Photographers, interrupted in the middle of a photoshoot; is this usual?

My family wanted me to do their faimily portraits.I just got a brand new professional camera, which came with a french manual, & since I'm not that good in french i cant understand it all.The ENTIRE time my step dad was giving me absolutley crazy instructions like use flash instead of natural lighting &I already knew what I was doing, I had the settings just right and everything.Well, while I was adjusting things, and about to take a picture, my step dad busted in front of me, using flash and took a million of pictures with his camera. I couldn't take one picture, because he was being so obnixious.

Then when I got upset because he pratically fucked up my whole job [I was getting paid for it] he told me that "oh, there are always going to be people busting in front of you when you take pictures"I've never had anything like this happen to me & ive done tons of photoshoots even in crazy places like malls.
Is this true?
Do people actually do that to you?

The answer is clear. Your step dad felt left out. He decided that if he could not be in the picture no picture should be taken. He is a sad pathetic person. He should be give a nice one way ticket to somewhere, and left to annoy others. Feel pity for him not anger.

And why do these experts have drawn avatars and not photos. Huh, huh?

Your step ad is a bully and an ignoramous.

Maybe a few idiots once in a while, but this is really not true. People on the streets or in malls might be interested in what you are doing, but they never bug me.

Tell your Dad to leave you alone. Since it is your job in all.

No, it's not usual.

But this isn't really a professional situation -- it's a family situation and it's different.

You need to improve communication with your stepdad so the he understands your needs.

Hope this helps.

Best answer Songbyrd11 xD

First of all, NEVER go to a professional shoot with brand new equipment you don't know how to use. Having to look at the owners manual does not help you to come across as a pro. That it is in French is even worse. Take the time to get to know your equipment before you use it on a paid shoot.

Second, You and your stepfather seem to have issues that are far greater than this experience. You guys need to work it out. It sounds like your stepdad is a prick, but there are always two sides to every story.

You're the photographer, and a paid one at that, and you're in charge. The subjects can give you some idea, but you're the one who need to tell them what to do. If he tells you to use flash, simply say, "no, I am the one taking photos here."

I would feel bad too, if I were you, but make sure you're paid, although you did not take as many photos as you should have, or wanted to.

What camera was it? What brand, and model? You should have looked at their website. For example, Canon has all their manuals in PDF (Adobe Acrobat format) files. I think Nikon does, too.

It's always a good idea to be extremely familiar with your equipments before you use it professional (for all that matters, even personally). Take it for a "spin" on a weekend. See the results on your computer screen before you use it professionally. A real client won't put up with a professional protographer that is fumbling with his camera / lens. You almost have to say that you're lucky that it happened among your family members (as embarrassing as it was), and not a client that you hardly know.

Re: what your step-father did--that's another matter. I am sorry to say that there are probably issues going on here more than taking family photos, if everything happened exactly as you said.

Yes they do... I've had it happen at weddings, proms, sports shoots, communions etc, but not in family portraits. It's rude and you have to learn how to control the situation without your being rude. If you intend to be a professional, controlling your temper as well as your language is imperative.

I have never had problems like that, not even on a busy street.

Your step dad is a moron, that lacks any social skills and grace. He seems to be someone that has absolutely nothing to teach you.

You may occasionally have to deal with people like that, but unless they are family, dont feel like you need to be tolerant of them.

People have answered you above, but I'm just commenting that I can't believe your curse word made it through the Yahoo! filters...

Children have access to this site, so please think PG or at least PG-13 in the future. Thanks.