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Wedding Etiquette for Ameteuer
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May 18, 2018 08:26:03   #
ckayakne Loc: Wolfeboro/Portsmouth, NH
 
Nothing worse than having a bunch of over the shoulder guests getting the same shot that the pro setup and now has to wait for everyone to get theirs in. There is usually limited time between the ceremony and reception that the pro has to get all the formals completed and depending on the desires of the couple may take some time to coordinate groups. I go to family gatherings and take candids or if there are some families that want there own pics done, I'll find a spot away from the activity to do some special pics. These are the pics that the pro may not have time to get, but could prove extremely gratifying for the bride and groom. They don't always see what is happening away from the reception. Good luck and have fun!

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May 18, 2018 08:40:45   #
Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.
 
polonois wrote:
Before I retired when my Studio was open. I shot an average of thirty to thirty five weddings each year. I had a wedding contract that the bride and groom signed which stipulated that no other photographer was permitted to photograph anything while me and any of my staff were working. I am not sure what other photographer allow. This worked well for me throughout the years. I did at times let the guests take a few photos between my shots and at the reception. I think it may be best for you to talk to the photographer.
Before I retired when my Studio was open. I shot a... (show quote)


Same thing when one of my sons was married. Also in the contract, that the moment someone else took a photo while she was working, she'd pack it in and be out of there, resulting in no photos and no refund.
I must say though, that she was very good at her job, and also announced when others could take their photos and when it was her turn again. It made for a pleasant relationship between photographer, couple and guests.

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May 18, 2018 09:24:29   #
khumiston
 
I took a camera to a wedding and the first thing I did was have a friendly conversation with the photographer who turned out to be very nice. Even gave me some tips, but asked that I try to tay out of the field of view when she was taking posed photos, but as far as candid shots he said have a good time. Some professionals may be more picky than others, but it is bound to work out better if you start on friendly terms. I have also been to weddings where the bride and groom put a disposable camera at every reception table to let all the guests click away at candid shots

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May 18, 2018 09:25:58   #
Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV
 
Just have fun and stay out of the way. On wedding day the bride is a me, me, me animal but in years after the wedding they do really enjoy photos of guests and friends that were there and often never captured by the paid photographer. Get a few of the bride and groom but also spend time getting the special shots that they won't have without you!

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May 18, 2018 10:03:17   #
DebAnn Loc: Toronto
 
As an occasional wedding photographer (lead), I can say that it's very annoying to have a shadow photographer because they tend to be in the way and expect the official photographer to hold a group in order for them to get their shot. Better to keep out of that photog's way and shoot some candids throughout the wedding. There will be plenty of opportunities for those.
Hamltnblue wrote:
Hello
I am in the category of what you would call very amateur.
I have had various cameras over the years, with the best being a Canon T2i. The settings have always been left on auto or one of the scene selections.
I recently picked up a D7500 and a couple of lenses and have been reading and trying out manual settings. Not producing the greatest yet but getting there.

Last year at my daughter's wedding, I brought a camera and during photography sessions, took pics along side the photographer. Stayed out of the way but wanted some pics to give my daughter while she waited for the pro stuff to return.
This weekend we will be attending a Niece's wedding and will be bringing the new camera.
After all that here's the question. What is the proper etiquette when taking pics at a wedding.
Is it typically OK to shadow the photographer some to take my own pics? Of course the flash would be turned off but was considering bringing a tri or mono pod.
Thanks
Jim
Hello br I am in the category of what you would ca... (show quote)

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May 18, 2018 10:08:00   #
Silverman Loc: Michigan
 
Hamltnblue wrote:
Hello
I am in the category of what you would call very amateur.
I have had various cameras over the years, with the best being a Canon T2i. The settings have always been left on auto or one of the scene selections.
I recently picked up a D7500 and a couple of lenses and have been reading and trying out manual settings. Not producing the greatest yet but getting there.

Last year at my daughter's wedding, I brought a camera and during photography sessions, took pics along side the photographer. Stayed out of the way but wanted some pics to give my daughter while she waited for the pro stuff to return.
This weekend we will be attending a Niece's wedding and will be bringing the new camera.
After all that here's the question. What is the proper etiquette when taking pics at a wedding.
Is it typically OK to shadow the photographer some to take my own pics? Of course the flash would be turned off but was considering bringing a tri or mono pod.
Thanks
Jim
Hello br I am in the category of what you would ca... (show quote)




Also, try not to use your on camera flash directly, use some type of a deflector, so you get a bounce affect, maybe a 4x6 index card with a rubber band, or they sell cheap plastic deflectors that attach to your on camera flash too.

I would say NO, do not shadow the Professional Photographer, he is getting paid, you are not, both of your skill levels are much different, so be polite and show etiquette and let him or her do their job, then when your opportunity presents itself, shoot your image and hope it turns out.
Suggestion; DO NOT use "Auto" mode, try "P" mode, with matrix metering and AF-A or AF-S focusing modes.

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May 18, 2018 10:30:12   #
JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore
 
polonois wrote:
Before I retired when my Studio was open. I shot an average of thirty to thirty five weddings each year. I had a wedding contract that the bride and groom signed which stipulated that no other photographer was permitted to photograph anything while me and any of my staff were working. I am not sure what other photographer allow. This worked well for me throughout the years. I did at times let the guests take a few photos between my shots and at the reception. I think it may be best for you to talk to the photographer.
Before I retired when my Studio was open. I shot a... (show quote)


"...while...staff were working." If "...were working" is interpreted to mean while you were on the property, I'm amazed that you were able to get away with it; having taken photos at two of our kid's weddings & receptions (and several at extended family's) so long as the amateur is not shooting over your shoulder or in your way, I don't see the harm to you or your profits as he/she will probably be taking completely different shots that the bride, in retrospect, may be thankful to have and you may not have taken and certainly not at the same moment of time. The B & G will never again have a chance to get those shots.

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May 18, 2018 10:35:11   #
1Feathercrest Loc: NEPA
 
The word "allot" does NOT mean much or many. The term is "a & lot" which are two (2) separate words. Common grammatical error, just remember that a and lot are not connected. do a word search for the word "allot".

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May 18, 2018 10:41:30   #
RolandDieter
 
A basic rule of etiquette that always applies is common courtesy. Shadowing someone is like short-term stalking. Ask permission and do not use a tripod or monipod. The hired photographer wants to sell his/her pictures. How would you feel if you were hired to do it and a relative/friend of the family shadowed you? If you took the same or very similar shots you would be hurting the pros sales. Yes, the photographer is being paid, but also has time and expenses, often including a paid assistant, to do the shoot and the post processing to show the results to the bride and groom. By shadowing you are also distracting the pros who have to avoid bumping into you as they maneuver to get the shots they want. How are they to know you will never be in their way?

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May 18, 2018 10:47:55   #
Silverman Loc: Michigan
 
Hamltnblue wrote:
Hello
I am in the category of what you would call very amateur.
I have had various cameras over the years, with the best being a Canon T2i. The settings have always been left on auto or one of the scene selections.
I recently picked up a D7500 and a couple of lenses and have been reading and trying out manual settings. Not producing the greatest yet but getting there.

Last year at my daughter's wedding, I brought a camera and during photography sessions, took pics along side the photographer. Stayed out of the way but wanted some pics to give my daughter while she waited for the pro stuff to return.
This weekend we will be attending a Niece's wedding and will be bringing the new camera.
After all that here's the question. What is the proper etiquette when taking pics at a wedding.
Is it typically OK to shadow the photographer some to take my own pics? Of course the flash would be turned off but was considering bringing a tri or mono pod.
Thanks
Jim
Hello br I am in the category of what you would ca... (show quote)


If affordable purchase a quality "Speedlight" flash for "Off-Camera" shooting, when you DO NOT have a direct flash, and it Bounces off a ceiling or wall, etc. you get a much nicer softer light and more professional and pleeasing.

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May 18, 2018 11:36:32   #
ervinada Loc: Hollywood, Florida
 
I opened my first studio in 1974 and all my contracts stipulated that for weddings and social events no guests would be permitted to shoot during the ceremony, formal shots, or set up events. I also had signs posted at the entrance to the ceremony and the guest register asking for guest cooperation and stipulating the rules of the game - in addition to stipulating when the guests could shoot I also asked that the guests refrain from using their flash while I was doing my work. You obviously can't expect everyone to cooperate with you but as soon as you demonstrate that a certain someone is the cause of some retakes or missed shots you'd be amazed at how cooperation improves. Remember, however, to be courteous - you don't want to anger the guests or make yourself the focal point of the event.

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May 18, 2018 11:47:22   #
OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR
 
1Feathercrest wrote:
do a word search for the word "allot".

Do a word search for "dweeb".

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May 18, 2018 11:56:10   #
drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
 
Hamltnblue wrote:
Hello
I am in the category of what you would call very amateur.
I have had various cameras over the years, with the best being a Canon T2i. The settings have always been left on auto or one of the scene selections.
I recently picked up a D7500 and a couple of lenses and have been reading and trying out manual settings. Not producing the greatest yet but getting there.

Last year at my daughter's wedding, I brought a camera and during photography sessions, took pics along side the photographer. Stayed out of the way but wanted some pics to give my daughter while she waited for the pro stuff to return.
This weekend we will be attending a Niece's wedding and will be bringing the new camera.
After all that here's the question. What is the proper etiquette when taking pics at a wedding.
Is it typically OK to shadow the photographer some to take my own pics? Of course the flash would be turned off but was considering bringing a tri or mono pod.
Thanks
Jim
Hello br I am in the category of what you would ca... (show quote)


From a wedding pro. Proper is to leave your camera at home and not copy any of the pro's set ups. It is his work for hire you are copying even if shooting from behind him and annoying him. The pro deserves the respect his profession should be given. His work his shots. Would you try and carve on the marble a pro marble carver artist is carving? Or paint the same picture a painter is painting while he is painting it when he is not instructing you? Respect the pro and give him all the space he needs to do his job. You could ask the bride and groom to pose for you special after the pro is done or at the reception as a private moment with the bride. Let the pro do his job and enjoy the event. Leave your camera at home.

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May 18, 2018 11:56:46   #
drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
 
ervinada wrote:
I opened my first studio in 1974 and all my contracts stipulated that for weddings and social events no guests would be permitted to shoot during the ceremony, formal shots, or set up events. I also had signs posted at the entrance to the ceremony and the guest register asking for guest cooperation and stipulating the rules of the game - in addition to stipulating when the guests could shoot I also asked that the guests refrain from using their flash while I was doing my work. You obviously can't expect everyone to cooperate with you but as soon as you demonstrate that a certain someone is the cause of some retakes or missed shots you'd be amazed at how cooperation improves. Remember, however, to be courteous - you don't want to anger the guests or make yourself the focal point of the event.
I opened my first studio in 1974 and all my contra... (show quote)



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May 18, 2018 11:57:35   #
drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
 
RolandDieter wrote:
A basic rule of etiquette that always applies is common courtesy. Shadowing someone is like short-term stalking. Ask permission and do not use a tripod or monipod. The hired photographer wants to sell his/her pictures. How would you feel if you were hired to do it and a relative/friend of the family shadowed you? If you took the same or very similar shots you would be hurting the pros sales. Yes, the photographer is being paid, but also has time and expenses, often including a paid assistant, to do the shoot and the post processing to show the results to the bride and groom. By shadowing you are also distracting the pros who have to avoid bumping into you as they maneuver to get the shots they want. How are they to know you will never be in their way?
A basic rule of etiquette that always applies is c... (show quote)



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