n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

When my wife and I were shooting weddings, we had a similar clause in our contract. I assured the bride and groom that I would only enforce it if someone consistently interfered with my doing my job. I would then ask the bride to tell the offender to put away his/her camera or I would walk off the job. Thus I was the bad guy and the bride could still be friends with the individual.

What not to do:
1. Don't copy the professional posed shots to give to the bride so she doesn't have to purchase that shot from the photographer. You are robbing him/her of their livelihood.

2. Don't get in his/her way.

3. Don't talk cameras with him/her. Your toy is his/her tool.

If you want to take a photo of a posed shot, back off and include the photographer taking the picture. It becomes a nice memento for the bride showing the story behind the photo in her album.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

and it is much more interesting. Until her death, my Mother had a photo of our younger daughter hanging on her refrigerator - and I have a photo - labeled "refrigerator art" of that photo being taken.

Michael1079 Loc: Indiana

Oh, wow...when I first read the OP's post, I thought to myself, "This is going to bring out the *UGLY* in Ugly Hedgehog."

Three things to never discuss in this forum: Religion, Politics, and Wedding Photography.

Peace, everyone...

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

Just a few weeks ago someone here linked to an article about a woman leaning out of the pew, into the aisle, photographing the bride and groom recessing. She ruined the professional photographer's carefully planned shot.

As a retired pastor, it bothered me to no end that people at weddings took flash photos during the service. The flash was too small and too weak to capture the moment. But they were annoying and distracting. Then there was the time some clown (not the professional photographer) barged between the bride and groom, asked me to move and tried to shoot over my shoulder. At an appropriate break in the ceremony I turned to him and quietly told him to get out of my chancel and go back to his seat. The bride and groom later apologized to me that it happened. I told them that they had nothing to apologize for because they weren't to blame for the idiot's behavior.

As someone who's been there, I understand the professional photographer's clause in the contract. As an aside, in 30 years I never had a problem with professional photographers. They respected the fact that they were photographing a worship service AND I "staged" any important photos they wanted (the exchange of the rings, the blessing of the marriage) after the worship service and they were able to get those photos up close and from the best angles.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

My best suggestion is to follow the policy of the contract. Go to the wedding and enjoy yourself.
--Bob

CWGordon

Ask. Probably a courteous question/discussion with the PRO will clear up his intent. I cannot believe he will be a **** about it. I’d then talk to those being married and discuss w/them what Pro said. This should put them at ease if you are going to take some pictures and Pro agreed.
I must say, I am always amazed at how so many of our contributors find so many ways to saysomething nasty and condescending when even they are smart enough to figure out nice ways to say pretty much the same thing.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Nastiness is becoming an artform around this site. It's too bad that folks can't offer their opinions in civil manner.

Most of the folks who make ridiculous remarks about wedding photography and professional photography in general, probably know the least about these businesses.

Funny thing is most logical people would never even imagine interfering with any of the other professionals at a wedding. Would the bring their own food to a catered affair or barge into the kitchen and bother the chefs or the servers? Would they bring in a boom box and interrupt the band or the DJ. Would the rearrange the flowers or chime in with commentary during the service. Seems it's open season on photographers. This rant is intended for all the folks that make rude and resentful remarks about professional photographers. I'm certain most of them would not appreciate anyone interfering with their job!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Sadly you are right, and it needs to stop. If you wouldn’t say it to a person face-to-face in a calm discussion, maybe it’s time to rethink before you post. Courtesy and good manners never go out of style.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

--Bob

Gilkar

Phooey on all of you who say "don't bring the camera." Everyone with a phone takes pictures at weddings these days. The pro doesn't want anyone interrupting his work flow or copying his poses and that is legitimate. As a 45 year professional my contract states that anyone who wants to take pictures could do so. My only caveat was that I would wait until all the amateurs were finished before I took my photos. My contract stated that this would increase the time necessary to get the required images and if the bride and groom were OK with that additional time would be billed at my regular rates if necessary. I never had a problem and no one ever had to pay extra. Seems money still rules.

MW

Suggestion: get unambiguous permission from wedding planner first!

Michael1079 Loc: Indiana

Agree...

pdsilen Loc: Roswell, New Mexico

HERE HERE!

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

It's easy. Just don't shoot when you see the pro photographing a person, couple, group or whatever. Shoot when he/she is onto something else. I consider myself a pro when I'm hired to do a wedding. However, I believe it is unrealistic to expect guests at the wedding not to shoot a few of their own.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

When my cousin was married, she forgot to tell the "pro" that she had a Grandmother - fortunately, our Grandmother knew that I had taken photos of her.