Summertime means that wedding season is in full swing. The weather is ideal, hot days mean lovely indoor celebrations or awesome evening soirees, and Instagram gets flooded with jaw-dropping weddings photography.
With an increasingly social media obsessed culture and taking a photo being as accessible as one’s phone, it’s very easy to commit a wedding photography faux-pas. Everyone has good intentions when participating or attending a wedding; however, we all know someone that was a little too eager taking iPhone photos before and during the ceremony.
Stay 21st century wedding faux pas free! Here are our top five wedding guest photography DONT’S.
1- Don’t ignore tech-free ceremony requests.
The presence of smartphones (and budding smartphone photographers) at happy occasions, such as weddings, has created a need for guest-tech disclaimers.
In an attempt to keep the wedding party and guests in the moment, couples are increasingly opting for a tech-free ceremony (and even tech-free receptions and any pre-wedding events). Whatever the case, please…please respect any and all request made by the happy couple. No, you are not the exception to the rule.
2- Don’t block the photographer.
There’s a good chance (and this is just a hunch) that whatever shot you think you are going to get is not going to be anywhere near as good as one shot by a professional photographer lugging around thousands of dollars worth of equipment.
With that said, during the ceremony, take you seat and focus on holding back happy tears. During the reception, if photography is allowed, keep it light, spontaneous and fun without obstructing the photographer’s shot.
3- Don’t “help” pose the couple or guests.
Let the photographer (or their assistant if they bring one) do their job.
4- Don’t ask if you (or someone you know) can shadow the photographer.
While it’s awesome that you (or someone you know) has an interest in photography, someone’s wedding is not the time to seek instruction from the working wedding photographer. Wedding photography is stressful. Pros are under an incredible amount of pressure to deliver amazing shots in the a very competitive social media driven culture. A distraction free work environment will be greatly appreciated.
5- Don’t beat the Newlyweds to sharing on social media.
If you see a sign similar to one above at a wedding reception, you are granted permission to post on social media. HOWEVER, and this is a big however (hence, the all caps), one should lay off posting photos of the happy couple and wedding party during the ceremony, during key moments (like cutting the cake or first dance) or when taking group shots.
This gives the couple a chance to get the photos (and probably video) they shelled out a bunch of money for, go through the pictures, and officially post their favorites from the day. Think of beating the couple to posting on social media as spoiling a movie for someone.
Summertime means that wedding season is in full swing. The weather is ideal, hot days mean lovely indoor celebrations or awesome evening soirees, and Instagram gets flooded with jaw-dropping weddings photography.
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