Dear Jasmine,
I photographed a wedding that included a videographer. My contract clearly states that there is to be no other photographer to take photos so as to not interfere with my work. While at the wedding, the videographer seemed not to be taking any pictures. Early the next morning I checked Facebook and I saw he posted an image of the bride and groom on his photography page, in which he tagged both the bride and groom. The photo was also one where I was posing the bride and groom. While I was doing this, the videographer was there but I did not know he was taking pictures…
I'm upset because when the couple signed the contract they understood the “no other photographer” clause and had told me there was going to be a videographer there but did not mention that he would take photographs as well.

I don't know if there is anything I can do or say but I'm wondering if I should? I want to mention something to the videographer because I feel like people will assume he was the photographer at the wedding since he swooped under me and posted a photo of the bride and groom before I could even import the photos into my computer… I'm also worried that he will post an album of them before I can get the couple their photos and others will either assume he was the photographer or think we both worked together. If you have any tips or advice, it would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Swooped On

Dear Swooped,
I feel your pain…as most photographers can attest, when a professional takes photos at a wedding and then gives the impression they were the lead photographers, it can rub us the wrong way. I shot a wedding and noticed the officiant carried a Canon 5D and a 24-70mm, 2.8 lens. Before the officiant started the ceremony, he was shooting guests, wedding details, and the bridal party. During cocktail hour, he photographed the bride and groom from a distance from where I was shooting them. The next day (as I boarded a flight back home), he tagged the clients in an album on Facebook. I was shocked.

I debated contacting the officiant, but later decided against it because I trusted myself. And my work. It wasn't worth explaining my frustration to someone who merely thought he was adding value to his services. By the time I landed, I noticed the bride removed the album from her timeline, so that was an added bonus.

Your clients likely didn't know their videographer was taking photos, so I wouldn't bring up your agreement with them. If you're still irked by the matter, craft a polite email to the videographer and explain how you're feeling. Also cite the photographer exclusivity clause in your contract, but let him know you completely understand he will likely use his photos for the wedding video. I wouldn't ask him to remove the single photo on Facebook, but I'd kindly ask for him not to post any more photos as it'll infringe on your contract with the clients.

However, I want to point out that at the end of the day, your work will shine. Your eye, your composition, your posing…all that is something that belongs to you and while it can be frustrating to feel swooped on, trust your work will rise to the top. Now hurry and go post a few sneak peek photos that are watermarked, so friends and family can see who the real photographer was! 😉

Shine On,
j*