Disposable cameras on tables of wedding. Bad idea for professional photographer?

I have a 150 guest wedding coming up in 3 weeks and was just notified yesterday that there would be disposable cameras on the tables for the guest to interact with the photo taking activities. At first I thought 'how fun', and now I'm wondering if I'm going to be fighting for my good shots because I have 50 boozed up guest trying to play 'photographer' who are now in my shot?

Have you shot a wedding like this and did you have any problems with guest getting in the way?

I have found that it is a total non issue for the photographer, there have always been dozen's of people at weddings with cameras.
The cameras at each table have been popular for 10+ years and are just fun for snap shots and etc. There will be more shots of Uncle Bill eating than of the bride and groom
No need to worry.....

A lot of people will likely not even use them.

I've seen camera's at weddings before, this one the bride and groom have a prize contest going on for the person who captures the best shot. So with this cash incentive, I was concerned about this getting out of control for me. I guess we'll see how that works.

Athena wrote: I've seen camera's at weddings before, this one the bride and groom have a prize contest going on for the person who captures the best shot. So with this cash incentive, I was concerned about this getting out of control for me. I guess we'll see how that works.

My suggestion is you talk to the bride, and request that she attach a note at the tables reminding them to not be in the way of you doing your work. At the reception I would not worry about it too much, but for the ceremony that is a totally different matter. At receptions you will be trying to catch maybe cake cutting, after that it is all candid work, which is highly hit or miss anyway. But I would just ask that she let guest know that for the formal part that you be allowed to do your thing, then they can have at it. Explain the possibility that if people are blcoking you that you may not get the shots you need to make her happy.

The cameras aren't there to take pictures of the B&G, they're available for the guests to take shots of each other. As long as you get the cake cutting, and the first dance *B&G, bride and dad, groom and mom) the rest is not going to be problem. Please remember that those aren't the only cameras that will be at the reception; they will likely be of no impact whatsoever to your work.

As for the ceremony itself, these cameras won't be in the guests hands, and the guests won't be walking around. You will. And guests that want their own shots of the bride are going to take them on their phone or P&S; this should be no impact on you whatsoever.

You're not the first pro 'tog in this situation (per the above) but I don't think I've ever heard anyone report good things from those cameras. Pretty sure you have little to worry about.

garyrhook wrote: The cameras aren't there to take pictures of the B&G, they're available for the guests to take shots of each other. As long as you get the cake cutting, and the first dance *B&G, bride and dad, groom and mom) the rest is not going to be problem. Please remember that those aren't the only cameras that will be at the reception; they will likely be of no impact whatsoever to your work.

As for the ceremony itself, these cameras won't be in the guests hands, and the guests won't be walking around. You will. And guests that want their own shots of the bride are going to take them on their phone or P&S; this should be no impact on you whatsoever.

You're not the first pro 'tog in this situation (per the above) but I don't think I've ever heard anyone report good things from those cameras. Pretty sure you have little to worry about.

Ask the B&G to give you authority to ask people to step out of shots you want to take, and to notify the guests that you are the official photographer, and have precedence over other shooters. You'll find that the guests will be anxious to cooperate. If you are working with an assistant, you can help each other clear the shots you want to take. Corteous, but firm.

I see it all the time. It's never been a problem. Everyone already has a camera, and Instagram has them enthralled. Disposable cameras on the tables won't change a thing. I wouldn't say a thing to the B & G about it.

internetchick wrote: A lot of people will likely not even use them.

most will play around with them for a few shots, and quickly get distracted with the free drinks and dancing.

One Wish wrote:

internetchick wrote: A lot of people will likely not even use them.

most will play around with them for a few shots, and quickly get distracted with the free drinks and dancing.

This has been my experience. People snap a few pics of the people they are eating with, and then the cameras just sit there until the kids grab them, and take 24 photos of a piece of cake or their butt. More than once I've felt sorry for the B & G, and picked them up and taken a few shots myself.

garyrhook wrote: The cameras aren't there to take pictures of the B&G, they're available for the guests to take shots of each other. As long as you get the cake cutting, and the first dance *B&G, bride and dad, groom and mom) the rest is not going to be problem. Please remember that those aren't the only cameras that will be at the reception; they will likely be of no impact whatsoever to your work.

As for the ceremony itself, these cameras won't be in the guests hands, and the guests won't be walking around. You will. And guests that want their own shots of the bride are going to take them on their phone or P&S; this should be no impact on you whatsoever.

You're not the first pro 'tog in this situation (per the above) but I don't think I've ever heard anyone report good things from those cameras. Pretty sure you have little to worry about.

Guest usually always get board with these cameras pretty quick

J Hemingway wrote: Guest usually always get board with these cameras pretty quick

They also get bored.