ONE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS ANSWER TO GUESTS WITH CAMERAS
PHOTO OF THE DAY: DON’T FIGHT THEM INCLUDE THEM
As a wedding photographer we have a lot on our plate the day of a wedding. We are talking about so many things I am not sure I could list them all. I think you can imagine some of the obvious things. Weather, lighting, gear issues, timing of photos taking, finding the location’s. There is a short list of some of the things we have to worry about the day of any wedding. Some of the not so obvious issue are things like people. That list is long. We have fun happy people, easy going in no rush people and the ever almost in the way armature photography people. That is what this photo and blog is about today.
Now I have been involved in many on-line discussion on this topic. There is many thoughts on the topic. There are many photographers that are feed up and at a breaking point with the guest photo snappers. It is going to happen so stop fighting it and include them. When I shoot a wedding or any event without saying a word to anyone I take control. By take control I mean I own that day. I am not rude and most times a word is never spoken about this. Maybe it is easy for me. I am out going I am a bit loud. I am tall, I am everywhere. I am without a doubt the photographer for the day. If i have to I might step in front of the aunt or uncle to get that shot, but one second later I am out of your way letting you get that same photo. It is part of the days flow. These family members and close friends want some photos on their phone and camera too. Who am I to make it harder for them to create memories of this day? I am the hired help. With a big emphasis on help. I will not be moving tables at the reception or changing light bulbs at a venue. I am there for the couple and I am there for their family. When at all possible I take photos of the other guest that are taking photos. It is one way I think i make it known I am there for them, for them all.
ABOUT THIS PHOTO: Here is a photo of a guest taking a photo of the bride and groom at the ceremony. I had not even noticed that other guest also shooting a photo. I was standing about half way down the aisle taking photos of the couple. I always am looking around to grab photos of the guest. I mean the couple wants photos of the guest. Some came from far away. Some may not be seen by the couple for many years to come, if at all. So capture these moments when you can. Don’t miss the kiss, but take photos of the others throughout the day. Have fun with the other guests. You will never see them again either.
Joe Martin
I added this second photo as I wanted to show just one more photo that I thought really showed what some photographers deal with at a wedding. Now I had already taken a few photos of the bride and groom at the table and the toast. I just love this image of 2 of the groomsmen taking photos with their phone.
PHOTO OF THE DAY: DON’T FIGHT THEM INCLUDE THEM As a wedding photographer we have a lot on our plate the day of a wedding. We are talking about so many things I am not sure I could list them all. I think you can imagine some of the obvious things. Weather, lighting, gear issues, timing…
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