traderjohn Loc: New York City

Why would the hired photographer approach you, how would he know to approach you? Also, why would he ask "who I was shooting for"?? he has a contract and he is getting paid.

Tallgerke

I have been to weddings where the hosts put out several disposal cameras and allow guests to take pictures. You can get some good candid photos that way. I have also taken candids at a couple of weddings. I focused more on the guests than on the wedding couple and really didn't interfere with the professional as we had different objectives. I wouldn't worry so much about your equipment.

jgangjr

I would recommend against committing to taking a lot of pictures for the wedding. Maybe you just take a point & shoot or your Fujifilm X100F and take some random shots as time permits.

I agreed to shoot our son's wedding as the only photographer last year due to financial constraints and things were just crazy. You can not be a good host and a good photographer at the same time. I tried and did much poorer than normal at both.

I have taken pictures and done video at other people's weddings as a backup and as the primary photographer/videographer, but it is not the same as doing it at your own child's wedding.

At the previous two weddings for other children, I took a few random shots like you are talking about, but didn't take a bunch of equipment. That worked out much better, but the photos I took would not replace what the pro took. I only got a few candid shots at the rehearsal and reception.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Most, but not all, (I don't) wedding photographers have a line in their contract about being "the only" photographer. Some carry it to extremes, and will not even allow guests. I do get it. You wouldn't believe how many times people get in the aisle and ruin a shot of the bride that just can't be reenacted. Often, we're told in no uncertain terms that we can't use flash, yet the guests are flashing away during the whole ceremony, etc. I know some are worried that the B&G will get guest photos before they get them from the pros, and kind of take away from the excitement of getting their wedding photos from the pro.

I believe my work stands on its own. I'm not worried about Aunt Susie getting better photos than me. Even if she takes photos of my set ups and poses, she'll never get the same lighting or have the same post processing.

If someone gets in my way during the wedding, well, that's all part of the job. I get mad when it happens, but don't have time to stew about it, I have to move and find a way to get another shot. Standing there and stomping my foot doesn't help anyone. Some people include those shots with the final product to show "how hard it was to get the shot" My feeling is, the B&G shouldn't be concerned about that stuff. We're the pros, and we need to do what it takes to tell the story of the day. That being said, I WILL use it, (not as a "poor me") photo, but sometimes, they are funny, or really do tell part of the day. (like taking photos of people taking selfies, or I have one of a man with a camera up to his face, standing right beside a sign that says, "please put your cameras away, we hired a pro so you can enjoy your day" I didn't put it in the album, but it was in a section of the slideshow that showed some fun times and awesome expressions, then there was "uncle Bill" by the sign.

Anyway, that's why a photographer may ask who you are working for? It may be in their clause that they can walk away and keep the money.

I did work a traditional Vietnamese wedding, where the father of the groom hired his own Vietnamese photographer, because he didn't want me to do the photos. It was awkward for both of us, but instead of pouting, fighting, or walking away, we made the best of it. Got a really nice thank you from the bride and groom, they were happy, so I was too.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Strongly agree!

david vt Loc: Vermont

I think this sums it up best. Being the main or only photog at this event about the worst idea i could imagine.

I also agree with many of the UHH members that your FIRST and MOST IMPORTANT duty is to be her Dad, and you cannot/should not be the main photog

I like the suggestions that you might take your own camera to add for candids but you and she will enjoy the day much more if you can both rely on someone else.

I.A.Teacher

Better to be safe before, than sorry after the wedding. Although she might think she is honoring you it might be nest for you to tell her, "honey,thank you but I would rather hire a professional photographer and watch him/her do their job from, The Head Table.

Another reason you can give, "Who will walk you down the aisle" if I have to take the pictures?

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I absolutely agree with all the suggestions that you leave this to a pro (and have argued that on many previous threads), BUT, as I read the OP’s post, there is already a “pro” (no idea of his qualifications) engaged and the Dad would just shoot some additional candids - or would he shoot in place of the pro? (...”The wedding takes place at the Coco Cay beach (Caribbean) during a cruise with family and friends. She contracted a photographer from the cruise line. However, she still insists that I take pictures of the wedding. She thinks my shots will be better and more candid...”)

If the former, then taking a limited kit (1 camera, 1 lens, probably no flash) and staying out of the pros way and grabbing some candids might be fun and not interfere with the enjoyment of the event. But if the idea is to substitute for the pro, then don’t do it, and make sure of the “pros” qualifications before signing the contract. A real wedding photographer possesses a specialized skill set which is worth their weight in gold, but there are a zillion wannabes with a T6i and a kit lens that are selling cut rate wedding photography, and you get what you pay for (and this event won’t be repeated if they screw it up). A good professional wedding photographer doesn’t come cheap, but worth it.

Piman-jimc

Apr 10, 2018 15:55:00 #
repleo (a regular here) Joined: Mar 19, 2016 Posts: 2107 Loc: Boston

"OOOOH!! Bad idea! Being father of the bride is a job in itself without the added responsibility of being a back up photographer. Trying to play host and lug around a bunch of gear will ruin the day for you, your daughter and the guests"

Agree completely. I took the pictures of both my sisters' and a niece's weddings. "Through a viewfinder" is no way to watch a family wedding. If you wanted to take a single camera and take some candids those would be appreciated.

JimC
"

I.A.Teacher

If she wants candid pictures than I say go for it only after the ceremony.

KWK Loc: Southeast Mich

Sir,

let me understand that you at the father, letting his daughter go and live her life. She wants you to photograph this event that is so special to both of you.
myself and only my opinion. I would not have that responsibility placed upon myself. yes I would take photos but would not be the one with the only responsibility of doing this. Higher someone and enjoy the moment.

KWK

Mr palmer Loc: Currently: Colorado, USA, Terra, Sol

I agree. This is good advice. The contracted photographer will cover the basics. If you have a nice compact in your pocket you can capture "moments" much more easily. Don't worry about any of the formal groupings or ceremony photos, he's got those covered. Get details, especially as a parent, you will know what's really important to capture. A P&S with a fast lens would be my choice. Focus on her interactions with friends and family, anything handmade (the contracted guy probably doesn't know that her favorite aunt designed those napkins, but Dad knows, and can talk to her and mom), get emotional, it'll help you capture those moments with her (and that's what she'll love) The contracted pro has to get all the "money" shots, so you should focus on the "art" and the "passion" of the wedding. A P&S allows you to slip back into the role of Dad easily - and THAT is still your primary role. Enjoy the heck out of it!! Congratulations!!

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

A P. S. To my earlier post, enjoy your daughter's wedding. Don't be behind the camera and miss the whole thing. Leave it to the pro!

jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

Ignore everyone who's said you shouldn't take pictures at your daughter's wedding. It's clear to me that (a) your daughter wants you to do this, and (b) you want to do this. She's not putting the whole burden on your shoulders, since she's got a pro carrying the major part of the load. But having shots that she knows you took will be extra special to her. I can just imagine her 30 years from now with her album on her knees, pointing out: "This is one my dad took -- and it's my favorite one of all."

The fact that you're already thinking technically about gear etc. tells me that you are really itching to give this a try. So make both of you happy.

As for being Dad and enjoying other parts of the ceremony; there's no reason you couldn't put the camera down for long stretches whenever you want. Let the pro do the documentary side of things. You just concentrate on taking the "special shots".

As to gear, I'd use the Fuji. The size and shape is so discreet that many folks won't even notice it. The leaf shutter is so quiet nobody will hear it! You can get some fantastic shots while remaining right in the middle of the action, if you choose to. Plus, you won't appear to be competing with the pro, so the guests will loosen up more when you're roaming around.

10MPlayer Loc: California

Enjoy the day and let the professionals do the work. You'll have enough to do without worrying about catching just the right pictures.