What does “Uncle Bob” mean in photography?
Asked 11/20/2017
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2 answers
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I often hear photographers mention an “Uncle Bob” at weddings and other events. From context, it seems to mean an enthusiastic guest with a camera who can interfere with the hired photographer.
What does the term mean in photography, where is it commonly used, and is it describing a real person or just a stereotype?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
74
Uncle Bob is not actually your Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob is the derogatory term used by professional and semi professional photographers to describe a 'man with a camera' and occasionly someone with 'all the gear, no idea'. There isn't a clear definition of Uncle Bob, and he can be found in many guises, this is my experience so feel free to mix and match:
- Not necessarily bad people.
- It's Uncle Bob's attitude rather than photographic ability. Prepare for arrogance if they think they have one better picture than you.
- When found at events, they can usually be found taking a large amount of photos of their loved ones. On rarer occasions they somehow wangle themselves a photo pass and believe they're in the big leagues.
- They can be seen shooting in P for Professional mode
- Will happily tell you how his gear is better, and how much it cost to try make you think you're inferior.
- No regards to professional etiquette. Will happily get in other photographers' way.
- Can masquerade as a professional.
- Remember photographer waistcoats back from the days of shooting film at sports event? Well they're not quite dead yet...
- Especially at weddings they've been known to stand intrusively close to the hired professional to try get the exact same shots.
Originally by user55814. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user55814
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In photography, “Uncle Bob” is a stereotype, not a specific real person. It usually refers to an event guest—most often at weddings—who has a camera and enthusiastically takes photos, but ends up distracting subjects, blocking shots, or otherwise interfering with the official photographer.
The term is commonly used by professional and semi-pro photographers as shorthand for the well-meaning but intrusive “guy with a camera.” He may have expensive gear and confidence, but the key issue is usually his effect on the shoot: people look at him instead of the main camera, he steps into working space, or he tries to shoot alongside the hired photographer.
So “Uncle Bob” is less about skill level and more about behavior. He may be polite, may even get some good photos, and often means well—but if he causes confusion or gets in the way, photographers may label him an Uncle Bob.
In short: it’s a stereotype for an overenthusiastic event guest with a camera, especially at weddings.
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