Paparazzi Overload

David thought it was an anomaly (sorry, Fauxtawg Dawg been using a thesaurus lately). But Pixel has confirmed it: "Wannabe photographers are taking over weddings."

What is it about guests who have cameras these days? They're crowding the aisles, kneeling two feet in front of couples during the ceremony (nearly ruining the professionals' ability to create the clean, unobstructed portraits that are expected of him), stalking the staging and portrait set up David creates with his one-of-a-kind posing. And what do they think they're accomplishing. Do they think their $200 camera and lack of skill will surpass the quality of David's work? Well, maybe so - when they're ruining the shot all by themselves.

Do these paparazzi pretenders think they're doing this as a possible gift to the couple? What is it in their pixel-sized brain matter (sorry, Pix) that makes them think their photo will be the "it" shot? In my humble opinion, they're just plain disrespectful to the couple, the photographer, other guests and the ambiance and solemness of the service itself. They obviously don't understand that the couple has invested a couple grand or more in a professional photographer. So, like a child with attention deficit hyperactive tension disorder, they ignore manners and bring poor social skills to the wedding.

Just this past weekend an unthoughtful young lady climbed on a chair directly behind David (while he was creating a pose with his 20# camera gear in arm and aim). She then leaned on his freshly repaired shoulder for support so she could plagiarize the pose David was trying to create. David looked at her, told her about his sore shoulder, and she said " Oh, you're okay, I'll stay out of your way" and continued snapping away and leaning on his arm. The bride had to tell her enough was enough. Later, the bride told David he could tell the aspiring shutterbug to back off at any time.

Friends, family and guests at weddings: Unless the couple has asked you to create photos or video for them - sit down, enjoy and respect their ceremony. The exception would be this: If you think your hind end looks awesome in front of the bride and groom during their ceremony and you think it should be featured in The Album - knock yourself out and snap away. David's NOT going to interrupt the ceremony and ask you to move.

Every wedding David has photographed this year has included someone who stalked his posing or elbowed into him for their own lens abuse. This basically hurts the couple and their hopes to have a collection of perfect portraits.

A warning from Fauxtawg Dawg to the obnoxious amateur camera operators in David's world: "Respect the ceremony and the investment your friends or family have made in a professional photographer." Anything less will earn a long leg lift on your tiny Gucci Camera bag."