Wedding Photography Tips for Wedding Guests
Chances are that you will be attending a wedding or two sometime soon. And, chances are, you'll be bringing your camera to the wedding along with a gift or two for the happy couple. Here are some tips from the pros at the New York Institute of Photography, the world's largest photography school, to help you take great pictures of this memorable occasion.
...be respectful of the professional photographer
While most couples hire a professional wedding photographer to photograph the ceremony and reception, there's still plenty of room for you to also capture this occasion on film. Not only will you have a record of the wedding for your own pleasure, but imagine the joy of the happy couple to receive prints of events that the professional photographer did not see or wasn't asked to cover.
For instance, many wedding photographers no longer shoot those "table
shots" of the guests because these photos don't usually get purchased by
the bride and groom. This is the perfect opportunity for you. But shoot
these like a pro: Have some of the people at your table stand up and move
behind those still seated and take a group shot. Avoid showing the entire
table complete with half-eaten food, instead concentrate on the faces of
the guests.
Another photo opportunity exists at your table. Many bridal receptions
now include disposable "single use" cameras at every table. You may need to get the show rolling and coax your table mates to start taking pictures. Remember, the bride and groom can't be at every table to take part in the festivities so candid photos from these cameras can show the guests having fun in a way that professional photographers aren't likely to capture.
A couple of hints on wedding photography etiquette. If you want to take
photos at a church, synagogue, mosque or chapel, take your cues from the
professional photographer hired by the bridal couple. If you see that he or
she is not taking photos at the ceremony, chances are it is because the
clergy told that photographer not to do so. Respect the tradition and don't
take pictures. The same thing holds true for flash photography. Some places
of worship will allow it at the ceremony, others will not. If you see that
the pro is shooting, then take an aisle seat. It's the best place to get
nice close shots of the couple that fill the frame as they leave the
church.
One other suggestion on wedding photography is to be respectful of the
professional photographer. Don't get in that individual's way. You don't
want to ruin the photos that the bride and groom are paying the pro to
take, and the pro can do a better job of capturing many parts of the event
than you can. As we've indicated, there are plenty of different kinds of
shots for you too.
Photo Tips For You To Offer Your Wedding Guests
We thought it might be a good idea to take the dean's email one step
further. With more and more "wedding cameras" showing up at weddings and
receptions a bride and groom should be able to easily ask friends and
family to take some of these candid shots the article mentions.
Take the time to clear this with the photographer you are going to hire
- and try to bring this up early BEFORE you have hired the photographer and
you are then told that "it wouldn't be such a good idea".
As long as you have an understanding with your photographer and as long
as you make sure your friends and family are given a copy of the New York
Institute of Photography's article to have a better understanding of their
potential role and the necessary photo etiquette that you wish to have
followed
you should have a ball - and - you are likely to get some outstanding shots
that you otherwise would have missed.
For some more great photography information check out the New York
Institutes' website (www.nyip.com)
posted by paul at 8:44 PM
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