Read that tripod post...and a question..

[OdiN1701]

Do any of you use a tripod during the ceremony itself?

The last one that I assisted on I had to get some of the critical shots - the kiss, ring exchange, vows, etc. I used a tripod setup in the center aisle so that I could get the best possible shot with no camera shake. I have a quick release head so I snapped it off and got a close-up of the ring-exchange as well, then just snapped it back on. I set it up only for these parts of the ceremony, otherwise did not use it during the ceremony.

I know it may be somewhat distracting to guests, but I made sure to have it all setup so all I had to do was carry it up really quick, snap the shots, then remove it. Does anyone think this is a bad idea for a wedding photog to do? I just figure...I was in charge of these shots and they are very important ones and I wanted to get the best possible, so I used a tripod w/ cable release.

[robertwgross]

Do any of you use a tripod during the ceremony itself?


You don't have too many people that you have to please.
1. The primary shooter that you are working for.
2. The bride and groom that signed the agreement with the primary shooter.
3. The official doing the ceremony. If the ceremony is in a church, then sometimes they have rules about what you can or cannot do.

Outside of those three, you do not have to please anybody.

---Bob Gross---

[OdiN1701]

You don't have too many people that you have to please.
1. The primary shooter that you are working for.
2. The bride and groom that signed the agreement with the primary shooter.
3. The official doing the ceremony. If the ceremony is in a church, then sometimes they have rules about what you can or cannot do.

Outside of those three, you do not have to please anybody.

---Bob Gross---

Yeah that's my thinking really...I figure I will do what I need to get the shots that are expected of me...I'm being paid to do it and will do what I can while abiding by the rules set by those people.

I just saw a post that was saying like they would never use a tripod during the ceremony...and I'm thinking why not? I come from doing landscapes and have the opinion that if a photo is worth taking then it is worth taking on a tripod.

Obviously you can't have it there during the processional and it can't be in the way of any of the wedding party.

[robertwgross]

I just saw a post that was saying like they would never use a tripod during the ceremony...and I'm thinking why not? ...
Obviously you can't have it there during the processional and it can't be in the way of any of the wedding party.

I assume this is a church wedding. There are several places where it is just too clumsy to have a tripod in the way. During the processional, we generally have one shooter at the rear of the church, so he gets the first shot before the bride really walks. He is out of the way, so a tripod isn't silly. The second shooter is along the center aisle, about one row behind the family. The tripod doesn't work good there, but the camera can be shot off the pew for stability. That also lines up the second shooter to be pretty close to the action when it comes to ring time. Meanwhile, the first shooter has moved off to the side of the church where he gets the opposite angle shot from a distance (with tripod).

I'll tell you, this wedding photography stuff is more like choreography. I step here, and then you step there, and then I step here. But it changes for every church.

I like the ones better that are staged in a hotel ballroom. There are fewer rules and better lighting.

---Bob Gross---

[Harry Settle]

Tripod is pretty much too clumsy to be fooling with if you are moving around. I use it for the formals and maybe if I'm taking long shots from the back of the church.