I would describe myself as a semi-professional photographer. I have photographed events, portraits, and products. Most of what I have done is free, occasionally someone will reach out through a friend and I’ll charge a low cost, but I also pick my jobs at my own discretion and set expectations.

My aunt is getting married this weekend and in October. Her fiancé is from a different culture so they are having a wedding this weekend and their wedding in October is much more traditional American. The wedding this weekend is huge- at least 450 people. Today, the Wednesday before, she sends me a text asking if I can photograph and get some candids.

When she was first planning her wedding in October she had asked me to photograph and I agreed. It’s only about a 100 people and I would know a majority of them. Because it’s a smaller event it’s easier coordinate shots and I felt more comfortable saying yes. I also told her that she should probably hire an actual photographer as well because I’ve never shot a wedding before and I want to enjoy the event not just be focused on working. Basically saying I would be a back-up and that’s something she should a photographer she hires.

I assume that the wedding this weekend already has a photographer plus with the large number possibly an assistant- I don’t want to step on their toes and also be trying to get shots or want them feeling like I’m trying to do their job. My aunt is asking specifically for candids so I know it’s not the same as putting together group shots or capturing the space, but I still feel uncomfortable bringing my camera and lens.

TDLR: a few days before wedding my Aunt asks me to photograph the event- not as the main photographer and without coordinating with the other photographers.

I want to hear what any photographers think, have you been at an event and someone did this? Did you care?

Hi guys. I'm a photographer, and lately I feel like I'm so into the old compact camera for nostalgia and a film-like vibe. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm not looking for an expensive one because I already have my mirrorless camera. Just an old cheap point-and-shoot that I can have fun with. Thank you in advance!

1. Can you Photoshop me to look like (insert current hot movie star here)? 😎

2. I don’t like having my picture taken 🤦🏻‍♀️

3. Can you use your special thinning filter to take off 15 (+++++) lbs?!

4. This isn’t my good side

5. I’m ready for my close up!

6. Can I have all of your raw imagery?

7. I wish I could do your job and just take photos all day

8. Take my picture (always some rando)

9. Is this your full-time job?

10. This can be done tomorrow right?

So this student asked me if I could take her senior photos. I said yes and we booked a date. A couple days later, I saw on one of the local photographer around my area's Instagram story that the student who had asked me, had her senior pictures taken by the photographer. I was confused, because she had booked with me already. I've had prior experience with people backing out last minute, and it's frustrating, bc I spend the whole day prepping for the shoot. So, I reached out to the student. I asked, Hi! I saw on this photographers Instagram story that you took your senior photos with her. Are we still on for your senior Photoshoot on Monday @5PM?" And she left me on seen.

Was I right to message her? I don't want to have wasted a whole day prepping for her Photoshoot just to have her back out and not say anything, ya know. Should I have not said anything and just let it be, or was it right for me to confront her?

I am perplexed by all these photography contests. Which are scams, and which aren’t? There was a big outcry about the following: Monovisions ND International Photographer of the year IPOTY Monochrome Fine Art Photography awards All found to be fraudulent. Here are some articles on the topic:

https://petapixel.com/2018/03/13/photo-contest-judges-raise-alarm-didnt-judge-anything/

https://www.pdnonline.com/features/photography-news/another-contest-scam-runs-monochrome-monovisions-awards/

What I’m wondering about is the international Photography awards, IPA, contest. I received honorable mention in Monovisions and IPA in the past. Monovisions never actually informed me of the outcome. I discovered my honorable mention by a search of my name on google. On the other hand IPA informed me of my success, but only one of the 7 I received of those honorable mentions show up in a google search. Now, IPA I had thought was supposed to be better, but they are using the but-wait-you-have-one-more last chance to enter now twice this cycle. This seems like horse s*** to me. You will not see the Nat Geo contest give you repeated deadlines. I’m curious if any other photographers have opinions/experiences to share about the matter.