Well actually, Judith Sheindlin has in fact been a real judge for over 25 years. Not to mention also one of the most successful female television personalities of all time. Whether you like Judge Judy or not, you have to acknowledge and appreciate her success (and no I am not a fan of the show, but I certainly recognize her for her accomplishments). Sorry for the off-topic tangent...

Rick, I wasn't advising it, I was just saying that for his particular situation, and at the point of his post, that's about all he had. But like you, I won't put up with it, I will address it at the moment. I was trying to encourage the guy, not advise him to do anything.

I feel the pain. Here is one of my previous post's.
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...typical+photog

And like you, I would hope folks just speak up. There are courteous ways to do it and that's usually all it takes. I can certainly say I've gotten in their way more than once.

I also know there are prima donna photographers out there that won't accomodate us... all the more reason for another cam angle.

Photogs Behaving Badly
 

At the last wedding I shot, the photog decided to stand directly in my line when the best man was giving the speech at the reception. The funny (?) thing is, he turned around and looked right at me and continued to stand there taking pictures. I was there first! Geeze, I sound like my four-year-old son...

Anyway, the reception hall was packed, and I have some very amateur looking footage from the camera while I moved it to a new location.

that is frustrating. just explain it to the bride and groom and they should understand. nothing you can really do about. can't reshoot it.

Heck, no explaining necessary... it's on tape for all the world to see. :)

Plus, the idiot turned around and knew he was in the way. I love it when they shoot themselves in the foot. :)

I feel the pain. I've come across many photographers who just don't give a damn. My first wedding I ever shot professionally had the rear camera completely blocked by the 250lb photographer who stood there even after I first approached him (he had moved my camera so he could stand in the spot).

I've also encountered my last wedding (a party of 60 people) and the photographer had herself and two assistants (the video looks like a disco with all the flashing; even the B&G had enough by the end of the reception).

I shot another wedding where a friend of the Bride not only stood in front of me during the ceremony (yes I tried repositioning several times), but he actually stood on the alter with his $200 camera (the priest had warned me that if I even came close to the alter he would stop the ceremony and make me leave). The funny thing is I did my best to fix this in post (I had three camera's running; two manned) and I tried to creatively 'cut' out the friend. When I watched the video with the B&G she became furious with her friend for doing what he did (unfortunately it was obvious in the video; he seemed to pop up in every shot) and she called him up to b*tch him out. She knew it wasn't my fault and she thought the video was outstanding.

At the end of the day it's really about how well we can do our job (despite numerous headaches).

Todd

Hey Chris, I'll keep you in mind when if I need a third operator, although you'll have to supply your own gear and buy lunch for the crew. Thanks for sharing that story, I found it interesting. I'm not sure about the rave scene, but our goal is to branch out, I'd like to get into the local band scene, since I learned audio PA systems from a young child. Anyway, thanks for sharing Chris.

Thanks for the offer, Steve, much appreciated. Shall I assume that I'm on my own for travel expenses to and from Virginia? Whatever it takes, because I could really use the experience!

;-)

I'll teach you all I know. Bring a postit pad.

I have fond memories
 

Ugh. Before a wedding, I had one who asked me to move my position
on the far side of an alter (it was wide). Basically, he was
trying to intimidate. I stood my ground and we were
about to step outside for a brawl. A priest interupted
us. Pretty dumb event. Still, I was such an old hand
I knew during the vows he and another were planning to
block my tripod view. No problem-2 were in shock when
they looked over their shoulder and I was hand held
right between their shoulders.
This was many years ago and I chuckle at the
ignorance of it all. Blocking a shot is damaging a couple's
property. These days, video is much more accepted,
so I'm sure things are less primitive in encounter.
I've talked with photog friend who say some video guys
are disrespectful to them as well.
I do believe, however- as one poster wrote: "Don't let a photographer
push you around." Thanks for sharing-

Respect everyone..family drunks and all (we can edit them
later- unless they're cute and funny).

Getting back at one.
 

I usually don't do wedding except for special requests from very close friends or relatives. I was videoing one several years ago. Before the wedding, the photographer was taking pictures of the B&G getting ready and when I started to set up he walked right up to me and informed me that I could not video while he was shooting. He said "these are my scenes". OK, no biggy. Now the reception was held at a country club, and yes, he did everything possible to get in my way. During the reception I noticed someone on the driving range, about 75 yards from the party. I explained to the golfer that I was doing a wedding and that I would buy him a bucket of balls if he would let the members of the wedding party use his clubs for a few minutes. So picture this, the entire wedding party in their tux's and dresses driving golfballs. A fun shot. Well here comes the photographer. He started to get set up when I informed him that these were "my scenes and not to take pictures while I was filming". He did not like that and kind of told me where I could go. I then politly informed him that if I saw him shooting during my scenes I would rip the film out of his camera. He did not take any more pictures, nor did he get in my way again. Oh, by the way, I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Bob

Thanks for the laugh Bob.

well done Bob.
We are invisible to most photographers.
I use to work in the family business where my dad was the photog and I video.
It was the only good working arangement Ive ever had with a photographer.

Basically he'd give me the extra time on each setup I might need to capture it on video. Now im talking only seconds. But it made a huge difference to the finished videos and to my editing job.

Recently I've noticed a lot of photog's are bringing someone else with them to work the candids, etc. - double trouble. trying to keep them out of shots is next to impossible.

Im actually thinking of covering this subject with the B&G before the wedding.

Just last week the photogrpaher arranged with the driver, not the B&G to stop in a location for photos on the way from the church to hotel.
Do you think he told me about it?

I think the importance people are placing on Wedding Video coverage is on the increase and this problem needs to be addressed with every photog constantly until they realise we are the future!

Mulitiple photog's are a pain. They get in the way more than necessary and end up ruining many shots. The B&G often let me know that the photos are the most important thing. For these weddings I talk to the photog and let them know I'll do the best to work around them and not be in their way. Even the "God" types don't really have a problem with me. I haven't actually had a confrontation with one yet. Though I can feel the annoyance between us at times.

I had a "God" type tell me that if he asked the B&G to "bend over" they would do it. It was kind of shocking and disrespectful. The couple was super nice and awesome to work with.