trying to stay out of the way...

[Flores]

I've been asked by family to 'get some good shots' of a family wedding coming up next month. The bride and groom have hired a pro photog to cover the event (for about $800), but I'm getting a lot of pressure to shoot as well.

Without getting into the reasons why, I have said I will come, and bring my gear. I would like to be as inconspicuous as possible, and make sure I don't interfere with whom ever is working the wedding.

So: for you guys that do this for a living, what bothers you the most about the 'family member with nice gear at the wedding'? or, to put it another way, how do I keep from distracting the 'real' wedding photographer, but still shoot some shots?

My 'plan' at this point is just to be where he/she isn't, and maybe generate some complementary shots (I can't imagine they have more than one shooter for that price).

other than that, I plan to enjoy the wedding!

[kayumangi]

The biggest issue is when you pose guests into groups and then when its the hired pros turn some of the guest may no longer be interested because they had their photos taken by you. And it may appear that the hired pro was not doing his job because he 'missed' some shoots. If you want to help out i think its best to talk to the tog heck you could volunteer as a VIP spotter if you want. But if it was me ill leave the camera at home out of courtesy.

[Flores]

I have no desire or plan on posing anyone. I'm just a 'guest with a camera', who wants to avoid messing up someone who is working.

[kayumangi]

I understand. But what if someone you know said "hey, you have a fancy camera, can you take a photo of us real quick?" would you say no? or would you say look for the hired tog?

[Flores]

Originally Posted by kayumangi

I understand. But what if someone you know said "hey, you have a fancy camera, can you take a photo of us real quick?" would you say no? or would you say look for the hired tog?

I can honestly say, that has _never_ happened to me. given everyone has a camera phone or P&S, or DSLR, I don't _expect_ it to happen here.

but you bring up a good point. I need to make sure I have a good answer for that, thanks!

[The Loft Studios]

As long as "family members or guest" with cameras do not prevent me from doing my job in an efficient and professional manner, I wouldn't care if they pulled out a Hasselblad with a Phase One Digital Back and set up Broncolor Strobes..... Just don't disturb me or the subject(s) that I'm am shooting at that time.

[prncfarquad]

Paul, I had this same situation with my sister-in-laws reception. What I did was introduced myself to the hired photog and asked him if there was anything I could do to make sure I was out of his way. He was very appreciative and polite and told me where I could shoot during the reception that would not interfere with his work. If I saw him shooting something I knew there was no need for me to duplicate. If his camera was pointing in my direction I moved.

Each photog is different but this worked for my sis-in-laws reception.

edit: and during the special moments (first dance, cake cutting etc) I took pics of the guests while they were creating their magic for the B&G

[texkam]

I had friends make the same request. They hired me for their engagement pics in Ft. Worth. They were married in Austin and hired an local wedding photography company. Even after I explained photo etiquette to them, they still really wanted me to bring my gear to shoot candids as a friend. I didn't shoot until the reception and only after I talked to the hired shooters, 2 young ladies who were as nice as can be (see pic). I asked if me being there shooting would be a problem and their response was "no, not at all", so I was not paranoid on where I could shoot from and therefore able to get some nice images while respecting the the other shooters space. The difference from you is I was not interested in shooting the same shots as the pros. Had I got a negative response I would have shot much less aggressively, shooting snaps along with the other P&S guests.

[ngoduyviet]

Nothing camera related at weddings really bothers me anymore. I seen pretty much everything from MF to grandpa's Instamatic, from people shooting literally on top of me to jumping in front of the me into the aisle & got removed by the priest.

Judging from your question, I wouldn't mind one bit if you bring out your biggest camera :)

[BenE]

Originally Posted by Flores

=========================

My 'plan' at this point is just to be where he/she isn't, and maybe generate some complementary shots (I can't imagine they have more than one shooter for that price).

other than that, I plan to enjoy the wedding!

Good plan.

Sometimes the problem is more about the people being photographed than anything else. If they know you, they might be more apt to look at you and the photographer will have a difficult time getting their attention.

Nothing worse than having a group with everyone looking in the direction they are suppose to be, except one or two are looking in a different direction... the "family" photographer.

[groovyone]

I have also been the friend. I talked to the pro, said I would stay well out of their way, and I did NOT use a flash for risk of messing with their shots. The pro was very friendly about it and even talked to me briefly at some points. Most of the time I shot things they were not in the area of the pro, like the reception prior to the bride and groom arriving. Best thing you can do is be where they are not. Do NOT try to shoot what they are shooting.

I did the same at another friends wedding. Both times I stayed in my seat and seated during the ceremony. Just try to pick a good seat! haha

[auddii]

I'm only an assistant to a wedding photographer, but I'll agree with BE. The biggest problem seems to be when people don't know where to focus their attention during the group shots. Avoid situations that are very controlled by the photographer: group shots, any bridal/groom portraits done the day of.

During the reception, it's much more chaotic except again for the designed times, like first dance and bouquet toss. Someone else mentioned shooting the crowd during these times, which is a great idea since to pro will be focusing on the main event. During the crazy dancing, I'd say snap away as long as you aren't standing in front of the pro. And remember to put down the camera and have some fun too!

[BenE]

Originally Posted by auddii

======= And remember to put down the camera and have some fun too!

Be careful about ever walking away from your camera. There have been situations where the camera was last seen on its way to a pawn shop.

I have also heard photographers mention they left it on a table and when they went back it was on the floor.

[bryanlindsey]

If you see me through your viewfinder, you're in my shot...






But seriously...get out of my shot...

[Flores]

awesome! I'm not really that interested in getting the same shots as 'the pro', so I guess I will follow the majority advise here, say 'hi' to the photographer, respect his workspace, and enjoy the wedding :D