[00silvergt]

This seems to be an ongoing and age old problem that is a tough one to tackle. When I did video for weddings, it was more of the same. I made it a point to always communicate with the still photog and so we can have an understanding and not get in each other's way. For 10 years that I shot video, I've never once had a problem with the still photog, however, the guests are always the issue.

They would block shots, white out my video with their flashes, etc. I too am not shy about approaching these folks and professionally, respectfully, yet sternly remind them that this is for the memories of the bride and groom and that I was hired (meaning paid by the bride and groom) to record their wedding. Usually, they stop and leave it alone, especially when you offer to send them a copy of your footage (for a fee), if they would like.

But you can tell the B&G, you can tell their mamas, their daddies, their great grand uncle twice removed, all you want ahead of time that you are the only photog, etc, but you really can't stop these people from grabbing their own cameras and shooting the wedding. With Video, it was a little easier, since I'd always have a staff of at least four people, 3 of which would be one of the biggest, baddest people you ever seen (we carry big, heavy equipment, need some muscle folks) and they would usually be on "Uncle Bob" detail during the shoot times. LOL