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The Unspoken Rules Of Being A Wedding Guest Photographer
Want to know how to behave as a wedding guest photographer? You’ve reached the right place 🙂 Being invited to a wedding is an honour, and for many guests, it’s an opportunity to capture cherished memories of their friends or family. However, as a keen guest with a camera, there’s an unspoken etiquette to be aware of, to avoid getting in the way of the day’s events. This is particularly true when the couple has hired a professional photographer to document their special day.
With this in mind, here are some unspoken rules to bear in mind if you’re a guest with a passion for photography.
Before the wedding
Proper preparation is key to being a respectful and mindful guest photographer at a wedding. Before the big day, it’s essential to check with the couple if they’re comfortable with guests taking photos. While most couples welcome capturing candid moments by their loved ones, some may prefer to leave their professional photographer in charge. Respecting their wishes from the outset sets the tone for a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
If you’re given the go ahead, familiarising yourself with the wedding schedule and locations will help you to plan your photography accordingly. Understanding the timeline of events, such as the ceremony and reception, allows you to anticipate the best moments to take shots without interfering with the professional photographer’s work. It’s also crucial to practice using your camera’s range of functions. Experimenting with any unfamiliar or enhanced sensor features before the wedding will ensure you capture the best possible shots on the day.
During the ceremony
The wedding ceremony is one of the most sacred and emotionally charged moments of the day, and it deserves the utmost respect from guests – especially those keen to take photographs. There’s a series of ‘don’ts’ that should be adhered to during this time to avoid disruptions and distractions.
Never block the aisle or obstruct the professional photographer’s line of sight. Photo by Caleb Oquendo on Pexels.com
First and foremost, never block the aisle or obstruct the professional photographer’s line of sight. Their job is to capture every precious moment, from the couple’s grand entrance to the ceremonial rituals and the first kiss, so you don’t want to get in the way because those moments are never going to happen again and could be lost entirely if you’re blocking them. Additionally, refrain from using flash or making excessive noise that could distract the couple or officiant.
Watch this video for more insights into why it’s advised to forbid guests from taking photos during the ceremony:
Resist the temptation to wander around or approach the couple and officiant before and during the ceremony. This not only risks disrupting the proceedings but also compromises the professional photographer’s shots and the couple’s privacy during this intimate moment.
There are also a few ‘dos’ that can help you capture beautiful moments without causing a disturbance. Remain seated in your designated spot and take candid shots from your vantage point, focusing on capturing the couple’s reactions, emotional expressions and the overall ambiance of the ceremony from the sidelines. Being mindful of your surroundings and respecting the significance of the occasion enables you to immortalise the day’s magic without interfering with the professional’s work.
Capturing the reception
While the ceremony may call for a more subdued approach, the reception offers more opportunities for wedding guest photographers to capture lively moments, from guests dancing to the wedding entertainment. But it’s still important to exercise caution and respect the professional photographer’s role and the couple.
Be sure to never interfere with the professional photographer’s staged shots, such as the couple’s grand entrance or cake cutting – these are carefully orchestrated moments that require precise timing and positioning, and your interference could compromise the quality of the shots. Similarly, be mindful not to obstruct the dance floor or get in the way of the couple’s first dance. This is a cherished tradition and a magical moment that deserves to be captured without any distractions or disruptions.
While more candid shots are generally welcomed at the reception, exercise discretion and respect when approaching the couple’s table or using flash photography excessively. Everyone should be able to enjoy their meals and conversations without feeling overwhelmed by constant flashes or intrusive photography.
On the other hand, a reception offers ample opportunities to capture natural interactions between the couple, their family and friends. Feel free to take group shots of your friends and loved ones later on in the evening, capturing the joy and celebration that surrounds the newlyweds. Often, professional photographers have fulfilled their duties by this point, and everyone is more relaxed, so it’s the perfect time to take some snaps.
After the celebrations
Once the wedding celebrations have ended, your role as a respectful wedding guest photographer doesn’t stop. There are still a few important considerations to keep in mind after the big day.
If the happy couple has expressed an interest in seeing your photos, be sure to offer to share them. Many couples appreciate having candid shots taken by loved ones in addition to the professional photographs as well as unique ideas for using their favourite wedding photos. However, if they haven’t explicitly asked to see them, it’s best to wait for them to ask rather than inundating them with unsolicited images during their newlywed bliss.
Additionally, refrain from posting any wedding photos on social media before the couple has had a chance to share them themselves. The couple may have specific preferences or plans for unveiling their official wedding photos, and it’s courteous to let them take the lead on sharing their special day with the world.
Watch this video to get a better understanding of why this has become such an issue:
As a wedding guest photographer, your role is to complement the professional’s work by capturing candid moments, emotional expressions and genuine interactions from your unique vantage point. By respecting the couple’s wishes, the professional photographer’s space, and the sanctity of the occasion, you can contribute to the collective celebration while creating lasting memories for yourself and others.
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