Ok, now that we are back in the US and my husband's giant family is nearby, I seem to become a "go-to" photographer for all kinds of family events. Don't know what to think about it yet - on the one hand, it's fun to have a "task" during all the baby and wedding showers (of which there are and will be many!), on the other hand, the requests seem to be picking up speed and I haven't figured out a way to say "I'd rather not". (First, I don't really have the equipment for high quality indoor photography, and second - it's a lot of time afterwards, selecting, editing, sharing). That's a new question to be facing for me - what do YOU do when you are asked to photograph events for friends and family?
Thanks for visiting.
It's an interesting dilemma as most people have no idea how much time they are asking you to commit, and how much being the photographer means you aren't able to interact as a guest at all during the event. Long answer...Part 1. My family isn't huge, so it's a different situation. I usually remind them I'm not a professional, that they may not get images they had wanted, and that they should let me know the 5 - 10 images they would really like to have as a memory of the event. So in the shower, it might be a large group photo that THE HOSTS set up so you can photograph, and then maybe a candid or two of food, opening presents, hugs, and a photo of the mom and dad to be. It means I didn't have to say 'no' but I could go in without feeling that the outcome was going to let them down. In the end, I may take tons of photos, but it's fairly easy to delete most of them for the 5 - 10 that they would want. Occasionally, if more come out that are good, I'll put together a few collages of similar things -- 4 photos of opening presents where no one photo was particularly good, but a photo of the presents worked out and it's a part of another few of people.
Part 2. I just say that I'd love to but that the event means so much to me that I hope to be there as a guest, and hadn't planned to bring my camera. But happily, if they'd like an image or two of the key people before things get started, count me in.
Oooo...I really like your composition and processing. Can't help much with family event advice ... very small family with no family events to speak ....
hmmm ... i hear ya, vera! i've been asked a few times now, and i stress that i'm absolutely not a pro, and don't want to do any formal/posed stuff, but will take more candid moments, and they're welcome to have prints of any of the shots they like. i've done a few weddings and birthday parties this way, and it worked out well (at some there was also a pro photographer present, at others not). you're right - it does take time editing the shots - so you have to be careful what you agree to i guess, if you're going to struggle with time. good luck! and how nice to be asked :) cool image btw!
I quite like being asked to take a photo - it enables me to avoid long conversations with people! One time when asked by various guests where they could see it - I said I'd put it on uTube but got thoroughly told off by the hostess for doing so!
Only agree if several others are asked to take photographs too and suggest all the photographers send the hostess /bride/whatever a selection for them to print/compile into an e book or whatever themselves. Takes lots of responsibility off you and definitely less post shoot work, you can edit as much or as little as you want before you send yours into the 'pool'. It's not fair to put the responsibility on one amateurs shoulders.
I agree with Taffy @taffy that you stress you're not a professional and want to enjoy the event like other guests. If you capture some good shots casually, then that's a bonus for them :)
We have other photographers in my family now. I did take pictures of my nephews casual wedding back in day of firm. The first roll wasn't connected right and I didn't get pictures of the ceremony. Oh well they are long divorced so no one longer cares.
My son married this past Saturday. Friday, the bridal luncheon was held. My DIL's mother took sooo many photos. I had my camera, but put it down. I felt it would hav pe been better to take a few shots in the beginning and put the cameras away. It was a distraction. It's nice to photograph happenings but not every single detail. Good luck. I like what Taffy said.
February 28th, 2017
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Part 2. I just say that I'd love to but that the event means so much to me that I hope to be there as a guest, and hadn't planned to bring my camera. But happily, if they'd like an image or two of the key people before things get started, count me in.