Yes, I would think that it would be a contact violation. Plus it has been happening for years. The guest jumps in front of the photographer to get their shot of the bride coming down the aisle. I would think that the photog would mention this to the B&G when taking the original contract. This can happen and nothing will stop it and the b&g get a photo bombed pic. The only way I can think of to stop this is to make an announcement before the ceremony and again at the reception that no cameras or photos are allowed.
The B&G pay good money to have professional photos and do not need others ruining them. Every photobomb by a guest taking photos, I would take the photo and have it to show the B&G.

When you discount, you devalue your services...cheap is unimportant. People respect what they have to pay for. Period.

I taught my children that there is a difference between "friendship" and "friendly acquaintances" posing as friends. You clients are most likely the later.

The idiot cousin might be a good photographer, but he's also a dirt-ball for getting in your way and spoiling your shots...make no bones about it.



And, what's worse, you found yourself in a virtual competition with this guy...you know his shots are going to be good, and he's not being paid. In fact, he may be getting better shots than you, and he's going to give them all to your clients for free, so that they can compare his FREE photos to your FOR FEE photos.

All of this because you discounted your services. If your clients had paid you a couple of grand, or more, then they would have known you were serious about your business and would have accorded you the respect that you deserved.

Since the cousin told them he was too expensive to be afforded by them, and then showed up and provided his expensive, out of their budget, class act, he to them, was more important than you...after all, you could be had for a few hundred dollars...but he, the cousin, was providing something they couldn't afford...all for free for them...what a guy.

Never, discount your services. Nerver. Either it's for free, or it's full price. And, then your know where you stand.

If you were doing this for free, you wouldn't be as pissed as you are. You thought you were doing them a favor and that it would super appreciated, but instead you find yourself disrespected. Bummer. The worst part is, that to top if off, you were "UNDERPAID."

Thanks for sharing the Horror stories guys.. Its good to know I'm not alone.... Just lucky thus far.

Thanks for the laughs as well. The Asian wedding, and the one with the people sitting in the baptismal font..thats just hilarious!

I think most of us are extremely gracious about guests taking pictures at weddings... I've really never had an issue before that couldn't be handled with a "could you please wait until I've finished my shots and then I'll allow family/friends to get a few" or a tap on the shoulder and a hand gesture to schooch out of my way.

It was the sheer aggressiveness of this guy and the complete lack of regard that was so unbelievable. Its hard to imagine that someone could be so downright cocky. I must also be lucky that most of the other professional photographers in my area are such an affable bunch. I've finished up many a bridal show at the bar with my brethren comparing notes and discussing trends.

Thanks for the advice as well... I'm not even going to look at these images until I've been paid. And hopefully this can all be resolved without any more issues. Thank God wedding season is almost over. I'm exhausted.