Question about taking pictures at wedding.. (Page 3): There are two separate and distinct problems here. The "contract" is between the wedding party and the photographer. Guests did...

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

There are two separate and distinct problems here.

The "contract" is between the wedding party and the photographer. Guests did not sign the contract, and they are not bound by it.

The more important point is common courtesy. Guests should do NOTHING TO INTERFERE with any part of the wedding ceremony or celebration, including avoiding interfering with the photographer. Stay out of the way, never use flash, but shoot all you like if you can do so while following the above guidelines. It's their wedding, not yours, and remember that.

Asking permission is certainly a good thing as well.

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

As current regular wedding photographer the only thing I can’t tolerate is when guests place themselves in front of my camera or when they try to stand behind me and capture poses I have spent years perfecting. Most people will stop doing it after I give them a “look”. Cell phones are part of virtually every processional these days so its impossible to police it. Candid pictures throughout the wedding are no big deal. It’s only formals I care to keep as my own unique creations. If you want to take a few images of your own, grab the bride and groom at a slow time during the reception and just stay far away from the pro the rest of the time.

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

As current regular wedding photographer the only thing I can’t tolerate is when guests place themselves in front of my camera or when they try to stand behind me and capture poses I have spent years perfecting. Most people will stop doing it after I give them a “look”. Cell phones are part of virtually every processional these days so its impossible to police it. Candid pictures throughout the wedding are no big deal. It’s only formals I care to keep as my own unique creations. If you want to take a few images of your own, grab the bride and groom at a slow time during the reception and just stay far away from the pro the rest of the time.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

jim quist wrote:

Call the photographer and ask them. If you feel you can't do that, then leave your camera in the car.

I think this is the best idea, and at the wedding guests should be reminded not to be taking pictures while the pro is on site.

I am glad I'm not a pro nowadays.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

mikegreenwald wrote:

...
The more important point is common courtesy. Guests should do NOTHING TO INTERFERE with any part of the wedding ceremony or celebration, including avoiding interfering with the photographer. Stay out of the way, never use flash, but shoot all you like if you can do so while following the above guidelines. It's their wedding, not yours, and remember that.

Asking permission is certainly a good thing as well.

Common sense as well. Oh... wait...

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

dpullum wrote:

b lyndacast, in answer to your dilemma, Don't ask... (show quote)

👍
Don’t open doors; but be absolutely respective to the hired photographer.

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

lyndacast wrote:

My nephew is getting married next weekend. They h... (show quote)

My suggestion is to stay out of the way of the pro, leave the camera home, and ask the bride and groom to share their pictures with you. Bringing a camera, using a cellphone, etc will give the hired photographer a really good reason to leave. You don't want to be the person providing that reason.

BebuLamar

mikegreenwald wrote:

There are two separate and distinct problems here... (show quote)

Guest do not sign contract but the people who host the event (the bride and groom and their family) have the right to ask the guess to leave. So the point is not about the pro photographer but rather do you want to cause trouble for your loved ones wedding?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

lyndacast wrote:

My nephew is getting married next weekend. They h... (show quote)

As a former professional wedding photographer for over 35 years, I would suggest ONLY taking your camera to the reception and capturing candid photo's there. WITH the pro's permission!!!!

khorinek

Take your camera. When you get to the wedding, talk to the photographer and ask him/her if it is ok if you take some "side shots". Explain how you are associated with the bridal group. The photographer will be busy enough that he/she may not even see you but ask first.

BillFeffer Loc: Adolphus, KY

As a former wedding shooter, I say LEAVE IT HOME and enjoy the celebration. Buy prints from the the guy (or girl) making a living from their work.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Resist your urge to bring your camera! You’ll have to make do with your cell phone. Why risk jeopardizing the photographer’s contract?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If the contract says no photographers, then don't take pictures. The couple should tell attendees about that ahead of time.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Longshadow wrote:

I think they mean another person shooting (covering) the wedding.
I don't think they mean the average person taking a shot here and there.
He just doesn't want anyone in his way so he can do his job well.

Ooh! Common sense enters the discussion.
One more reason why you are "on my list"!

Thanks,
Mark

ELNikkor

recently saw a hired professional's shot of the bride walking down the aisle, toward the groom, escorted by her dad. most of the bride was obscured by an out-of-focus. washed-out cell phone and hand sticking out from a pew...