I know everyone has a snazzy (or nifty!) DSLR now and there are SO many cameras at weddings. I know you want to practice and capture the moment and see what your camera can do, but, there are a few things to keep in mind. As I have photographed a wedding or two (18 this year) there are a few things that drive me bonkers.
1. Yes, you have a nifty DSLR that I'm sure takes great pictures BUT you shouldn't be standing up in the middle of the aisle taking pictures during the ceremony. Especially not standing up, or putting your camera in front of mine, during the kiss or vows etc. Unless you're a grandpa, then you can do it (I'm only saying that because a cute grandpa did that last weekend:)
2. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but you probably don't need to have your camera on continuous rapid shutter, especially during the vows or a prayer or something. Kind of distracting to the guests, don't you think? And really, are you going to post 50 pictures of the exact same thing to facebook?
3. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but do you really need to take 100 pictures, with direct flash, during the first dance or cake cutting?! Kind of blows out some of our photos, in case you were wondering! One or two pictures are fine.
4. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but family photo time is family photo time. It's not `Hey, everyone in the family, grab a camera and let's take pictures of all the family combos!!!'. You can get a photo later from the bride and groom. Or, you can hide off to the side and quietly take one. Thanks!
5. Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR with lots of ideas for photos but unless you are my husband, the mother of the bride, the bride and groom, or in the wedding party, I don't need your advice on where to stand or what YOU think would be a great picture. I'm not trying to sound conceited, I just get a lot of unsolicited advice.
6. And, my number one pet peeve: Yes, I'm sure you have a nifty DSLR but unless you have asked the bride and groom as well as the photographers if you can follow along and shoot...do not follow the wedding party for their portrait session getting all of `your' shots. We usually have limited time and don't need distractions (random flashes, someone in the way, people looking at the wrong camera).
Seriously, I don't mean this in a mean way. Informative. We photographed 3 weddings this week alone so it just starts to bug you after a while, ya know? I don't do well with criticism and don't mean to hurt anyone so please be nice:)
I think, at least, I hope, that I have not been guilty of any of the above! (well...I did mention to the photographer, at my nephew's wedding a few weeks ago,that there was a great sunset happening outside in case they would be interested...and they did step out on the balcony of the club house to capture the bride and groom with the sunset in the background - hopefully it was a helpful hint and not annoying!)
ReplyDeletethis is hilarious :) i'm sorry that it's true!!!
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Carol-not annoying! If you had said, `You have to go outside and get a sunset picture now and you should stand on the stairs. My friend had that picture and....'.
ReplyDeleteOh good! I REALLY try to behave myself with my own picture taking at weddings when the official photographers are doing their job!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this post! We always talk to our bride & groom beforehand about some of these things - especially the people following us around the photo shoot (we once had a videographer standing behind the pastor on stage - and didn't find out until afterward that they hadn't been asked to be the videographer - we ask now). We should get T-shirts printed with this on the back. Brad actually got called a jerk by one of my uncles when Brad ran into him getting the coming down the aisle shot because my uncle was in the way!!
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