Anyone who has been to a wedding in the last decade has probably seen more flashes than a gathering of nudists at a beach. The fact that almost every person carries either a personal point-and-shoot camera, consumer SLR, or a smart phone with a built in camera means that just about everyone attending the event is snapping photos, except for dear Aunt Ruth who remembers the Zoopraxiscope (look it up, it’s really old).
Just as most couples wouldn’t expect guests to be whipping up food or cakes or “helping out” in the kitchen at the wedding reception, many would prefer that guests leave the photography to the professional photographer who has been hired to capture the special day. Many couples are even opting for a powered-down wedding, wherein guests are asked to turn off cell phones and refrain from using personal cameras at the event.
Just as some couples call for children-free weddings, others are setting new preferences. And that’s ok! Just as no one should be offended that a couple didn’t want little ones crying, running, playing and generally making the day about themselves because that’s what kids do, no one should be truly offended if the bride and groom ask guests to refrain from taking photos.
There are several reasons why this is a good idea. The first is that the couple has paid for a service – that of a professional photographer. This is a person (or sometimes a team) that is skilled in the art of photography and typically has plenty of experience shooting weddings and special events.
The wedding photographer knows where and when to stand to get the best shots, and knows how to compose photos in the best way. They are looking for light, action, emotion, candidness and more. The professional photographer knows how to be inconspicuous so as not to ruin a moment, but also knows when to suggest certain poses from the bride and groom and attendants.
Guests should be willing to leave the majority of the photography to the professional photographer. That doesn’t mean that someone else will not take a few photos, but for the most part, guests should dine, dance and schmooze, wish the happy couple eternal blessings for a bright future – and leave the wedding photography to the professionals.
