Wedding on Sunday.

Rojin · 19 May 2010 at 12:10

Now I'm going as a guest so wasn't going to bother with taking the camera, but I'm tempted to take it along and get some candids through the day. I've just got an 85mm f1.8 so I might take that for a more compact setup. I like the idea of the 70-200 though for long range shots(more unobstrusive), and of course I could take the 24-70.... I'd like to take the camera along to get some experience in this area, but I'm conscious of looking like a right numpty with a DSLR in amongst the crowd, and also whether it's appropriate I guess. I think I'll just take the point and shoot! (years old Optio-S 3MP!)

Raymond Lin · 19 May 2010 at 12:12

What camera?

Rojin · 19 May 2010 at 12:13

1D mkIII, sort of wish I had the smaller body of the 7D now!

peterattheboro · 19 May 2010 at 12:14

Might want to check first cos i've got it written into my contract where guests aren't allowed professional equipment. (Pinched the contract of the web and it is to a totally professional standard.)

It's also go other bits in where if the wedding photographer is taking pics and the guests are firing off flashes on their compacts, if the photos are ruined because of this then it's not the wedding photographers fault.

So basically, ask first

Raymond Lin · 19 May 2010 at 12:16

peterattheboro said:
Might want to check first cos i've got it written into my contract where guests aren't allowed professional equipment. (Pinched the contract of the web and it is to a totally professional standard.)

It's also go other bits in where if the wedding photographer is taking pics and the guests are firing off flashes on their compacts, if the photos are ruined because of this then it's not the wedding photographers fault.

So basically, ask first

How do you enforce the first part? and what if they do?

All I ask is that during the posed shots that the guests have some respect. Let me shoot mine, then i'll give them a chance to do the same before i move onto the next group. This is to avoid eyes looking at the wrong camera.

Tomsk · 19 May 2010 at 12:21

Raymond Lin said:
How do you enforce the first part? and what if they do?

All I ask is that during the posed shots that the guests have some respect. Let me shoot mine, then i'll give them a chance to do the same before i move onto the next group. This is to avoid eyes looking at the wrong camera.

Exactly what I was about to ask and I agree with your second statement too.

I was at my cousin's wedding a few years ago with my shiny new 20D and the pro had the same! His lenses were an 'L' of a lot better than mine though.

Rojin · 19 May 2010 at 12:22

Interesting about the guests and professional equipment, I can't say I understand that. As the photographer you've been commisioned and paid to cover the day, it's not as if it is competition to your work? I fully understand the "interfering" with your work angle, but this happens with the flurry of people with their own cameras as well.

I would be keeping away from anything the photographer is doing, one of the reasons I was thinking about the 70-200. To be honest I don't think I'll bother it's not worth the hassle.

peterattheboro · 19 May 2010 at 12:23

Raymond Lin said:
How do you enforce the first part? and what if they do?

All I ask is that during the posed shots that the guests have some respect. Let me shoot mine, then i'll give them a chance to do the same before i move onto the next group. This is to avoid eyes looking at the wrong camera.

Suppose if you were anal enough then you could refuse to do the wedding and keep the deposit...

Personally i've got it in there but i'll allow people to bring DSLRs.

Mr Jones · 19 May 2010 at 12:25

Raymond Lin said:
How do you enforce the first part? and what if they do?

All I ask is that during the posed shots that the guests have some respect. Let me shoot mine, then i'll give them a chance to do the same before i move onto the next group. This is to avoid eyes looking at the wrong camera.

Woo, I was thinking along that lines too for the wedding I'm doing this Saturday! *Butterflies*

Rojin, if I have your kit, I'll go to the wedding with the 85mm f1.8. It's fast, it's long for cadids, fast AF and bokeh is lovely too. It's not as eye catching as the 70-200 to make you stand out too much.

Raymond Lin · 19 May 2010 at 12:25

peterattheboro said:
Suppose if you were anal enough then you could refuse to do the wedding and keep the deposit...

Personally i've got it in there but i'll allow people to bring DSLRs.

This is in my disclaimer

DISCLAIMER

The Photographer agrees that every effort will be made to provide high quality photographic services. In the unlikely event that a catastrophic mechanical failure should occur to the Photographer’s equipment or transport and the Photographer is unable to provide the Clients with the agreed upon photography services and/or products, the Photographer’s liability shall be limited to a full refund of all monies paid.

The Photographer and Client agree that the Photographer is not responsible for any damages, emotional or otherwise. The Client agrees that the Photographer may use any photograph for publicity purposes. Such publicity and advertising may include publication on Photographer’s website.

Other persons may take photographs at the wedding and reception, however all “formal” or other shots set up by the Photographer are for the Photographer to photograph exclusively. It is the Client’s responsibility to inform all guests of said policy. This is to ensure the photographs are of a consistently high standard. The Photographer cannot be responsible for unusable shots due to distractions from Client’s guests (e.g. eyes being closed, guests not looking at the camera) and other circumstances beyond the Photographer’s control.

The client will be responsible for (or have someone designated for this responsibility – e.g. the Best Man) identifying people/objects of whom/which specific photographs are desired. The Photographer will NOT be held accountable for not photographing desired people if there is no one to assist in identifying or gathering people for the photograph(s).

The Photographer is limited by the guidelines of the ceremony official or the reception site management. The client agrees to accept the technical results of their imposition on the Photographer.

peterattheboro · 19 May 2010 at 12:31

This is what I have.

: It is understood that PRT Photography will act as the sole and exclusive wedding photographer. Because of the fact that flashes from guest’s cameras may ruin shots taken by PRT Photography, THE CLIENT acknowledges that they are responsible for notifying all of their guests that guest photography is not permitted at any time while the professional photographer are in session. PRT Photography suggests that a separate notice be placed in the invitations. The formal photography time is for the exclusive use of PRT Photography to capture the formal wedding portraits. Because of time constraints and the need for subjects to pay full attention to the professional photographer, guest photography cannot be permitted. PRT Photography will allow guests to take snapshots during the processional and recessional, during candid events at the church, and at the altar during the time PRT Photography equipment is being packed up. In return for this consideration PRT Photography insists no other guest photography take place when or where PRT Photography is working. No other guest/photographer using professional equipment will be allowed by PRT Photography at any time during the wedding. PRT Photography reserves the right to stop any photographic services paid for and leave the function should any other person take photographs with any professional equipment – with the deposit being forfeit.

Magic_x_uk · 19 May 2010 at 14:09

I dont know how you can stop people from using pro equipment. You may have quests who are budding hobbie photographers with for eg: canon 50D, 7D cameras and have brought them along to take snaps of the day.

Would seem hard to enforce to me.

AHarvey · 19 May 2010 at 14:17

I've been 2 3 weddings, DSLR went along to all of them and at the last the bride had told the official tog that she wanted me there as his second. He was fine with that.

As for trying to stop other people taking photos, you won't be able to do that, it's a wedding and people take photos. The best action is to politely ask everyone to wait until you have taken your shot

As for PRT Photography's rules, I can't believe you've actually said you would walk out if this was to happen. You would actually risk destroying a couples wedding day because someone has some pro equipment? And as you've said you haven't enforced it I would suggest you take it out because it sounds incredibly childish and insecure. I certainly wouldn't employ you with that in there!

peterattheboro · 19 May 2010 at 14:26

Gonna leave it, if they ask about it i'll say don't worry about it and even cross it off. It makes me look more professional and also makes me look like i'm doing them a favour

I've only had one signed so far (only been advertising for a small amount of time) so I'll see how it goes.

Your input is appreciated

Rojin · 19 May 2010 at 14:49

peterattheboro said:
: It is understood that PRT Photography will act as the sole and exclusive wedding photographer. Because of the fact that flashes from guest’s cameras may ruin shots taken by PRT Photography, THE CLIENT acknowledges that they are responsible for notifying all of their guests that guest photography is not permitted at any time while the professional photographer are in session. PRT Photography suggests that a separate notice be placed in the invitations. The formal photography time is for the exclusive use of PRT Photography to capture the formal wedding portraits. Because of time constraints and the need for subjects to pay full attention to the professional photographer, guest photography cannot be permitted. PRT Photography will allow guests to take snapshots during the processional and recessional, during candid events at the church, and at the altar during the time PRT Photography equipment is being packed up. In return for this consideration PRT Photography insists no other guest photography take place when or where PRT Photography is working. No other guest/photographer using professional equipment will be allowed by PRT Photography at any time during the wedding. PRT Photography reserves the right to stop any photographic services paid for and leave the function should any other person take photographs with any professional equipment – with the deposit being forfeit.

I've got honestly say that I most likely wouldn't have hired you for my wedding if you were to enforce the above. Gathering in all photos of the day from guests (one use cameras were also provided on tables etc.) added a lot to the memories of the day. My grandad rolling up with his DLSR would have caused havoc!

AHarvey · 19 May 2010 at 15:30

It doesn't make you look professional, it makes you look insecure about the standard of your work.

A wedding day should be about having fun and not having to worry about everything, with those clauses the bride and groom will think you sound like Hitler, that they will be worrying none stop about people taking photos and because of that they won't book you. Also, asking them to tell all the guests etc, that's another job, and quite a large one and if you have ever organised a wedding, you'd know that you try and minimise the amount of jobs. Trust me, it's hell

Also, add in to the fact that as SLR's are becoming cheaper and even the head of Nikon has said they are reaching saturation point it is highly likely that someone there will have 'pro' equipment.

Just remember, the equipment has very little to do with the photo. I've seen photos taken on an iPhone by a talented pro that would put my D60 to shame

Rojin · 19 May 2010 at 15:33

I don't know I would go that far! A big part of choosing the photographer is meeting with them, I'm sure in an informal environment and discussing the above clause that Peter wouldn't suddenly start threatening to invade if they didn't comply!

peterattheboro · 19 May 2010 at 15:35

I always keep a gun in my camera bag for such circumstances

(flashgun

)

Stupot_ · 19 May 2010 at 15:40

Was gonna say go for it but your camera is pretty big! However, at all the weddings I've been to recently there have been a bunch of people with slr's (normally kit lens jobbies) all getting in the way. I took my 350d with 24-105 and a couple more lenses in the car in case I needed them.

These were for close family though, and they had asked me to stick around with the bride before the ceremony to get photos of them all getting ready.

I probably wouldn't bother if it was someone I didn't know as well.

Raymond Lin · 19 May 2010 at 15:40

This thread is derailing lol

Just take the camera, do your candids and if you are in the way then let the pro do his thing.

That's all.