Wedding photographers vs. Uncle Bob

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Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on April 8, 2009 at 4:43pm

Uncle Bobs don't bother me at all. If they get in my way I just let them know politely. Most of them just want to help or talk some photo geek talk. If they are really antsy I find some way for them to assist. Everyone has a camera these days, and photography is lot's of fun. Who can blame them?

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Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on April 9, 2009 at 5:14pm

Uncle Bob isn't a stranger that wanders by. Uncle Bob is the guy or gal that's been taking most of the pics at all the family events that people don't hire pros for. Pro wedding photogs often treat them like they are obstacles, but I'm sure to Uncle Bob the pro is the interloper.

If Uncle Bob and I are consistently going for the same angles it either means that he's as good as I am, or I'm as bad as he is. :)

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Permalink Reply by Bill Dobbs on April 8, 2009 at 9:59pm

Uncle Bob? You mean the guy that crouches in front of you then just as you've got the "pop" shot he stands up, complaining about his sore knee? Then he realizes he's messed up your shot, apologizes and then he's your friend for life, and won't leave you alone?
Then he starts telling you how he's taken much better photographs than most professionals he's seen at weddings; hopes you're doing a good job, etc... Of course then he wants to be your assistant and distracts people by trying to make them smile (and you wonder why nobody is looking at the camera when you review all the proofs) Finally, and the piece de resistance, he begins criticizing the bride or groom depending on which side of the family he's from, and doesn't know why he even bothers going to weddings anymore and asks you how much you're getting paid. Uncle Bob? No, never heard of him...

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