I think you have this shooter pegged. I'm guessing "most" people are also smart enough to realize that. Unfortunately, this kind of person prays on the uninformed, or uneducated (or a little of both)

I no longer advertise my prices on my website (ala Charles Lewis), because it forces people to actually call me and talk to me. Once I'm actually talking to them, I spell out exactly what they can expect to spend, based on what level of service they want.

One thing that I've done is "reverse priced" my packages from what most shoot and burn photographers do. My prices that include albums or photos, cost a lot less than just selling a disk. Most of the Craigslist photographers, want to just hand them the disk, and not "mess with" printing and album design. I don't say "no, I won't give a disk," I just make it more affordable to give them something they will actually use and enjoy, not a disk, but physical albums, and photos. I do offer "web resolution" copies that they can use for Facebook, but I still just refuse to hand a disk with several hundred (not thousands) of images, and let the poor couple try to sort through them. Sorting, editing, and arranging is part of what they are paying me for. If they'd rather not. It just doesn't hurt my feelings.

Just booked a wedding for May, where they were going to go with a Craigslist photographer for $300. I have been paid 50% down for a $1500 wedding, just because I took the time to talk to them, ask questions, LISTEN, and take the time to design a package that included everything they wanted, and nothing they didn't.

I have been busy every weekend with family pics and next Sunday I will be photographing dogs & owners for a pet sitting service

I do have a wedding on the 5th and I am attending a Nikon event today. I need another backup camera. We will see if a GAS attack happens.

Up on the stage ... Sorry reminds me of one of my favorite Bob Seger songs. I have never come across that, but my thoughts would be that shooting up is not flattering in most cases and I would be looking for a way to elevate myself. Maybe a step stool, but that may be distracting for those attending. Perhaps the back of the facility is elevated and you could use a long lens? There is always getting on the stage with them, but again that may be distracting.