I believe the photographer lost the case for herself. Judge Joe was also wrong as most wedding photographers have at one time or another, ran across a church were flash was prohibited. Of course she should have found this out before the wedding and discussed it with the bride and groom and possibly restaged some of the shots if possible. The photographer can write it off as a learning lesson and be better prepared next time.

That certainly correct, price does matter when it comes to quality of a wedding photographer services.

I agree. Judge Joe was rather quick to assume that every church allows flash photography and I've done a few weddings where flash isn't allowed.

You are correct that the photographer should have known about this before hand. It's very wise to do your homework before every wedding. She could have gotten faster lenses for that weekend from a rental place.

If Judge Joe Brown thinks that a "Professional Photographer" uses a Canon XTi and charges $1,300 for a wedding -- he is more ignorant than he appears in the clip.

I would love to know if she ever claimed to be a "Professional".

In the end, her attitude got the best of her. She should have composed herself, but obviously she let her emotions get the best of her. It's a shame really, because she would have been able to win on so many counts if she had a lawyer.

I think that was one of the reasons he awarded the plaintiff so much. Her attitude + a "pro" using a Rebel. He clearly had disdain for her equipment choice.

Maybe he's a Nikon guy?

Your Nikon comment made me laugh out loud at work!

Awesome!

At least you didn't spit coffee on your screen or keyboard...not that I've ever done that before...

These tv judges rarely care about making a fair judgment. They almost always favor one side from the beginning and the other side has little chance of winning. It does sound like the photographer was unprepared about the use of flash. Still, you can't exactly expect a low budget photographer to have extra equipment for rare situations like this.

Yep, right on. She should've done her homework better. We all get caught out by not studying the little details early in our careers, no matter what the line of work. And seems to me like that's the case with this photographer too.

Till then,

Jean

A lot of these "judge" shows are scripted. The judge sometimes knows what he's going to say before the show unfolds.

You're probably right.

Most people are finally starting to realize that so called "reality shows" are very scripted and manipulated.

These TV Judge shows are probably the same when it comes to that.

It's all for ratings after all.

edharris, I agree with you. In my opinion, the judge knows what he's going to say before sometimes the show unfolds.

Ok, so I had to comment. I am a professional, not weddings mind you, and I am sure you could get fine results from a rebel body. But she didn't even know what an f stop was, this "professional" had no idea how her equipment worked or even the basics of how light works. I would bet money she shot everything on auto and that is why she has no idea what f stop was used.

Depends on your subject.

People have made a living photographing things in their own backyard.

I think digital has made photography ultra-competitive. You need a hook and sometimes that may mean that you will need to travel. Ultimately, it will depend on your imagery. Traveling or not.

Yeah, I think there were many, more technical photographers (yes I'm in that group), that feel the same way you do.

There's a natural tendency to be frustrated by those calling themselves "professionals" when they don't know the technicalities of photography.

That being said...I remember when I first started out. I used my artistic eye for cropping and composition as a crutch while I wrapped my head around how light really works.

I would have given her a pass, most likely, if they hadn't chimed in with the whole "we've done hundreds of weddings with no problems" bit.