Oh and Bring Your Camera

I’ve got no problems taking pictures at parties and gatherings. In fact I like to.

Just don’t expect me to.

It’s been a while - but if I’m invited to some event and the last words are “oh and bring your camera,” I can’t let that be the end now. 

A few years ago I was invited to a graduation party with the aforementioned request. The person inviting me was at best - an acquaintance. We were on a first-name basis and all, but not like I saw the kid grow up. I knew him, his mother, and the kid.

When I showed up, with gift and simple (albeit capable) camera, the question from the mom was “why didn’t you bring your good camera?” as if I thought this event was beneath my equipment.

I responded, “you said bring a camera, I did.”

“But I was hoping you could get some pictures at the (nearby) park.” She replied.

“So...did you invite me or my camera?” I asked.

I paused, sensing her rage and said “what kind of picture were you looking for?” She told me a picture of their family with the trees and garden nearby. I reassured her that the camera I brought (a Canon Powershot 590) would do just fine and I thought would be more discreet with the guests. Long story short: Dad (the person who invited me first) and family got a nice portrait that sits 8x10 on their fireplace.

I’ll save the “it’s only good because it’s a good camera” discussion for another day.


Maybe the parents don’t have the time to properly document an important event. Maybe they want to make sure someone competent with a camera attends. Maybe they want this for free.

Fine. Just say so though (although I probably won’t do it for nothing...or maybe I will). But be up front. If you want a properly documented event, inviting me - the photographer - is a more likely route to get what you want. Invite me - the guest - and you’ll get that.

I’ve run across a couple instances where the latter is invited and the former expected and I cut that off quick now. Never, never, never has it led to a future opportunity. It nearly leads to more of the same. And at times, when I’ve arrived as a guest - to leave the host disappointed - it’s resulted in friction in the relationship.

Why go down that path?

If you invite me as a guest, I’ll probably bring a camera. It may be a digital SLR, a point and shoot, or even my cell phone. I’ll take pictures because I like doing it. I may take some pretty good pictures. But I’m there for your company and the company of fellow guests.

I’m really not trying to be a jerk, but think if you were a doctor, and all you were invited for was for free medical advice. Or the accountant being peppered with tax questions before the first bite of cake?

Nobody wants to be lied to. So just be up front. We’ll all have a better time.