Uncle Bob!

On the Huh

On the Huh

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Zulfi
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I will be attending my nieces wedding on Saturday. I want to take my camera and a couple of lenses.
I don’t want to be the typical Uncle Bob and shoot over the shoulder of the official togger or anything.

As I have a big shiny camera and one of those white lenses I don’t want the official togger feel I’m trying to compete with him etc.

I second shoot weddings from time to time, and mainly wish to take this opportunity to practice my techniques. Also it will be good to get a few portraits of my elderly parents, when they are dressed smartly and in a nice location. I am assuming the official togger has been paid up front for a package and know he is very good at what he does, so he should be OK with it?

I have met the guy before, some years ago, and know he is a nice fella as he use to let the local camera club use his studio.

Now I know many will say just enjoy as a guest and leave the camera at home, but I will find that difficult.

Should I contact him and tell him I’m not there to undermine him. Also, I have seen some toggers state on their contracts, no other pro cameras etc. ???

What are your thoughts.
 
Just go and have a chat with him at the beginning of the day :)

I had one chap on Saturday and I helped him get the shots he wanted.

So long as you explain that you won't get in his way and if you offer to shoot some candids for him I'm sure he won't mind.

Just let him manage the day the way he wants and don't get in the way. You should be fine with just a pleasant "Hello" at the outset.
 
could I suggest the other approach. Go, enjoy your neices wedding, have some fun, get a bit drunk (or alot drunk) take a 50 and a body if you want but worry about having a great time at her big day.

Ali's advice is, as ever, great. But I think having a camera makes it to easy to observe something you should be part of instead
 
Cheers Ali and Hugh.

Part of the problem is I don't enjoy weddings unless I'm photographing them.
I can't drink as I'll be driving.
My estranged wife has took my kids on holiday and I can see myself getting bored.
I will enjoy the wedding with my camera in my hands. Just don't want to look like some smart ass. As this is a wedding where I have no responsibility about the pics I take I see it as an opportunity to practice etc. No one is expecting any pics from me, and if I do get any good ones :lol: I don't mind letting the official togger having the raws.
 
if you arent going to be able to NOT take a camera, follow Ali's advice, do nothing to get in the way of the official tog, let them get their shots out of the way, then have a go with yours. Remember they are being paid for this gig, and have certain shots they have to get done, BEFORE the couple leave for the afternoon thing etc. Only reason i say this is i have attended a couple of weddings, not to photograph them, but people taking hundreds of shots held up the official tog, and made the couple late for their wedding dinner ! and then this made them late for the evening do as well.
 
IanC_UK said:
if you arent going to be able to NOT take a camera, follow Ali's advice, do nothing to get in the way of the official tog, let them get their shots out of the way, then have a go with yours. Remember they are being paid for this gig, and have certain shots they have to get done, BEFORE the couple leave for the afternoon thing etc. Only reason i say this is i have attended a couple of weddings, not to photograph them, but people taking hundreds of shots held up the official tog, and made the couple late for their wedding dinner ! and then this made them late for the evening do as well.
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Yeah I know what pain in asses guests with cameras can be, especially some uncle with a big camera and lens. I have shot weddings myself in the past and still do a bit of 2nd togging when I get the call. I suppose some of my problem is I don't want to look like the pain in the butt uncle and assure the official togger that I'm not there to ruin his day, steal his poses or lessen any print sales he may get.
 
AliB said:
Just go and have a chat with him at the beginning of the day :)

I had one chap on Saturday and I helped him get the shots he wanted.

So long as you explain that you won't get in his way and if you offer to shoot some candids for him I'm sure he won't mind.

Just let him manage the day the way he wants and don't get in the way. You should be fine with just a pleasant "Hello" at the outset.
Click to expand...

Definatly,,, had the odd one with an entry SLR come up and ask for a few pointers and ive let them shoot (with help).

Where as, any one trying to get my shots for free, gets a difficult time of it
 
NigelPaul said:
Yeah I know what pain in asses guests with cameras can be, especially some uncle with a big camera and lens. I have shot weddings myself in the past and still do a bit of 2nd togging when I get the call. I suppose some of my problem is I don't want to look like the pain in the butt uncle and assure the official togger that I'm not there to ruin his day, steal his poses or lessen any print sales he may get.
Click to expand...

Well i think following Ali's advice is perfect then, you know not to get in the way and what he/she is attempting to achieve, the fact you are asking means you arent like Uncle Bob already ;)
 
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