Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer // Uncle Bob Isn't The Enemy

Look, we all know that one wedding guest.
The one who rolls in with a DSLR and a neck strap like they’re about to shoot for National Geographic.
Industry folks lovingly (and sometimes not so lovingly) call them “Uncle Bob.”
But here’s the thing...

I don’t actually mind Uncle Bob.

Yep, I said it.
Let me explain.

Cameras Don’t Bother Me—People Who Don’t Respect Boundaries Do

If you’re a guest who brought your “fancy camera” and the couple’s cool with it—guess what? So am I.
Most of the time, these guests aren’t trying to hijack the wedding or play pretend-photographer. They’re just trying to get a few good photos of someone they love. And honestly? Respect.

I usually start with a casual chat. Nothing aggressive. Just a good ol’ “Hey, what are you shooting with?” (Photographers know that’s basically a secret handshake.)
We swap lens talk, they feel seen, and boom—we’re on the same team.

Boundaries? Yep. Beef? Nah.

I do have some boundaries, of course.
When it comes to key moments—like the first kiss, vows, or anything I need to capture—I politely ask to stay front and center. And if I need someone to move, I just ask. Like a human.
Not a power-tripping camera cop.

What I don’t do is throw a fit or treat guests like they’re intruding. Because guess what?
They’re literally invited.
They’re not just some rando with a lens—they’re someone the couple loves. And that matters.

Let Me Tell You About Piano Dad

One of my favorite Uncle Bob moments?
I was chatting with a guy right before the ceremony. He had a DSLR and was hanging back, looking super respectful. He tells me his daughter is the one playing the piano for the ceremony, and he just wanted to grab a few shots of her doing her thing.
He straight up led with “I don’t want to be in your way.”
We had a quick convo, shared a moment of dad pride, and I swear we were besties by the reception.
That’s the energy I’m here for.

It’s a Wedding, Not a Turf War

My job isn’t to flex on guests.
It’s to tell the story of the day, keep things running smooth, and avoid unnecessary drama.
If someone wants to take a few pics of their daughter playing the piano, their niece walking down the aisle, or their cousin busting a move during the Cha Cha Slide—why the hell not?

As long as everyone plays nice, respects the couple, and lets me do my thing when it matters, we’re golden.

• I don’t hate Uncle Bob.

• I actually like chatting with guests who love photography.

• Boundaries matter, but kindness works better than confrontation.

• It’s a wedding, not a photo turf war.

• Let’s all just be cool humans and support the people we love.

So yeah—bring your camera if you want.
Just don’t stand in front of me during the first kiss, and we’re good.