Gotta question to make sure I don't step on any toes.  I am a 100% amateur hobby photographer, and what I shoot generally does not involve people (although I'm learning).

My niece is getting married in June and has a pro photographer for the ceremony and reception.  However, she has asked if I would be willing to take 'informal' pictures at the reception.  Last thing I want to do is tick off the pro.  What are the rules in a situation like this ?


Thanks for your input

Let the pro do his/her job. Don't take the same pictures. Shoot the family members still the wedding.

One of the most annoying things is standing next to someone with on camera flash and getting pictures with red eye, over exposure or blue color cast.

Shoot the stuff the pro doesn't. For example I wasn't the primary photographer, so I shot from the balcony while the primary was at ground level. One thing you will see at most weddings is a crowd of people standing right behind the photographer blasting away. Shoot from a different angle.

Focus on candids and little moments that are easy to miss. I like to shoot the children (flower girls and ring bearer).

OP: As a former wedding photographer, my advice would be to leave the camera home, and to enjoy your nieces special day as a guest. For professional wedding photographers, if you check out their portfolios and track records, they are very experienced in capturing the moments of the bride and grooms special day. As a former wedding photographer, the term "Uncle Bob" used to get tossed around for guests who would show up with their cameras trying to photograph the wedding (and usually interfered with the workflow of the professional photographers from setting off flash units to down right trying to step in front of me to shoot formals after I posed everyone). Not a fun situation honestly.

Maybe your niece is nervous about her selection of photographer? If that is the case, I would suggest that she talk to her photographer to get the shots that she wants from the wedding vs. having other guests snapping away. It will make for a more enjoyable and stress free day for everyone, and you will get to experience the wedding as a guest to enjoy it to help her celebrate her special day more as well.

Good luck!

Just do what your niece asked while still staying clear of the pro

I've shot several weddings where other people "Uncle Bob" as it has been called have had their cameras there as well. Sometimes, their camera is every bit as good as mine. You WILL be a distraction to the pro. It would be best to not bring your camera at all.

However, if you must bring it then show some class. Stay out of the pro's way. It's very annoying for the pro to be setting up his/her shot just to have the subject look away from him/her to look at you for the shot. You might or might not get a good shot but, you just ruined the pros.

If you avoid the pro, don't shoot when or what he/she is shooting and shoot without flash, all should be good.