Move Over, Uncle Bob: Make Way for the Content Creator

Wedding photographers have been dodging “Uncle Bobs” for decades, but there is a new guest in the way. The content creator is here, and they are not going anywhere.

The 'Uncle Bob' Era for Wedding Photographers

If you have photographed weddings for any amount of time, you know the type. The infamous “Uncle Bob” is the hobbyist, or sometimes former pro, who cannot resist inserting themselves into your work. Armed with a DSLR and a misplaced sense of authority, they will tell you how to shoot, where to stand, and, in some truly bold cases, physically touch you or your gear to “fix” your form.

It is the uninvited workshop you never asked for.

Wedding Guests Who Just Can't Help It

For years, this was one of the biggest frustrations for wedding photographers. Some Uncle Bobs stayed politely in their lane, but many saw no issue stepping into the aisle mid-processional or planting themselves at the altar during portraits. Their persistence was legendary. And while Uncle Bobs still exist, their numbers are dwindling.

You might think that is cause for celebration. Unfortunately, something else has stepped in to take their place.

Enter the Wedding Content Creator

These days, it is not Uncle Bob you are most likely to encounter. It is the wedding day content creator. They are not there to shoot the couple’s formal portraits. They are not necessarily telling you how to do your job. But they are very likely in your shots, and they will happily tell you to “just Photoshop me out later.”

The Newest Kind of Wedding Media Coverage

Unlike the camera-wielding Uncle Bobs of old, these folks come with their own set of tools: smartphones, mirrorless cameras, lav mics, and sometimes even a full-day shot list. They may be friends of the couple, hired professionals, or influencers documenting the day for social media content. And unlike Uncle Bob, they are not fading out anytime soon.

Why Wedding Content Creation Is Here to Stay

It is tempting to think content creators at weddings are just another passing trend. But as long as scrolling through Instagram and TikTok feels as addictive as it does, couples will want bite-sized, immediately shareable clips from their day. Photographers will have to navigate the overlap between traditional coverage and social media-first documentation.

The Reason Clients Love a Content Creator at Their Event

The content creator’s role is framed as capturing “raw,” “real,” “authentic” moments. In practice, that often means filming the same staged moments you have set up, sometimes from just a few feet away. Their job is not to produce print-ready heirlooms. It is to feed the couple’s, and their followers’, appetite for instant content.

Whether you love or loathe it, this role has staying power.

The Problem for Wedding Photographers

Even when content creators are not intentionally disruptive, they can cause headaches. They might plant themselves directly in the aisle during first dances. They may shadow you during portraits, filming over your shoulder and subtly influencing the couple’s attention. They sometimes wear lav mics on the couple for “ceremony audio,” a move that can undercut a professional videographer’s work.

Stepping on Toes During the Photography Process

Then there is the gear overlap. Some creators bring along cameras that rival your own, which may cross into territory your contract explicitly protects. It is not just about space. It is about safeguarding your role as the hired professional.

How to Work With, Not Against, Content Creators

You do not have to love having a content creator on site, but ignoring them will not make them go away. Instead, it is worth building a cooperative relationship.

1. Communicate Ahead of Time

If you know a content creator will be there, set up a quick call before the wedding. Talk through timelines, responsibilities, and boundaries. Ask them about their process and share yours. This will help avoid awkward turf wars in front of the couple.

2. Set Clear Expectations

If something they are planning violates your contract, such as bringing a second professional-grade camera, address it before the wedding day. Couples are usually happy to clarify roles once they understand the potential for conflict.

3. Coordinate Your Coverage

Explain your typical shooting flow so you are not tripping over each other. If you know you will need clear space for a first look or certain portraits, get their buy-in ahead of time. In return, ask if they have any must-have moments you can help them accommodate.

4. Build a Positive Relationship

Even if you would rather they were not there, treating a content creator as an ally instead of a nuisance will pay off. If they feel respected, they are more likely to respect your space and your work.

Taking Control of the Trend

If content creators are going to be part of the wedding landscape, you can use that to your advantage. Consider adding a content creator option directly into your own packages. This lets you control how the work is done, ensures the couple’s expectations are met, and prevents on-the-day surprises. By providing the service yourself, or partnering with someone you trust, you can offer couples that instant, social-friendly content they want while protecting your workflow and brand.

The New Reality for Wedding Photography Professionals

For better or worse, the content creator is the new Uncle Bob. They are not necessarily there to challenge your skills or undermine your expertise, but they can still complicate your job if the relationship is not managed thoughtfully.

The difference is that this time, the trend is not fading away. Rather than hope for their disappearance, it is worth developing a strategy for working alongside them. With clear communication and a bit of cooperation, you can keep your work intact while helping the couple get the content they are after.

And unlike Uncle Bob, at least they are not grabbing your camera.

Lead Photo: Megan & Kenneth.