April 2007

President's Message

Now I’ve Seen It All!

A couple of weddings ago I witnessed one of the most phenomenal scenes at a reception that a professional wedding photographer could encounter.  A “Paparazzi DJ”.

Yep, you heard me correctly.  A “Paparazzi DJ”. No kidding!  I was so astounded by this incident I took several images of this guy just to archive for eternity this moment in my career.  (See the accompanying images).  I wanted to share these images with you because it verifies a crucial point of view that I’ve always maintained:  Other professional photographers are NOT a threat to our businesses or reputations.  It’s the camera packing DJs, discount camera purchasing, scrap booking stay at home moms, and cell phone snap shooters who are redefining the word “photographer”.  Notice I did not use the term “professional photographer”.

 Now if you don’t think these folks are serious about stuffing you in a body bag (and don’t forget taking a slice out of your paycheck, too) let’s analyze the photos that I took of my “Paparazzi DJ”.  Pretend this is one of the cartoons where you have to locate all kinds of objects hidden within the drawing.  Did you spot all the paraphernalia that marks this guy as a serious wedding photographer contender?  Scary isn’t, knowing that when you arrive on a wedding job this is the kind of unannounced competition you’re up against.  Never mind the other folks packing “digital pistols” that seem to come popping out of socks, purses, hairdos and anywhere else they can stash a point-and-shoot camera.  Lately, I’ve made it my business to turn around during the moments I’m creating group shots just to see who has a loaded “digital shotgun” at my back.  Gosh, the number of digital paparazzi is increasing…and they’re coming in ALL shapes and size these days.  Worst, they’re getting super smart, too.  Read on.

Here’s my “frosting on the cake” paparazzi story, then I’ll tell you how to keep these hounds at bay.  Several months ago I was shooting at a reception and I took the bride and groom out on a large balcony of the hotel to get shots of them against the downtown Fort Lauderdale skyline.  Beautiful stuff.  You know:  Veil blowing in the wind and sparkling city lights behind them. Now, I use two Canon 580 flashes in a master/slave setup as second lighting at my weddings.  When I returned to the ballroom I noticed that my second light was going off like the 4^th of July.  To my amazement, while I was outside one of the guests (who was packing a Canon 10D) had switched on his 580 flash to the master mode and was taking dancing shots using his equipment with my flash.  Umm-mm?  Is there something wrong with this picture?  Well, enough “tongue-in-cheek” stuff; it’s time to slay some paparazzi. 

What I’m about to share with you may not seem like revelation, but it’s your only salvation.  1) Buy the best equipment you can afford.  Most paparazzi are not going to spend $1600 on a f/1.2 IS lens, 2) Know your equipment inside and out and use settings that produce higher quality images, 3) Add components to your photography that creates uniqueness (i.e. second lighting/softboxes), 4) Create a master digital workflow that cannot be duplicated on their level, 4) Learn how to create images quickly so that you interrupt their capture opportunities, and 5) Review a couple past NBA Championship games to learn how to hip check, flick an unseen elbow, or inadvertently trip down an overly aggressive paparazzi. 

Finally, remember that position and camera angle is everything; use it to your advantage.  If all else fails, fall to the ground, throw a temper tantrum, and tell them you’re getting paid to do the job.  And, while you’re down there don’t take any pictures of you, either.

Now go out there and show ‘em who’s the “pro”.

Willie L Hill, Jr., CPP

President

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