Thread: For those who have done pb sessions...

Have you ever had a parent bring along their own dig camera/video camera and take a few snaps of their own?? I've had a dad pull out the blackberry to snap a few...the last set of twins i did in July, the dad pulled out a camcorder and taped a few minutes here and there, and most recently I did a set of twins on saturday with a friend of mine and whenever dad saw a "cute" shot, he pulled out his own camera and snapped a few. This happened 3 or 4 times during the session. Now I know the poses aren't original to me, but it's still me taking the time to show up, set up, bring my props, and get the babes in these positions and other things to get the shot.

Should I be adding something in my photo release to say that i'd prefer if they don't snap along side me?? How do I word that?

Ok... What a situation to be in... I can understand maybe the video recorder but not the still pictures.. Afterall, isnt that what they are there for? I mean for YOU to get the pictures not them. I dont know if i would put anything in writing about it but maybe next time somebody does it just completely stop what you are doing and mention that you will continue as soon as they are done or when they get the shot they want. maybe even rearrange the babies after they are done snapping and if they ask why tell them because you thought they got the picture so there was no need for you to do it.. Might help them see how silly they are being

Now with that being said I take my camera most places with me and might whip it out and get some pics of the situation to document something but not to try to get my own pics KWIM?

Absolutely tell the parents that you're sorry but hope they understand that yours is the only camera allowed during your session. I don't have it in my contract, but that's not a bad idea!

Thanks ladies. Amber I think your simple wording is perfect I think I may make mention of it before the session as well as add it in writing.

I agree with Amber. That's just _not_ appropriate.

If you can, add it to your contract that way you will have something signed to back you up. Do you go over the contract w/ clients before hand? If so, that could avoid the confrontation later.

Best,
GiGi

I never thought to mention it when I was strictly PBing ... but now that I'm charging, it's in my contract (thanks to Stacey, as I got most of my verbiage from her contract).

But since you've encountered it, then it's definitely worth mentioning from here on out that no other cameras are to be used during your session. Do you have them sign a model release? Maybe you can add it there too?

Originally Posted by acarbo99

I agree with Amber. That's just _not_ appropriate.

If you can, add it to your contract that way you will have something signed to back you up. Do you go over the contract w/ clients before hand? If so, that could avoid the confrontation later.

Best,
GiGi

Originally Posted by coolmama72

But since you've encountered it, then it's definitely worth mentioning from here on out that no other cameras are to be used during your session. Do you have them sign a model release? Maybe you can add it there too?

Yeah, I think I'm going to add it to my contract/model release as well and make sure that everyone is clear on everything

I would add it. I know it was in my wedding photographers contract. She wasn't strict on enforcing it, but she said she would be if they got in her way or the flash was messing her up. I also like the idea of changing positions and making it a point that they already got it, so why do you need to also?

I wish I had told my recent wedding shoot about this clause. I hated it because everyone was snapping behind me and people weren't looking at me. I finally yelled out to the people --- look over here at the professional. By that time it was too late. Definitely, always put it on your contract.