Nikon, Canon and wedding, oh my!

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Well, this should liven up the discourse around here. It will be interesting to hear what the wedding photographers will have to say. I can sort of understand the paranoia of the paid photographer when he sees a pro camera with a 70-200L mounted on it. I'm sure they will be running into this more and more.

Since I shoot weddings for free for kids of friends (well not quite, I get a meal and beer), I always encourage photographers to pull out their equipment!! I was shooting pentax gear (SV. LX), then the Nikon F100, then the S2 pro but switched to a D2H for exta speed at sprorting events and air shows but have yet to see another photographer (no matter what equipment they're using) get better composed and interesting shots than I do. I honestly don't think the equipment is half as important as the skill the photographer brings..

This past week one of my students came to class with a camera bag. I know her husband is a semi pro photographer who uses Nikon equipment. The last ime I saw him he was dead set against digital and pretty much made it clear that digitals are toys. Well anyway I asked what is in the bag and low an behold she pulls out a D100 and said how much she loves it. I said I heard that is a great camera...

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

--
Mike Morbach
I'm still learning
http://www.pbase.com/kathy777
http://www.pbase.com/spike777

Some wedding photographers go PSYCHO.. Me, I dont give a F@#%..

Unless they are messing up my pictures in some way I dont care.. I use radio slaves but some photographers use photo slaves and they tell everyone NOT to take pictures since it messes up their flash.. etc..

I have seen some photographers scream at guests... for talking pictures... such fools.. I dont care about re-print or potental reprint loss.. I make all my money up front.

The weird thing was that he started on me before I even got my camera completely out of my bag. I hadn't taken one picture yet. I think the people at the wedding were also little taken aback by his comments.

I would never interfere with a photographer's work. I even shoot mostly with natural light so there would be no flash from my camera.

Way

Masterdeath said:

Some wedding photographers go PSYCHO.. Me, I dont give a F@#%..

Unless they are messing up my pictures in some way I dont care.. I
use radio slaves but some photographers use photo slaves and they
tell everyone NOT to take pictures since it messes up their flash..
etc..

I have seen some photographers scream at guests... for talking
pictures... such fools.. I dont care about re-print or potental
reprint loss.. I make all my money up front.

Click to expand...

--
Way

I shoot Nikon and based on what you have written that guy was an idiot. I don't think the mother comment was necessary but it seems to me that the man had a problem. Of course Nikon makes white lenses but they look different than Canon lens lineup. You can tell the difference. He could probably tell because of the look not the color. Nevertheless he still seemed unprofessional to be the photographer at wedding making comments like that. To me that is not good Protocol.

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

lawnmower said:

I shoot Nikon and based on what you have written that guy was an
idiot. I don't think the mother comment was necessary but it seems

Click to expand...

I know cooler heads should prevail but his snide and petty remarkes were getting to me.
Guess I dropped to his level.

lawnmower said:

to me that the man had a problem. Of course Nikon makes white
lenses but they look different than Canon lens lineup. You can
tell the difference. He could probably tell because of the look
not the color. Nevertheless he still seemed unprofessional to be
the photographer at wedding making comments like that. To me that
is not good Protocol.

Click to expand...

I wasn't there... so I don't know the tone of the gentleman. But there is some comradely among working pros, and considerable ribbing about their source of equipment. We do refer to the Nikon bunch as the "Dark side” You should hear me when I come across someone still using film. This usually leads to some good-natured discussion, and a comparison of equipment. At least that's the way most pro's go...

Then there are the jerks. So I ask you, was it possible the first scenario was the case? It would seem that way from his comment about your Canon, it did seem like he was trying to rib you a little, perhaps he caught you cold and you two never got the chance to "hit it off" (Any one who loves photography can't be all bad) if that's the case, no big deal... If he was truly a jerk, then that's about all he amounts to, and again, no big deal, he's not worth your getting upset about.

BCC

BCC said:

I wasn't there... so I don't know the tone of the gentleman. But
there is some comradely among working pros, and considerable
ribbing about their source of equipment. We do refer to the Nikon
bunch as the "Dark side” You should hear me when I come across
someone still using film. This usually leads to some good-natured
discussion, and a comparison of equipment. At least that's the way
most pro's go...

Then there are the jerks. So I ask you, was it possible the first
scenario was the case? It would seem that way from his comment

Click to expand...

You know, I understand the joking and ribbing that goes between people passionate about their equipment but there was no "Nah, just kidding" type of attitude from him. It was easy to see that he was joking but in a mean sort of way. I just needed to vent.

BCC said:

about your Canon, it did seem like he was trying to rib you a
little, perhaps he caught you cold and you two never got the chance
to "hit it off" (Any one who loves photography can't be all bad)
if that's the case, no big deal... If he was truly a jerk, then
that's about all he amounts to, and again, no big deal, he's not
worth your getting upset about.

BCC

Click to expand...

--
Way

"He's got a

Way Wong said:

Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

Click to expand...

Sounds like a tongue and cheek comment to me. Whether he meant it or not, its not really a big deal.

Way Wong said:

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Click to expand...

Not at all. Most of the people attending these events have no access to the wedding photographers work...and IMO they should have the freedom to take pictures if they want to record their own memories of the event. Its simply a natural thing to do thats part of what weddings are all about.

As an aside, I teach High School Physics part time (and run a photography business part time). Our school board hires a company to handle all of the photography for year book, school rings, etc. What bugs me is the photographer (who shoots everything on a 10D) instructs people not to take pictures of their kids at the grad ceremony every year...purely as a ploy to squeeze cash from the attending parents. The announcement goes like this "Please refrain from taking pictures during the distribution of the diplomas, photos will be available to order immediately following the ceremony". Nothing like blatant statement of greed to dampen the spirits of every proud parent who is eagerly awaiting to photograph their children at this cherished family event.

As for weddings, I often encourage the wedding party to pose for their friends cameras while I snap a few 'candids'. Its a great way to people to pose well for non-traditional candid-like photos (I will set up the shot for the light and background I would like though)

That said, the only thing I will do from time to time is ask people taking snapshots to give me priority to frame my shots where I need to...and to try not to enter the frame or otherwise obstruct the process. This comes naturally for most people, and they are happy to give me priority as the paid photographer at the event. I have been frustrated once or twice by people stepping into the aisles for pictures while the wedding party is walking up or down. Thats about it.

I wouldn't feel threatened if someone brought along equivalent or better gear than I, or if the party is filled with pro photographers that are better than I. The people attending weddings should be comfortable and happy to record the event the way they see fit. Thats what counts really....that the people are happy...and (of course), that I am still getting paid for my services, despite all the photographic geniuses that may or may not be attending the event with their gear.

Cheers,

Mike

Some photographers can really be jerks. I usually just do my best to be friendly. Ask him about what he likes about his equipment. Remind him that both cameras are capable of taking great pictures and that you've been happy with yours and realize that there are many people that enjoy both cameras.

Both systems have strengths and weaknesses. I choose Canon and find that Canon cameras give me the features and capabilities that I need to take the pictures.

Too much pride in equipment is deadly. Obviously that photographer fell into that trap. I think sometimes many of us also suffer the same way. When we are in the field, our focus should be less on our equipment and more on enjoying and working with the people and places.

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

I shoot wedding and portraits and most of the time I don't care about others taking pictures. I specifiy in my contract that cameras aren't allowed during the formals, but that never holds because several people always have cameras. And in that case I just ask that they let me get my shots off first, I am never rude and feel its my job to work with the guests as well as the B&G.

Although I should say that it does bother me a little that I work on posing everyone and getting things just right and then others take the shots. Mine come out better, but some people don't think its a big deal to use the snaps of others instead, considering them good enough. I decided recently to up my package prices so that I didn't worry about sales after the event. I try to be professional and I don't want to squabble over others taking photos.

Now if I could just stop aunt so and so from getting everyone to look there way while I am trying to get the group shots all would be well
Heather

I've just got my MK2 which I really love , but I must say with no doubt
that my Nikon D100 preforms better focus results espacialy when I shoot
portraits.

Mike Morbach said:

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

--
Mike Morbach
I'm still learning
http://www.pbase.com/kathy777
http://www.pbase.com/spike777

Click to expand...

Sounds like one of those old fart Nikon jerks. I shoot Nikon, but I swear sometimes the Nikon crowd can get so snobby. I like all camera gear and I love talking about photography with anybody who shares the same passion. My girlfriend thinks I'm nuts.

He probably was just hating on you.

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

--
inhousephoto inc. digital / photography / media
http://www.inhousephoto.com (being updated!)

I dont think this had anything to do with Nikon vs Canon. He, as the hired photographer, probably felt a challenge to his status when he saw another professional camera with an impressive lens, and wanted to show that he was on top.

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/interactive

If that's the truth, then why did he say "You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon?" Are you trying to say that you REALLY understand what this guy meant without actually know him. Unless you know him and truly understand what this guy was tryingt to express, I think we have to go by what we heard with our eyes. Sounds to me like the guy had a little bit too much pride in his Nikon equipment and wanted to express his overinflated pride in his equipment at the expensive of not only loosing a bit of his own professionalism, but at the expensive of being a bit of a jerk.

PerL said:

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/interactive

Click to expand...

while you were warming up a guest pulled out his Stradivarius?

Way Wong said:

This morning my wife and I played violin in string quartet for her
cousin's wedding. Naturally I took my 1D2. I barely got my camera
out the bag when the hired photograper sees my white 70-200 and
calls out "Put that competition away!" Naturally he was using a
Nikon. A minute later we were called to be in the picture of the
wedding party and the photographer say to everyone, "He's got a
Canon! You want a REAL camera? You need a Nikon!" or something to
that effect. Of course he was half joking...

So while getting in place for the picture I smiled and said, "I
don't talk about your mother that way!" It was the best thing I
could think of at the time. What I really wanted to say was, "Are
you so insecure about your photography skills that you need to make
statements like that?" I was a bit stunned and it kinda bummed be
out for the rest of the wedding.

Nikon. Canon. Mac. PCs. WTF cares? If you like it and it gets the
job done then that's all that matters. Thanks for listening.

p.s. Any wedding photographers out there care to comment? Was it
inappropriate for me to bring my camera out?

Way

Click to expand...

--
Frank from Phoenix
Canon 1D Mk2, Minolta G500 and lots of typos
digital evolution: Nikon 990> OlyE20> Pentax *ist D> CanonMK2> ?????

I turn up for all sorts of events, work and weddings, and invariably (in this part of the world) I have the pro equipment. Amazing how the guys/gals here still use film. I have had no issues with any of them apart from some inquiries about the gear.

If anyone make the Nikon comment to me, I'd smile and continue. I am not bothered with the competition (perceived or otherwise).

A camera is a camera.

--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cogito ergo sum
Caveat Lector
http://www.1ds.com

Frank from AZ said:

while you were warming up a guest pulled out his Stradivarius?

Click to expand...

I've tried a couple of strads and to see another one would've been great!

I've got a pretty nice instrument myself and all the musicians I know would never say something to the effect of "My instrument is better than yours." Just not professional or nice.
But I know what you mean.

Way