strobe Loc: Central Iowa

I've taken pictures at weddings and been part of the barrage of flashes that happen at specific points in time, and I did see one picture of mine that had someone else's flash it in. I took note of it because of its rarity. For a strobe picture the 'shutter' is 'open' for less than 1/100th of a second so the chances of multiple cameras making simultaneous exposres is slim, but possible. If he was doing avaialble light photography he may have been using 1/50th or even 1/30th of a second exposures, a comparative long time, but even so, you'd be really 'lucky' to 'ruin' one of his photos much less all of them. Were you the only person taking flash pictures?

That said, cooperation and coordination between the paid professionals is a good thing and that happens by communication.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

The shutter is open for however long it is set on the camera. Many cameras default to the sync setting (anywhere from 1/60th to 1/250th) when a speed light is utilized. The duration of a flash is short (dependent on several factors including power level), but if multiple strobes go off while a camera's shutter is open, then that can affect the outcome....it isn't often though. The optical trigger use is more likely the issue.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

DJ, I read the first page and didn't even bother reading the other pages.
1, it would be almost impossible for your flash to ruin his shots unless he's really dragging his shutter for long periods. Even then, there are going to be flashes going off all the time.
I hope everybody responding currently shoots weddings. Not DID shoot a million years ago, your info is too old!

That Photog is a crybaby!! What a whiner!
I don't do that many weddings, but I've never had a ruined shot from someone's flash.
If you see other flashes, including your own going of, it's a sign your definately NOT working hard enough.
DJ, keep taking your shots. It would certainly not bother me any more than a Hog member who shows up with his camera or uncle Bob or aunt Bobba!!
Whoever suggest that bringing a boom box is the same, is not even living on the same planet, jeezzes!
Keep getting permission and let's hope those whining wedding photogs go out of business.
Too bad the whiners card/s didn't corrupt and he had to come crawling to you to bail him out!! Poetic justice at work!! :lol:
SS

DJ Craig Loc: Payson, AZ (North-Central)

Digi - first time in 20+ years that something like this has happened to me. 99.5% just seem to go about their business and hardly seem to notice anything around them. Maybe he was just having a bad day.

DJ Craig Loc: Payson, AZ (North-Central)

JPL, after his rant, I wondered why he just didn't ask all of us (as you can imagine, it was crowded around the cake and couple, with flashes firing like crazy) to turn off our flashes, if that would make him more assured of getting the perfect shot. Or just do as I do - take a bunch of shots and know some will be keepers and others will be trashed.

DJ Craig Loc: Payson, AZ (North-Central)

jdubu, my sentiments exactly. And to make this more interesting is a fact that I forgot to mention. He was one of a team of two that was "professionally" shooting the wedding. I guess I should have just suggested to him to relax and have fun. (Everyone else was.)

DJ Craig Loc: Payson, AZ (North-Central)

Bebu - I'm just curious. With the proliferation of cell phones and everyone taking pictures in this changing society and how cheap it is to go to WalMart and Walgreens to buy prints - do brides and grooms and their guests still purchase prints from photographers?

DJ Craig Loc: Payson, AZ (North-Central)

Super - now that is an interesting perspective that hadn't crossed my mind. Although we, my wife and I, were playing the music list given to us by the bride and groom. Classic rock and upbeat country music - but perhaps not liked by the photographer.

BebuLamar

If it's under the contract then yes. It depends on how the contract was written. If the photographer would only deliver prints only then the bride has no choice.

KarenKaptures Loc: New Jersey

I guess he was having a bad day. I have been at the same venue and the same event as he before-no problem.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Back when I was shooting weddings professionally, I always felt that I owed it to my client, usually the bride's parents, to do the job properly and to do it well. This involved several pre-event meetings to resolve the shot list and the "must have shots". I always carefully explained the possible consequences of others possibly getting in the way of these lists and I would resolve with my client, beforehand, how this was to be handled. In the days of film, with the "formals" shot on medium format and usually with studio lighting at the church (etc) things went pretty well. There was always the attendee who insisted on using flash during the ceremony, even after the officiant had requested that this not be done. There were also those who would jump into the aisle, perhaps right in front of me, to get the B/G walking up the aisle. As time passed and digital came of age, all this increased interference led to my decision to stop doing weddings as it became increasing difficult to complete what I considered a proper job. Now that everyone with a camera, and perhaps a late model cell phone, considers themselves a professional level photographer, weddings became something that I no longer wanted to do. Most of the "good" photographers, many of whom are on here, have enough common sense and courtesy to allow the "paid" photographer room to work. It's "Uncle Joe" with the nice camera, but forgot his memory cards, that makes these jobs so unpleasant. I'm not complaining as I got out of this work, just putting in a good word for the true professional wedding photographers, or the true professional anythings. And finally, to the DJ, if you are truly a professional DJ, leave your camera at home and perform the service you are being paid for. If that doesn't work for you, let your wife be the DJ and then you can hire out as a "professional" photographer and shoot all you want! Just saying!!!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Actually, I think the analogy was quite appropriate. But, on the other hand, shame on the photographer for not having a clause in the contract prohibiting others from taking pictures. And shame on you for not discussing the matter with the bride, groom, photographer and both mothers before taking any pictures.

As to your question, I doubt your flash ruined all his pictures. Maybe he was jealous because he thought you were taking better pictures or maybe his shots just didn't turn out. But, if he just made that comment to you, he did not deal with the matter in a proper and professional manner.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

The photographer is there for the photos. I doubt your flash ruined his photos unless you guys were opposite and you were shooting into his field of view. Problem I see is you are the music man he is the photo man. You both have a job to do and you should not be stepping into his area. Thanking the same photos and then sharing them out cuts into his possible print sales later. I think what you are doing is just bad business.

JoeDigipix

Many Photographers are doing a Hybrid coverage shooting video and even grabbing stills from video. When a flash goes off it causes "Banding" when only part of the frame is exposed by a flash.

Over the decades any respect has gone out the window and any individual with a camera believes this is their event to exploit to play with their camera.

It's one thing to have to tolerate this in a Paparazzi setting but not a paid assignment.

To many DJs screw things up by inviting everyone to takes pictures of the cake cutting. Frankly if this was a Philippino Wedding they're worse than Hollywood Paparazzi, but this is a cultural thing for this group. They jump into the aisle as the Bride comes down and even go up to the alter during the ceremony!!!

I'm 100% sure in the spirit of working together and possibly getting referals the photog would have given you a few photographs for your website.

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

If that's what you were playing, then the photog must have had issues. :thumbup: