

Note to self for next time – before you sign the contract, clarify exactly how the video will be edited and how many different versions will be created.

PS These are the only "special" cases I have had. All other clients have been great.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Sorry: couldn't resist. I used to teach English. But is there any language in which 'unique' means anything other than 'one of a kind'? Páratlan, único, einig, einzig, uniku? I ask in a genuine spirit of enquiry as I do not speak any language other than English and French well enough to begin to answer this question.

With any luck, the very odd situation ended up as good news for you and your 'rival'. Don't you sometimes wish you could know how a marriage turned out? And aren't you glad, sometimes, that you'll never know?

EDIT, on seeing your second post: Good grief! That is SERIOUSLY weird. Maybe they should just have eloped...

Cheers,

R.

nyweb2001

Sounds like you were the only one to make out good by making new friends and business connections !! Don't know about the Hatfields and McCoys though !

Cameraman

You are right - not only I came out ahead but I also get some free entertainment at their expense! (I am collecting all these stories for my book when I retire - it has to be after I retire because once that book is published I may not get any more clients!

I like to stay cool and avoid any tensions and arguing. The couple and the parents already have enough to worry about and they do not need any hassle from the photographer.

In fact sometimes I joke when I get there and tell them "OK, relax I am here and everything is going to work out fine now!"

dirty dave

I have had this happen a couple of times. The main reason is the bride and grooms family wants to control their own photo and video and afraid the others might not share all the photos with the others. At one wedding I did this past year both side hired me at first I had concerns but after talking to both sides I discovered one side wanted certain photos and the other side wanted to make sure that their family got what they wanted. One family was in Va, the other was in California so it all came togather I had to hire another photograher to assist it worked out great. In fact I just walked in it is 6 am here from shooting a Christmas party where there was 2 photographers I shot the event the other shot formal potraits. The other photographer had offered to shoot for free hoping to show off his work to get a job with the company (shooting houses for a realator). I can't blame the guy in this economy so I told him if he needed anything to let me know(I did loan him a electric extension cord) I hope he gets the job. I enjoy working around other photographers we tend to learn from each other. If it hadn't been for the young guys and there computer savy teaching me when everything went digital I would have been lost.( I was one of those old guys that said digital would never cacth on now I can't even find my film camera I think I know where it is at) ok I know I have talked in circles here but I did just got in from a all nighter so hopfuly this mabe this made some sences crap now I am brain dead. ZZZzzzzzzzzz (roger please have mercy on my english I skipped too many english classes it was the late 60s and early 70s so that explains alot of things)

Jimtebo Loc: Alhambra, IL

Realtors hate to be called Real A tors.

dirty dave

sorry didn't mean to offend anyone but they do know how to party

tk Loc: Iowa

Too bad these people don't realize it would save them money if they both talk to you to get what they want and more money for you. Maybe that should be an add on for you guys. Talk to the bride - if she thinks the other family wants something special, contact them and get their orders. They might be very happy to hear from you.

Jimtebo Loc: Alhambra, IL

You've got that right, I was a Realtor for many years.

effrant Loc: New Hampshire

You did just fine. I have actually never worked a wedding that wasn't weird in one way or another, and that's why I stopped doing them years ago, and will never work one again.

TJ28012 Loc: Belmont, NC

Don't worry about your English. It is better than many college graduates whose only language is English.

Shooting weddings is very stressful. Even more so, I presume, when 3 photographers are fighting for positions.