brian43053 Loc: Buffalo, NY

I shot my first wedding this past weekend on Halloween. It was a costume affair and I had a really good time doing it. However, it may be my last wedding!! I'm sure other wedding photographers have had this happen - you get everyone lined up and set up for a pic when some ignorant slob with his trusty cell phone cuts in front of you and says -"just let me grab a shot of this". It happened more than once and from different people. Why are people with cell phones so ignorant and inconsiderate? Cell phones should not be allowed at weddings - get a real camera - even a point & shoot!! One more than one occasion I had people with their cell phone jump out in front of me to get the pic I had set up!! It was quite frustrating to say the least. A few times I told people "you can have the same shot after i take mine first but that didn't help very often. Just venting fellow hoggers - just venting!!

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

You need a camera and a night stick!

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Make it clear in pre weddding meetings and in the contract that others can not take pictures you set up. Then when it starts happening hold up you hand and announce you can not work when others are in your way. Then when it happens just go sit down and tell the folks you will start taking pictures again when you can do your work. - Dave

ace-mt Loc: Montana

Maybe a squirt gun???

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Yes Brian, people are rude and ignorant and will bad mouth how rude you are to all and sundry if you pull them into place.
This is basically why most of us refuse to do weddings.
Cellphones are not the problem, it is the people jumping in front of you with any sort of camera, cellphone, tablet, point and shoot, bridge, entry level DSLR, pro DSLR, they are all the same.
If you search this site for wedding photography you will find many similar stories.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

When my son got married, the photographer stated very clearly in her contract, that anyone could take photos while she was setting up and after she was finished, but as soon as she was ready to start her photography all other cameras had to disappear or she would walk out.
With the invitations came a little note saying that everyone could take as many pictures as they liked, just not while the hired photographer was doing hers.
It worked very well.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Squirt gun? Cattle prod!!!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

2 oz "Fox"

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Your contract with the person(s) hiring you must include language to the effect that it is their responsibility to ensure that you are the exclusive photographer, and that if guests insist on shooting their own pictures and interfering with your work, you will do your best, not be responsible for the results, and if the person(s) fail to control their guests and their devices, you may have to consider it a breach of contract and you will exercise your right to leave.

In that same contract, you will ensure that you will accept a good faith 50% deposit to reserve the date, and that payment in full for services will be due 7 days prior to the wedding event, and that this is non-refundable.

During your sales presentation you can discuss the reasons why, and send them these links:

http://www.today.com/style/unplugged-weddings-why-you-should-put-away-your-phone-nuptials-1D80057838

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bridal-guide/why-you-might-want-to-con_b_3331528.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/09/fashion/the-i-dos-unplugged-this-life.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

It's a good idea to set aside 30 mins or so, schedule permitting, for a "photo ops moment" where guests and the wedding party and newlyweds can pose for images with the guests and their cameras.

If they object or say they can't control their guests, thank them for your time and move on. It is not worth the headache. If they proceed and sign your contract, stick to your guns. If something changes before the wedding and it doesn't happen you still need to get paid, presumably because you have set aside the day, reserved resources (second shooter, lighting, backgrounds. backup camera gear, etc), and you are obligating them to stick to the contract.

If you did not use a contract, then hook up with a professional wedding photographer and offer your services as a second shooter. This way you can learn how its done. Make sure the photographer is a good one.

Bobbee

I had a thread last week about taking pictures at a wedding I was attending. I talked to the photographer and he said it was alright to have my camera. I went back to the room and brought mine out. put the 200 on so I could shoot from the back. Told the photographer if I am in you way, YELL at me to move. He did once because he like the shot I was taking and he wanted it. I disappeared out of the way quicker than Kirk beaming off the Enterprise.

Next time step around the person. turn around and plant yourself directly in the way of his view and crack a big smile and say cheese. They will get the point. Really, they will.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

So you expect people to follow rules? :D

Bobbee

Drunk people at that !!!!!!!!!!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

A professional photographer friend of mine told me once he refused to do weddings except mine because of that reason. What he did though to help himself was to offer to have all of the other photographers in the group take their photos first. He was very polite and let them get their photos and then he took his professional photos. Be patient and you will get your shots.

Dennis

brian43053 Loc: Buffalo, NY

Thank you - I really appreciate your thoughts - they all seem practical and reasonable. Is this something you practice? If so how doe sit work? I gotta admit that the cell phones and other people with cameras really, REALLY annoyed me.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Who are you talking to? If you click on, Quote Reply, before answering it will let us all know you are talking to a specific person.

Dennis