Wedding guests bringing dlsr cameras

I wish people would quit doing this… For one, he could very easily get in the way of the professional, and that’s not cool. Not only that, but your photographer likely has restrictions against us in their contract, and if your stepbrother is trying to prove his professional ambitions, this is not the way to do it! It would be misleading do his future clients, as if he shot the wedding on his own. If he wants to be a professional photographer, he should get mentored by an actual pro and be a second shooter for a while. Do you want his big DSLR in your wedding photos because he’s decided to use you as a guinea pig without anyone’s permission? Just tell him that this is breaking the contract with your photographer, and that isn’t permitted. If he wants to practice maybe you could pose for some wedding-ish shots for him after the wedding.

I’d just suggest you tell him not to bring it at all especially if you feel there is a clause in your contract against it. Your wedding shouldn’t be a chance for him to build his portfolio & you stated you didn’t ask him. Your stepmother just can’t tell you what he will be bringing..it’s your wedding. Like PP stated he may very well get in the way. Don’t potentially void your contract or have a camera that can’t be cropped in the way of your professional photos.

Your stepmom doesn’t get to tell you what her kids will and won’t do at your wedding. This isn’t his opportunity to toy around with his new hobby. Tell him not to bring the camera or risk putting your photographer in an awkward spot and possibly ruining your photos.

Thanks. I'm going to stand my ground on this one. Photos are one of the most important things about our wedding. My stepmother says that her son can shoot pictures of the family while our photographer is taking pictures of the wedding party but I know how my stepbrother is and he's going to want to take actual wedding photos for his portfolio.

I think I can address this in the invitation and program as an 'unplugged' ceremony and asking guests something like “Welcome to our unplugged wedding. We invite you to be fully present with us during our ceremony, so please turn off all phones and cameras. Thank you!”

View Quoted Comment I would still have a conversation with him. From what you have advised I don't think a sign saying unplugged is going to work. He may feel it doesn't apply to him since he is "taking" pictures.

If there is a clause, he can’t be taking pictures to “build his portfolio” — that’s kind of exactly what is forbidden. Tell them they can’t, that your photographer says they can’t and they will be asked to put it away. This is a hard no. You don’t need to ask your photographer anything because he already said no— you have this answer. “I’m sorry, but you can’t” or “no” ...no is a complete sentence!
it’s DSLR btw
Sorry that they’re being obnoxious. But trying to build a portfolio is a huge conflict of interest, and I put moose you something like that will REALLY upset your photographer

You need to speak directly to your stepbrother. Let him know that you have paid a professional photographer and they need to have their space and freedom to work how they want without anyone else interfering. Did he even ask your permission?

You also need to talk to your stepmother separately and let her know that this is not acceptable.

I have never heard of people taking pictures at others' wedding unless asked to. If you have a DOC I guess let them know to watch out for stepbrother as well. The unplugged ceremony sound like a great idea, but I don't know that he'd follow it if he is "building his portfolio" and may think he is meant to be taking photos.

Your stepbrother wants to take pictures for his professional portfolio. That means he's a professional and voids the contract with your photographer. That's your answer. If he shows up with the camera, tell him to put the camera in his car or leave.

This is absolutely not okay and definitely a breach of contract. Your wedding is not a portfolio-building opportunity. Stand your ground, have a conversation with him, and if you're having ushers, let them know to be on the lookout so they can tell him, if he brings it, to put it back in his car.

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Thanks for this. I hadn't thought of having the ushers help with this. My fiancé's two brothers will be ushers. I hate passing off dealing with my stepfamilies to them but that would help a lot. I have a feeling that even if I tell my stepmother & her son 'no' they know I'll be too busy to do anything about it.

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You're welcome! Definitely have that conversation, and make it completely clear that he is not allowed to do that. Like, I'm pretty sure if he tried to put professional photos up on his portfolio he could get a cease and desist letter in the mail from your photographer. It's not personal (well, it still is because I'd be salty if someone had an ulterior motive for attending my wedding), and you ultimately have everyone's best interests in mind. But YES, you should definitely not have to worry about it at the wedding, so hopefully your FBILs can help!

I would let the photographer know that this may happen, and let them know that this is something that you did NOT agree to and that it will be addressed if it occurs, so he is not caught off guard. You really dont want your photography to be interfered with, or to end up in a breech of contract.

I would speak directly to your stepbrother and tell him NOT to bring the camera and explain why. As an aspiring photographer he should be able to understand and appreciate the reason. Maybe suggest that he bring his camera to another wedding related event where you have not already contracted a professional [rehearsal dinner] if he simply must use this opportunity to build his portfolio. I would speak directly to him though, to minimize family drama. If he is an adult there is no reason his mother needs to be involved in this- it is very much an adult discussion between you and him.

Finally, I would apprise your day of coordinator and maybe a couple bridal party members of the situation so that if that camera pops out there are people who can handle the situation immediately and covertly. If it makes an appearance, the camera can be taken to the car for the remainder of the event or remainder of your contracted time with the professional. I would let your step-brother know that this would be your plan of action if he doesn't respect your request. It might be a deterrent since cameras are expensive, and should underscore that you are serious and it will not be tolerated.

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Agreed. Plus, he may feel that it doesn't apply to him as a family member who has his mother's support [VIP]. I would not leave any room for ambiguity of "misunderstanding" in this case. Which is why I would also talk to him directly.