Every year, the Institute convenes in Las Vegas, Nevada, for an annual “Standards and Operational Directives”conference where working professionals provide their insights and compile a list of what’s “strongly suggested” and those things that must not be tried or attempted (as it degrades the profession because of the lack of quality in images produced).
“Sure, those are great photos,” said Mercheck, a professional photographer in the tourist village of Sentob, Uzbekistan. “But I’m not sure those astronauts can shoot even a four-hour wedding. They were up there for ten days, but can they shoot 10 hours none stop, let alone a three-day Indian wedding here on Earth?” To no surprise, most professional photographers agreed.
Following reports that NASA astronauts receive 20 hours of photography training, lead photographers are raising the bar for their crews. If you want to shoot a wedding, you now need the training of an astronaut.
Layla Gravita, owner of Gravity Photography, expressed total shock that the strict verbal "vibes" she established for the use of her work were not honored by Stolen Times Magazine. “I strictly remember telling the venue to please tell the magazine who I am,” Layla lamented.
According to those familiar with the situation, namely other photographers online, the incident occurred Thursday night while the couple was hosting a small group from their church. The husband, a professional wedding and event photographer who was merrily chatting with the men gathered for their weekly meeting, was in the next room when he heard what he later described as the “voice of Judas.”
“I technically finished before I even left the venue,” said photographer Evan R. Cole, who began coverage at 6:00 a.m. and wrapped just after midnight. “That’s not a timeline I’m comfortable introducing into the market.”
Cole, who operates within an 8–12 week turnaround, said the speed — powered entirely by Aftershoot — had created what he called “an ethical dilemma with long-term consequences.”
Body cam footage from the scene noted a vehicle filled with camera bodies, lenses, and what appeared to be a fully packed trunk of lighting equipment — including stands, beauty dishes, and a myriad of umbrellas, among them clear ones. “For those epic night shots in the rain, man,” Tim explained when questioned. The photographer allegedly gestured toward the gear at one point, stating, “I didn’t use 95% of those things tonight — and most nights,” before trailing off.
The guests seemed distracted during the vows. “I got great reactions from the parents up front, as well as some of the guests, whose eyes were transfixed on something other than the bride and groom. I knew exactly what they were looking at. I got some photos of the brothers of the bride, as well as some of the groomsmen who were tickled to death by what they were seeing.”