Don't be that guy on Vimeo
A co-worker of mine, Sabrina Rodriguez, does a weekly segment called "Don't be that guy" in which she talks about a specific social pet peeve. In this case it was wedding guests sticking their phones in front of my camera!!!!! Most of you can agree, this is getting worse by the year and hopefully this can help raise awareness a little..... I honestly don't know if it will but I'll take a 1% change if that:)

Hi Alex

That was great. It would be really cool if couples and especially guests all saw that before the wedding day!

It could be a disclaimer included with the contract! LOL

It could be a disclaimer included with the contract! LOL

I address it at consultation, I give them the verbage for their wedding program and highly advise that they put it in their program and/or make an announcement before the ceremony. I also went down the isle this weekend and told a lady to put her ipad away.

Enough with it. We can't be silent anymore! We have to take back the wedding!!. lol

Great segment, hope it goes viral!

Over the last few years I've had to "move" a few people and honestly, I'm not all that nice about it. I whisper in their ear to move out of my way as I take them by the elbow and direct them out of my shot. I've had people at receptions do it as well. Them I just stand in front of them or at 180 degrees from them and blast them with my on camera light.
I'm standing there with a pretty big camera on my shoulder, with a light on it and I'm pretty hard to miss so folks, get outta my way!
I no longer have enough tolerance to deal with these people.
I guess there is just no cure for stupid!

This situation is exactly why God invented squirt guns.

Glad this has been brought up as it is becoming ridiculous, couple weeks ago I organised the groom for the brides entrance then the grooms mother decides to go into the isle full on blocking everything, to make it worse, during the ceremony her phone rang a couple of times and not turning her phone off she answered and had a conversation with the person who rang her. I left it all in and when they rang me to see if I could get her out... Sorry I cannot and left them all arguing, so leave the idiots in and let them all sort it out because I have had enough of priests vicars clergy iPhones toastmasters, venue directors, DJs... Rant over...

'Unplugged Wedding' - what a good idea! Seriously though it happens a lot to me - more and more are using huge tablets as well! Only a few weeks ago I filmed a first dance with my camera held aloft at arm's length to get over the heads of the guests who had crowded to only a few feet from the couple - It was a small dancefloor and my 'safety' camera was also being crowded and despite being on a heavy lightstand and weighed down with a sandbag swayed like a ship at sea throughout.

It is what it is though, and in my terms and conditions I'm covered if the guests ruin my shots so don't sweat it any more - It's a shame as I always want the best for my couples and shots are compromised by guests then it pains me but I can't do anything about it!

Pete

I have a clause in my terms and condtions about environmental audio such as ringing phones/crying children/passing emergency vehicles/coughs and sneezes!

I had one unhappy bride who wanted me to take out all of her husbands sniffles as he had hayfever that day and sniffed into his mic constantly - I've also had requests to take out passing siren noises and crying children - recently in a venue that had been flooded I was asked if I could remove the sound of the de-humidifiers in the next room - I had asked the manager that they be turned off for the ceremony but he refused as he had a wedding in that room later in the day and it needed drying out!

Done a Kurdish wedding a year ago and imagine having to push your way true all guests that are holding their camera/smartphone to capture a part of a ceremony, or walking backward with your steadicam capturing the first entrance of the couple and having 50 people leaning on your back following every footstep you take while you walk backwards and sticking their arms out with their camera's. The examples in the video above is nothing compared to what I had to experience then to get my shots.

Best is if a priest tells at the start of the ceremony to everyone not to take any pictures and let the pro's do their work, if that' is not being told, well, too bad and you just need to work around that. If there is a guest right in front of me blocking my shot I politely tell them but usually I shoot unpredictable parts handheld so I can easily move.

I was in Bruges centre covering a wedding this year and they have these tourist boats and each time one past where we where shooting the wedding couple people started yelling and EVERYBODY had a smartphone/ipad stretching their arms out taking images. We were also surrounded in the city by tourists taking pictures all the time, you can't stop technology and behaviour and I predict it will only get worse.

I have a clause in my terms and condtions about environmental audio such as ringing phones/crying children/passing emergency vehicles/coughs and sneezes!

I had one unhappy bride who wanted me to take out all of her husbands sniffles as he had hayfever that day and sniffed into his mic constantly - I've also had requests to take out passing siren noises and crying children - recently in a venue that had been flooded I was asked if I could remove the sound of the de-humidifiers in the next room - I had asked the manager that they be turned off for the ceremony but he refused as he had a wedding in that room later in the day and it needed drying out!

Thanks Pete, you have given me the additions to add to my terms and conditions cheers mate

Hi Pete

I also had a sniffer too ..well I figured that was what the big groom was doing as he was a good 6'3" and twice as wide as me and played footage for his local team. After looking carefully at the image thru the camera (the ceremony hadn't started yet so I zoomed up a bit) it was only then I saw the tears on his cheek.

Luckily I left the audio as it was and included a little bit as the bride walked towards him and it was GOLD!!

Yeah I must admit I cannot understand why Mum's bring over tired and badly behaved kids to a wedding and then cause havoc when they start screaming during the ceremony. Also in the old days Dad would have given us as kids an almighty slap across the head if we had done that and we would have sat in absolute silence (and terror!) Nowdays that cannot happen of course as kids rule the parents. Might be worth putting distractions in all our terms and conditions!

Chris

We've had good success talking to the bride and groom about this. Get them on board, and they and you ask the pastor to make an announcement before the start. It helps A LOT, though you still get the clueless.

It's one reason we use four cameras now. Got sick of not having a view, so as we've upgraded, we've kept the older cameras and set them up as safety shots. When things aren't a problem, it gives us a camera whose only job is faces and reactions.

A lot of great ideas guys! I can't believe you were asked to take out all that ambient sound Peter!!! Looks like communication with the couples and using a lot of extra cameras are your best bet... Otherwise good luck!!!!

I was in Bruges centre covering a wedding this year and they have these tourist boats and each time one past where we where shooting the wedding couple people started yelling and EVERYBODY had a smartphone/ipad stretching their arms out taking images. We were also surrounded in the city by tourists taking pictures all the time, you can't stop technology and behaviour and I predict it will only get worse.

Its also like that in the major tourist magnets in the UK such as Oxford and Windsor centres and has been for years. You even get coaches stopping and folks piling off, then posing the couple. Impossible to get clean shots. But some couples make a virtue of it and deliberately walk through the main drag collecting good wishes on the way. It works in reverse as well; when on Thames river boats near here in Berkshire all the guests will take shots of the celebs who are trying to relax in their riverside gardens. Some celebs are very good natured about it, Rolf Harris comes to mind.

I find with many "ethnic" cultures though there is absolutely no tradition of solemnity during ceremonies and its quite normal for the couple to be surrounded by a rugby scrum much of the time. You just have to live with it and weave it into the coverage in a visually appealing way.

I'm standing there with a pretty big camera on my shoulder, with a light on it and I'm pretty hard to miss

That pretty much sums up why they see you as the problem! And restricting guests use of their own cameras plays very badly with the guests. The contemporary attitude among many guests is that they are doing the couple a favour just being there, they do not take kindly to their ..... errr ..... civil rights being violated as they see it.

Pete

I steadicam everything but the ceremony, so I can move around/block/run interference for my tripod camera if needed. Again,we are the professionals, so if I see someone come to a ceremony with a dslr etc, I'm going to speak to them. Also what I said before about clauses, announcements, speaking the b&g is important.

I once had someone sit on the front pew with a windup disposable, that i could do nothing about other than reinforce my standard of no photos or video during the wedding. And yes, I had a bride not book me for it. Her loss, but if someone sees your video with a million cell phones etc, in the back of their mind may not blame you, but is destroys your shots and degrades your product.

Funny, I used to think that it was "bad manners" for a photog/video to "ban" all other cameras, but now that everyone has a "camera" in their pocket, I'm reconsidering...

Perhaps an announcement that "if you aren't being paid to shoot photos or video, please keep your camera off" is in order nowadays.

Still can't fix stupid though, I've had people walk up to the groom or whatever at completely inappropriate times (like as the service is starting!!).

I had one time where as I went around to my remote cams to reframe, a little lid was using the tripod as a jungle gym...his dad says "is the camera on" - I believe the look he got cleared up the confusion... I felt bad for the kid...

It's a tough call, family and friends understandably want to take pictures and such, but sometimes when they interfere with the professionals, it's a real problem. No one would bring a boom box to the reception and compete with the DJ, or bring their own cake or flowers... guess this is one more "we don't get no respect" situation! As long as we don't go all "grumpy priest" in the process I suppose!

..... As long as we don't go all "grumpy priest" in the process I suppose!

I hear that's the hottest Halloween costume this year!

I agree it's a nuisance but as others stated can't fix stupid. I hate when they crowd around & get in my way during the cake cutting, which seems the most common. Fortunately I've had some DJs/MCs mention to give the pros room.

I did like the video, that videographer really captured alot of it, though we all probably could come up with a highlight reel of it as well. I do wonder tho, the people who record it on video, do they really do anything with it? Do they think they're doing the couple a favor by recording it themselves because they're closer, or think they have a great shot even tho it's shaky as heck & has terrible audio?! Or will they post it to youtube and on their FB page so it get 15 likes and 7 views, none of which go past 30 seconds. In their minds do they think "You're videographer sucked. I got a much better shot than they did!".

People taking pictures during the first kiss & introduction of the Mr & Mrs at the end is to be expected anymore. Banning cams seems a bit over the top imho unless its the priests/churches policy. We're just the videographers, not the rulemakers for the day. I wouldn't/don't edit audio tho, especially ambient stuff. Nor whatever anyone says inappropriate during interviews, I tell them whatever they say may make it into the video. That said, if I bride asked I take someones interview out I guess I would since it's fairly simple. Never had it happen, and I don't play decisionmaker on inappropriateness of comments.

I have a clause in my contract that basically says I'm not responsible for missing any shot if people get in the way. I'm not going to push and shove guests ... they hired a videographer, not a wrestler.

You always get the enthusiastic family member whipping out the camera to get a better shot than the videographer ...

He comes home, leaves the footage in the camera never transfering it onto a PC. He/she maybe connects it up to the TV from the camera to view the raw footage once with the rest of the family.

And that's the end of it. He/she was obtrusive and ruined lots of shots for the paid camera man.

Anyone going all the way, coming home spending hours / days editing it all, WHICH IF the outcome is good and the rest of the family like it, will more than likely end up becoming a videographer/freelancer and start digging and doing more research on the topic to get paid for it!!

I know because that's how I started !

I worked recently with a registrar who was just a dream!! she asked my name (and remembered it) and outlined exactly how she'd conduct the ceremony, she even suggested that we set up the signed register with some flowers etc. and take photographs of it, (the shock was almost too much!!) she also said she wouldn't allow any other photography, phones tablets til i was finished!
and true to her word she announced to the room that "Rob is the only one allowed to take photographs or film during the ceremony and that there would be ample time for everyone to get shots after"

my partner whos still learning, has been caught by guests squeezing her out a few times i've been suggesting things like stepping on people's toes and the measured use of an elbow here and there, to stamp your authority on your position on a shoot!!

I also have a section in my contract regarding over zealous guests, and i usually discuss the situation of smartphones/tablets etc. and their potential impact on the footage with the couple, some listen some don't, thats life eh?
:-)

I do think a lot of the problems can be overcome by being polite, but firm and assertive and knowing when to expect problems. Most people getting in the way are caught up in the moment and don't realise they are causing a problem so usually a gentle tap on the shoulder and friendly smile will move them as they realise.

The other thing is to assume people will get in the way and pre-empt it. The post ceremony walk down the aisle is the most common, so I always wait until they are about to move and everyone is stepping into the aisle with their phones, then I move quickly to within a few feet of the couple, muttering sorry to the guests as I gently push past. I then move back as the couple start moving and by then, all the guests are aware of my presence and keep out of the way.

Confetti throwing is another one that can be organised by the professionals to give them filming room. Generally at a wedding, guests like to be politely organised so that they know what's happening, so don't be afraid to raise you voice and inform them that something is about to happen that requires a bit of space, just do it in a friendly and non aggressive way and it will normally earn their respect. It always helps to work with the photographer on this, as you will both have similar requirements.

With cake cutting I normally liaise with the photographer and the MC/DJ to announce that once the official photographer and videographer have taken their shots, the couple will hold the pose for all the guest shots. That invariably works very well.

Roger

At this point if I can't find a work around I don't sweat it too much and just let the client see in the video their friends and family ruining the shots and paying more attention to their phones and ipads than the once in a lifetime event.

I counted 12 audience devices in this one:

Are you counting the priest? Hopefully he's not shooting that angle with the iPad...

But seriously, it's getting a tad out of hand - considering the image quality of MOST of these "devices" (but they're getting better!), most of these "shots" will be a waste, while ruining the "paid for" photo/video...

I don’t shoot weddings for a living, I’m a corporate guy. But I have done enough of them. I do weddings for friends and family, and occasionally for a paid gig. So I have been there, done what you do. But not as often so take me with a grain of salt.

I think trying to “ban” everyone but the pro is ridiculous. Especially today. Some of those guests are really into their FB page. You can see them running around sharing their instant uploads before the event is even over. Telling them they can’t do that will take away from their enjoyment of their friends/family members great day. And, many of them, everyone from the young brother with his cell phone up to Uncle Bob, the serious amateur with a Canon 5D, do give the B & G copies to supplement what you do. Amateur candids can help capture the day in a way that you are not going to put in your reel. That does not mean they are less valuable to the B&G. I think it would be pretty arrogant of me to say no one can shoot anything but me because “I’m the Pro”.

For me the answer is communication. The announcement before the ceremony is critical and then again by the DJ at the start of the reception can help too. I know we can’t do much about the clueless that jump into the middle of the isle at exactly the wrong moment but the announcement to stay seated and not get in the pro’s way helps a lot. For any staged shots or mandatory reception events l have no problem being pretty aggressive and taking control. I am nice about it at first, and don’t usually need to be rude. I find the biggest offenders are usually repeat offenders, those few that are really into getting their shot. So, I try to find them as early as possible, not hard to do, they are in your shot! And I look for Uncle Bob before the ceremony starts, he is always there, you can spot him if you try, before he becomes a problem. Anyway, I talk to as many of those people as I can as early as I can. I tell them I will even help them get there shot, but I come first. I try to establish professional dominance early. And then I do help them after I get my shot, even Uncle Bob. I am not intimidated by anyone, if I can’t out shoot him I should not be charging for my work. I do not want him shooting over my shoulder, getting in my way, so I tell him what he can do. I offer him tips or try to be helpful. I find what he really wants to do is pick my brain. He wants to hear that his 5D is worth every penny he paid for it even though he never bought an external microphone for it. And he knows he paid more for it than the ring on his wife’s finger ;)

Steve

It would be nice if we could a least educate iPhoneographers about the benefits of using horizontal format for their videos, at least until we all have 9:16 HD TVs in our lounge rooms as well as our 16:9 one.