At Jon Elder Productions in Jamestown, NY, we’ve been photographing weddings for years. Naturally, we’ve seen the rise in technology, and the corresponding distraction during a bride and groom’s magical moment. Sometimes, it’s the errant ring of a smartphone accidentally left turned on during a quiet ceremony. Or maybe it’s the sight of attendees turning their attention to their laps, as they just can’t tear themselves away from texting or checking Facebook for the duration of the proceedings.
One lesser known distraction, however, is the enthusiastic picture-taking by attendees, most often with smartphones. It seems that every wedding guest feels that it’s their responsibility to capture each moment from their own perspective, to post on social media accounts and add to their personal collection. In the worst cases, hordes of camera wielding guests move front and center, often in front of the wedding photographer, blocking a potentially great shot. In other cases, we’re left with a great looking photograph, aside from the fact that every guest that appears in it is looking through the 4-inch screen on their smartphone.
This is far from the worst thing that could happen at a wedding. After all, most married couples want their guests to experience the moment in whatever way they enjoy most. Nevertheless, some couples are now displaying signs and notes in wedding programs requesting that guests turn off their smartphone and avoid taking pictures for the duration of the ceremony. We are asked to stay off our phones at movies, on airplanes, and while driving. Why not eliminate the distraction at something as important as a marriage?
At first, this may seem like the dictatorial whims of an over-controlling wedding planner. But many married couples see value in having their friends and family enjoy the moment without worrying about capturing it with their digital devices. They believe that guests will agree when they later see the undisturbed work of the professional photographer.
At Jon Elder productions, we can’t argue with better shots. We pride ourselves in taking on the all-important responsibility of capturing your entire special day. Whether you decide to “unplug” your wedding or not, we promise to capture it in the best possible light. Visit JonElder.com for some beautiful examples of past work.
