etiquette for being a 'backup' wedding shooter?

[andylawcc]

my friend asked me to help him out for his sister's wedding; they hired a professional photog, but wants another guy to shoot more photos. I gladly obliged; but this is my second time shooting at a wedding (Last time I don't think I made the "primary" photogs too happy as I often got in their way / line of sight). Other than that offense, Is there like a "code of honor" or etiquette for "backup" photographer in a wedding?

The wedding will first be in the outdoors in the afternoon, then a few hours of break time, and then back into indoors for the dinner.

 

[OulOat]

Did your friend run you by the pro? Some contracts disallow multiple photographers. The pros makes their money from the photos they sell; the less competition the better.

 

[Kaido]

Yeah, staying out of their way is the biggie. Your best bet, talk to the main photographer before the service starts and ask them where you could be useful. Like if they're shooting the first wedding dance, you could be shooting guests & family. That way you're not just a guy hanging around, getting in their way - they feel like you're helping them, which you've done by simply asking where to put yourself. My wife does wedding photography and sometimes has her friends do backup and it really works out well since she can't be everywhere at once.

 

[Cattykit]

I do wedding photos and based on my experiences, here's what I can tell you:

1. Don't get in the way. Stay behind the main photographer.
2. Use telephoto and stay back.
3. Make sure people look at the main photographer; if people start looking at you for the shot, you need be away.
4. If he's using Nikon, don't use flash as it can trigger his slave flash units. Even if he's using Canon or whatever, avoid using Flash.

 

[andylawcc]

i was just told over the phone about the wedding, so I wasn't brief-ed on the details nor met up with the primary photog. I will ask my friend to see if the main photog is cool with having secondary ones.

and on the topic of flashes, is there any circumstances that I could use flash (either built-in one or external one) that will Not trigger his slave? I mean, if he doesn't have a slave, I am cool right? I have a Nikon D60, and an archaic SB-28.

 

[spikespiegal]

I'd be willing to bet your friend's sister is on typical 'wedding crack' and asked half the county to bring their cameras and help document the event. You'll then take a lot of redundant pictures, get told 'you did a better job then the pro (when you didn't) blah blah blah.' There will be a jillion other people there with cameras snapping away, and the only one the bride should be talking to isn't in this thread.

Or, even worse, they don't trust the hired shooter. In which case you are really screwed because you are obligated and not getting paid.

If you would have attended the wedding anyways, then just take some courtesy snaps *away* from where the main shooter is. Candids of people you know the bride would appreciate but would be passed over by the working pro, things going on in other areas, etc. Shoot stuff away from the couple the pro isn't getting. Candids of older relatives of the couple are typically cherished as well as relatives they don't see much.

Personally I find it rude to even talk to the working pro. If you need a conversation, then it's assumed you are already in their hair.

 

[angry hampster]

Personally I find it rude to even talk to the working pro. If you need a conversation, then it's assumed you are already in their hair.

Agreed with this. When I shoot weddings, the very last thing I want is someone coming up to me and asking me about my job, what I'm doing, and what they need to do. Shooting weddings professionally is very stressful..do not add to this situation.

 

[alfa147x]

Agreed with this. When I shoot weddings, the very last thing I want is someone coming up to me and asking me about my job, what I'm doing, and what they need to do. Shooting weddings professionally is very stressful..do not add to this situation.

Could not agree more +1

 

[Billb2]

Pro + Amature = BAD

I would never agree to put myself in that position.

 

[andylawcc]

um, looks like I have set myself up to piss off another Pro. Thanks for the forewarning. I will discuss this with my friend (the bride's brother) about the scenario.

 

[Cattykit]

Well, in my case, having another photographers in the wedding never bothered me. This, of course, is as long as they're well behaved.
I actually liked having other photographers. Working as a team, having someone to talk to has always been fun. I even brought other amateur photographers who were willing to learn and never minded not getting paid. To me, having those people around was just a lot more fun and I felt good that I could teach others in the field.

 

[angry hampster]

um, looks like I have set myself up to piss off another Pro. Thanks for the forewarning. I will discuss this with my friend (the bride's brother) about the scenario.

Didn't mean to scare you off. I got into shooting weddings by being a second shooter at my cousin's wedding. I stayed out of the main photog's way and had a good time with my family. Just keep in mind that you're not getting paid...so there's no reason to overwork yourself.

 

[Muse]

Originally Posted by spikespiegal;29100615
I'd be willing to bet your friend's sister is on typical 'wedding crack' and asked half the county to bring their cameras and help document the event. You'll then take a lot of redundant pictures, get told 'you did a better job then the pro (when you didn't) blah blah blah.' There will be a jillion other people there with cameras snapping away, and the only one the bride should be talking to isn't in this thread.

Or, even worse, they don't trust the hired shooter. In which case you are really screwed because you are obligated and not getting paid.

If you would have attended the wedding anyways, then just take some courtesy snaps *away* from where the main shooter is. Candids of people you know the bride would appreciate but would be passed over by the working pro, things going on in other areas, etc. Shoot stuff away from the couple the pro isn't getting. Candids of older relatives of the couple are typically cherished as well as relatives they don't see much.

Personally I find it rude to even talk to the working pro. If you need a conversation, then it's assumed you are already in their hair.

This sounds like good advice to me, especially the last two paragraphs. I did secondary photo at a couple of weddings including video. I got a lot of shots of the after-ceremony mingling of guests, got video of the guests during the ceremony, and the pro didn't do any of that. I stayed away from the pros, never talked to them. Pretty big affairs. Even so, IIRC there were few if any other amateurs snapping/videoing there besides me.

 

[foghorn67]

Be invisible.
-During the ceremony, stay out of the aisle. Especially during the procession.
-For the formal group shots, don't do them unless he/she waves you in. Sometimes they are aware and allow this. Sometimes not. Don't even offer. It's not needed.
-Romantics, just observe and learn. This is your chance to take pics of people pouring into the reception hall. The photog will be busy getting the groups and romantics. You will be free to get the cocktail hour stuff totally without pressure. Shoot the details (centerpieces, plates, folded napkins, cute "you sit hear" markers, etc.)
-Reception. Probably where it's more receptive. No pun intended. While the photog is shooting the B&G, table shots...etc. Just walk around at the opposite end of the floor and people will pose. other couples, families, mom and baby. During the traditional dances, like 1st dance, bride and dad, mom and groom, etc. You don't want be at the opposite side. Shoot on the same side, but don't crowd him/her. The photog is looking for a clean background for those iconic moments.