It seems that anyone with a camera who takes a photo at a wedding is called an 'uncle bob'. Personally, I do not think that is very fair, but hey, I am not a wedding photog, so I dont really know.

I am going to a wedding of two very close friends of mine and I want to take some photos from my perspective. Initally, these friends asked me to shoot their wedding, which I declined for all of the reasons that have been stated thousands of times on these forums. I would, however, like to take some snapshots while at the events.

Here is what I plan to do:

1. NEVER get in the way of the pro.
2. Be discreet and keep a low profile.

Here is the kicker...after reading just about every post in the recent uncle bob threads, many photogs mentioned the types of camera that the UB's had. Some posters seemed very threatened.

I do not have cheap gear (5D, 35L, 85L, 70-200 2.8 IS + Leica M6 paired with a zeiss 35mm zm). That is the only camera gear I own. I planned on shooting a few rolls with the Leica/35mm and pairing my 5D with the 85L. That would be the only gear I would bring.

Would I be an 'uncle bob'? Curious to hear your opinions...and dont worry, I have thick skin, so be blunt if you must.

I suppose to be fair you will have to handicap yourself in some way as well. You can only shoot in "Green Square" mode, and stand on one leg during each shot.

Just chimp a lot with a really disgusted look on your face and mumble under your breath how bad that last shot looked. This way the photog shooting the wedding will think your some loser with nice equipment and no clue what you are doing. This way everyone gets a laugh.

Unless the pro photog is completely self-absorbed, the only objection to you shooting would be if you are "stealing eyes" in the formals or setting up shop in the middle of an aisle (or other important location). Don't do that and you'll be fine.

I agree with your assessment of this forum being unfair in portraying everyone with a camera as an Uncle Bob. Also, I agree with your implication that its disingenuous of photographers to label anyone with a nice camera at a wedding, when its really just their own feelings of insecurity creeping in.

Uncle Bob's are those who directly negatively affect us:

They get in the way.
They take our time. ("over here! wait! look over here!")
They get in the shot.
They make us look bad. (by looking like the pro but not acting like one)
They steal our shots (ie, shoot the poses that we work, and then give them to the b&g)

That's it.

Being threatened by someone's gear is really something else. Glad you addressed it. Its also good practice for a busy honest-to-god wedding pro to leave his gear at home when invited as a guest, and most probably do. There's nothing wrong at all with a hobbyist or non-wedding pro to enjoy the day and take good photos with gear. Just respect the pro's job.

-m

Edited by mauriceramirez on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:01 PM GMT

You can introduce yourself to the main photographer and assure him that you will stay out of the way and be discreet. Maybe bring him a bottle of water or help him control the crowd during the formals. If you're going to be an Uncle Bob, at least be a likable one...if there is such a thing

Well, avoid jumping in the aisle after the couple is announced. Otherwise you'll end up on the uncle bob thread

Luckily you don't have a fong dome on your flash so you're well on your way to avoiding uncle-bobness. Definitely do not bring better gear than the pro.. so no 1DsMkIII's with a 300/2.8 or 200/2 strapped to it.

On a serious note though, I would simply talk to the pro before the day starts and establish your intentions. Let him/her know that if they want you out of the way, they need only say the word. That's really the key thing to ease the mind of the wedding photographer.

jasont wrote:
You can introduce yourself to the main photographer and assure him that you will stay out of the way and be discreet. Maybe bring him a bottle of water or help him control the crowd during the formals. If you're going to be an Uncle Bob, at least be a likable one...if there is such a thing

+1000

DonCJohnson wrote:
I suppose to be fair you will have to handicap yourself in some way as well. You can only shoot in "Green Square" mode, and stand on one leg during each shot.

with the built in camera flash up, oh wait, i don't even know if the 5d has built in flash

Maurice is totally and utterly spot-on.

I don't care anyone bringing a camera on the few weddings I shoot each year; I do however dislike your typical Uncle Bob jumping in front of me when the couple is allowed to kiss, trying to take a nice image from one foot away (no kidding, I had this happening - luckily I was quick enough to already have the shot and confident enough that one was all I needed).

As long as you refrain from doing something like that, you should be A-OK.

All in all, out of the 10 weddings I shot so far, I had only one Uncle Bob experience. People carrying point & shoots and flashing all the time: that's what I really dislike. I'd prefer having someone like you around...

I suggest taking lots of pictures of the main photographer!

For me, I just bring a point and shoot, I'm there for the wedding, not to work (regardless of loving photography, it's still work for me!), if the photographer is nice, maybe I'd strike up a quick conversation on his downtime. But most of the time I like to do to others what is done to me when I'm out with my gear and I walk up to people and in a very dorky way I ask them if thier a "pro"!? We usualy end up talking and I give them a few tips here and there.

You know, you could just leave your camera at home, go to the party and actually have fun. I don't know...Just an idea.

chuck

the couple's lucky to have you take some shots for them-please post some after you shoot-for those of you who don't know, chuck hangs out in the people forum and posts some killer PJ stuff-he also converts a mean b&w

i think your attitude is perfect for this-you're not there to upstage him or shoot for your own portfolio-i also like the suggestion of introducing yourself to the main photog-that way, there will be no bad assumptions on his part

daniel

There is nothing wrong with being discreet and staying out of the way.....but the uncle bob's that get tossed around this forum DON'T do that......they could care less about our WORK that we are being paid to do...........so we don't bash EVERYONE with a camera......just those who interfere.

I have one question though.........wouldn't you like to attend the wedding as a guest and enjoy the affair ? Why work ?

I never take my gear to weddings that i've been invited to.......that's someone elses responsibility......i want to go eat, party, dance and drink........not take pictures.

canerino wrote:

It seems that anyone with a camera who takes a photo at a wedding is called an 'uncle bob'. Personally, I do not think that is very fair, but hey, I am not a wedding photog, so I dont really know.

I am going to a wedding of two very close friends of mine and I want to take some photos from my perspective. Initally, these friends asked me to shoot their wedding, which I declined for all of the reasons that have been stated thousands of times on these forums. I would, however, like to take some snapshots while at the events.

Here is what I plan to do:

1. NEVER get in the way of the pro.
2. Be discreet and keep a low profile.

Here is the kicker...after reading just about every post in the recent uncle bob threads, many photogs mentioned the types of camera that the UB's had. Some posters seemed very threatened.

I do not have cheap gear (5D, 35L, 85L, 70-200 2.8 IS + Leica M6 paired with a zeiss 35mm zm). That is the only camera gear I own. I planned on shooting a few rolls with the Leica/35mm and pairing my 5D with the 85L. That would be the only gear I would bring.

Would I be an 'uncle bob'? Curious to hear your opinions...and dont worry, I have thick skin, so be blunt if you must.

"take some snapshots".........
Bringing my 5d and 85L AND a Leica/35mm......why not just bring a point and shoot if you are just getting some "snapshots" ?

thanks for all the tips everyone...

maurice, you always seem so level headed in all of the posts I see you in...you are definitely an asset to FM.

thanks daniel for the kind words.

hassy, i was referencing the 'show your uncle bob' thread. i would say approximately 90% of the shots in that thread just pointed out people with cameras. there were several aisle shots where people were just taking photos...not in front of the pro...but just taking photos. one even pointed to a random guy in the back...he was so out of the photo that the poster had to draw a red arrow to identify him!

as for enjoying the wedding, I most certainly will....i am a hobbyist, so taking photos is not work for me!

hassy501 wrote:
canerino wrote:

It seems that anyone with a camera who takes a photo at a wedding is called an 'uncle bob'. Personally, I do not think that is very fair, but hey, I am not a wedding photog, so I dont really know.

I am going to a wedding of two very close friends of mine and I want to take some photos from my perspective. Initally, these friends asked me to shoot their wedding, which I declined for all of the reasons that have been stated thousands of times on these forums. I would, however, like to take some snapshots while at the events.

Here is what I plan to do:

1. NEVER get in the way of the pro.
2. Be discreet and keep a low profile.

Here is the kicker...after reading just about every post in the recent uncle bob threads, many photogs mentioned the types of camera that the UB's had. Some posters seemed very threatened.

I do not have cheap gear (5D, 35L, 85L, 70-200 2.8 IS + Leica M6 paired with a zeiss 35mm zm). That is the only camera gear I own. I planned on shooting a few rolls with the Leica/35mm and pairing my 5D with the 85L. That would be the only gear I would bring.

Would I be an 'uncle bob'? Curious to hear your opinions...and dont worry, I have thick skin, so be blunt if you must.

"take some snapshots".........
Bringing my 5d and 85L AND a Leica/35mm......why not just bring a point and shoot if you are just getting some "snapshots" ?



dont have one!

The bottom line is the more cameras around and in sight of the subject being photographer the more they look away and a great shot turns into a missed or average shot. "Uncle Bobs" also prevent the spontanious moments that make a good album when the bride or couple are alone and relaxed or just interacting. I never worry the quality of my images as they are well lit, well cropped and of print quality. It is the other factors I have no control over that take album images from just being well shot to full of feeling and emotion. More cameras around, mean less natural the interaction between the couple, less chances for good shots.I start working on this when doing the engagement and bridal shoot way before the wedding so they are used to my style on the wedding day.The weddings with big cameras all over the place never have as many "emotion" shots due to the distraction. In the end the client is the one hurt, not the photographer. Uncle Bob may get one good emotion shot while I would have got a dozen without the couple being distracted. As a professional I will always get my shots with or without Uncle Bobs using a pro camera or a P-S. It is just a lot easier to do the job I am paid for with less of them around. If you want wedding practice shots go volunteer as an assistant for someone in town.
I would NEVER bring my camera when invited to a wedding.

and hey, i like image quality just like the next guy...so why not use what I have?

You beat me to this topic. Good one to start.

I agree with venkman and m. Spot on.

I have to say though, that I never would have thought maurice thought that way at all. Matter of fact, I was pleasantly surprised to read some of the pros' responses here, as I would never have thought many thought this way from their posts in the other thread.

I certainly cover the potential "real" uncle bob's in my consultations and ask the couple who would I need to speak to to have them talked to. I personally have never prohibited photography. If I were the photographer, its go ahead, shoot away/ My advice in your case is to ask the bride and groom first about their understanding of the contract, then approach the pro as well. Its really what they both agreed on that goes on that day.



Edited by njjuliano on Jul 25, 2008 at 07:42 PM GMT

jefferies1 wrote:
The bottom line is the more cameras around and in sight of the subject being photographer the more they look away and a great shot turns into a missed or average shot. "Uncle Bobs" also prevent the spontanious moments that make a good album when the bride or couple are alone and relaxed or just interacting. I never worry the quality of my images as they are well lit, well cropped and of print quality. It is the other factors I have no control over that take album images from just being well shot to full of feeling and emotion. More cameras around, mean less natural the interaction between the couple, less chances for good shots.I start working on this when doing the engagement and bridal shoot way before the wedding so they are used to my style on the wedding day.The weddings with big cameras all over the place never have as many "emotion" shots due to the distraction. In the end the client is the one hurt, not the photographer. Uncle Bob may get one good emotion shot while I would have got a dozen without the couple being distracted. As a professional I will always get my shots with or without Uncle Bobs using a pro camera or a P-S. It is just a lot easier to do the job I am paid for with less of them around. If you want wedding practice shots go volunteer as an assistant for someone in town.
I would NEVER bring my camera when invited to a wedding.

i guess thats the difference...i do not want wedding practice shots, i want them for my own personal collection.

hey hassy, you have any point and shoots laying around you want to lend me?

I agree with Maurice Ramirez' assessment, though jefferies1 also has a good point. I find that the sheer number of cameras being used at weddings makes it impossible to get certain types of broad view, atmosphere shots that really used to be a nice part of the wedding keepsake.

However, you are so aware of the situation that I can't believe you would cause any problems. You certainly won't be clicking, buzzing, and flashing indiscriminately, which describes 30-40% of the guests at some weddings. I've been in a bride's "getting ready room" doing pre-ceremony photos with four bridesmaids and three or four other friends and family members - there have been as many as five cameras being used in there along with mine! It gets to be a bit much.

Bottom line is I think you'll be fine and the pro won't mind what you do. Good luck and enjoy the wedding!

Chuck, I'll go to the wedding as well with my 500L on the 1DII, throw on the 580EX with a better beamer and ever time I take a shot I'll loudly announce "Ohhhh yea, that's a keeper.". No one will even notice you are there

Actually I usually just carry my 5D 35L as a point and shoot, it's really not a large set up and as you already know it's quite versatile.

canerino wrote:
hey hassy, you have any point and shoots laying around you want to lend me?


Sorry no, but i do have a Bronica SQA with 50/80 and 150 lenses with 220 backs you can borrow ?