revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

BTW, as a minister I have had to put up with very disruptive photographers. Sometimes they have dominated the service, stomping around in front of the congregation and blocking their view, putting up huge boom mikes, etc. So I have specified no flash during the ceremony, that we could re-stage after. A request that is made both to the congregation and to the pro. And, believe it or not, It was pretty well followed. With telephoto lenses and digital cameras good pictures can be taken from the back. The funniest thing that happened: A pro asked if I could take wedding pictures (he respected my skills!). I replied, " will I have to hide the camera under my robe?" We both had a good laugh.

zigipha Loc: north nj

1. I think it makes a difference if the event photographer was being paid by the photo sold or by the hour. If by the photo sold, I truly believe he sold fewer photos due to moms taking cell phone pic
1.1 you all have got to stop underestimating how good a cellphone photo can look if its taken under moderately good conditions
1.2 you all have to realize that social media/emails etc are slowly replacing the "order a print for posterity" business model.
1.3 you all have to realize that people are more accustomed to cell phone pics being the "norm" for a good pic

2. right to take a picture anywhere. I would agree that is true. Even if they are using a custom background, the "you can't because of copyright" is bs.
2.1 but the pro did spend the money to buy the stuff and bring it in and pay people to set it up, etc and should be compensated for that. how that happens goes back to my point #1.0. he can't stop them from taking pics, but if enough of #1.2 kicks in, he won't be back next year.

If the pro thinks its a problem, then they shoudl talk to the organizers about their concerns, and have them exert some peer pressure to buy the pics even if you snapped a few, or, next year make it a flat fee and have everyone go at it.

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Me.....I would ask if she were married. If not, I would ask for her phone number and tell her I'm just getting started in the business and need all the professional help I could get. With her being a mom, she most likely has years experience and could teach you a thing or two (about how to take great photos that is). I would welcome her input. If she is married, I would be prepared to "duck".

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

If your images can't complete with cell phones ... I'd get out of the business, throw my cameras into a garbage heap and retire to mars.

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

:thumbup:

jmsail365 Loc: Stamford, Ct

[quote=zigipha]1. I think it makes a difference if the event photographer was being paid by the photo sold or by the hour. If by the photo sold, I truly believe he sold fewer photos due to moms taking cell phone pic
1.1 you all have got to stop underestimating how good a cellphone photo can look if its taken under moderately good conditions
1.2 you all have to realize that social media/emails etc are slowly replacing the "order a print for posterity" business model.
1.3 you all have to realize that people are more accustomed to cell phone pics being the "norm" for a good pic

2. right to take a picture anywhere. I would agree that is true. Even if they are using a custom background, the "you can't because of copyright" is bs.
2.1 but the pro did spend the money to buy the stuff and bring it in and pay people to set it up, etc and should be compensated for that. how that happens goes back to my point #1.0. he can't stop them from taking pics, but if enough of #1.2 kicks in, he won't be back next year.

Right on the money pardon the pun! Since many businesses can really be hurt at the margins there may come a time where the old business model that photographers used to rely on, e.g. the team & individual photos, aren't profitable enough to warrant 3 employees out for half a Saturday doing this.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Which means it is time to change the model.

photoman64 Loc: Commack, NY

When I was in the wedding business and I was taking my pictures and all the guests would try and take the shot that I have posed all I would say is please let me do my job and then youo can take all you want. But after I was done I would step up to the group of Bride & Groom and say all done and they would leave. The problem was I had is that I did the poseing and people if they would take the same shot maybe little different angle would think when they saw my pictures---geez I did the same what do you need a pro for. Any pro that had to pose the shot that is more then half the battle. ANy one can snap a shutter

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

As a pro, you are not going to shoot the same shot as an amateur. You going to shoot wide open, blurring distracting background elements, focus and frame unlike what an amatuer would do. In addition you going to post process with skills and tools most amateurs don't have. Your also have a number of finishing tools including software for albums and special effects. An amteur can not complete. There is nothing to worry about. This is a non-issue. If you make it an issue, it will create friction and perhaps even lead to an argument for which you will not get a referral but a bad reputation.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

If so I would ask her to join in the shot! Hey Mom, get up there with your kid! She would either run up front or get embarrassed and leave. Either way its a win win.

As for the question, unless there is a sign requesting no one else take photos there is not much that can be done. Bite your tounge and take your shots.

Jim D

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I would say nothing. If I was one of the mothers, I would think it is my right to shoot pictures of my kid and friends at school. I would still want a couple of the pro photos for posterity so I don't think sales would be diminished because of the existence of cell phone pics.

bgl Loc: Brooklyn,New York

Don't want to be stepping on anyone's toes here but I think this discussion is about a non-issue. Having raised 2 boys and attended uncountable athletic and other (such as graduations,awards presentations, etc.)"official" photo sessions, I have never encountered any conflicts of any nature between the contract photographers and family and friends taking pictures using cell phones or stand alone cameras.

Puffing Billy

Many years ago I fancied a earning a living as a pro. I began by assisting a pro in my spare time, weekends and evenings. It wasn't to be, but I did learn a few things, one of which is how much amateurs who get in the way or lean over their shoulder, especially those who cast shadows, irritate the pros.

jmsail365 Loc: Stamford, Ct

[quote=DebAnn]I would say nothing. If I was one of the mothers, I would think it is my right to shoot pictures of my kid and friends at school.
I can't see any photographer stopping a mother from taking their child's photo at an event. However, these mothers were standing behind the professionals shooting the team photo with their cell phones. The professionals have put the event together, committing their time & resources. One of the earlier posters stated it may be time for a new business model. IMO, there may come a time that with so many camera phones the pros may find these kinds of events are no longer worth their time & money.

Oly Guy

Being a retired teacher-I know pictures of school students are not allowed because of privacy issues. I would explain to the offenders that the only people that have access to the photos are the parents or the reps of the company allowed to take the pictures. We really could not take class pictures at school for the same reason. One would be surprised how some parents want no pictures whatsoever taken because of internet issues with the photos. Same reason that Facebook has protection for viewing.