Signing aesthetics

[Derbyshire Weddings]

Just out of interest, how many pro (not wannabe) photographers out there feel the same as I do; I am having a break from digitally removing the background from several or more signing shots. So often the internals of a church are marred by the complete clutter and rubbish in the place where the signing takes place. Kitchen utensils, well just too much garbage to mention. I am mentioning this to all my bride & grooms nowadays as I don’t think it’s fair that venues (churches or whatever) are supposed to be providing a service and as such this should be organised well and professionally executed. So often there is zero thought given to the setting for wedding shots by both the B&G and especially the venue owners. I know it’s up to us as the official pro to get it sorted, but so often that’s not as easy as it should be. In all my years of doing this job (which I still do enjoy) I have had one signing which was not mocked up after the official one. There was a large stain glass window behind the B&G while they signed. I set the camera on 1600iso and shot the proper signing. The minister had no problem as there was no flash. Aesthetically it is my favourite signing shot as all the elements combined to provide great light.

Back to my original thought that aesthetics for me play a huge part of what I do.

In my opinion it reflects on me if the shots contain what can only be called crap in the background, so I spend an age taking it out. Am I mad or just looking for perfection? And yes you could say that’s how it was on the day so leave it in, but I personally can’t. I do feel that venues should literally clean up their act.

[crsouser]

Just out of interest, how many pro (not wannabe) photographers out there feel the same as I do; I am having a break from digitally removing the background from several or more signing shots. So often the internals of a church are marred by the complete clutter and rubbish in the place where the signing takes place. Kitchen utensils, well just too much garbage to mention. I am mentioning this to all my bride & grooms nowadays as I don’t think it’s fair that venues (churches or whatever) are supposed to be providing a service and as such this should be organised well and professionally executed. So often there is zero thought given to the setting for wedding shots by both the B&G and especially the venue owners. I know it’s up to us as the official pro to get it sorted, but so often that’s not as easy as it should be. In all my years of doing this job (which I still do enjoy) I have had one signing which was not mocked up after the official one. There was a large stain glass window behind the B&G while they signed. I set the camera on 1600iso and shot the proper signing. The minister had no problem as there was no flash. Aesthetically it is my favourite signing shot as all the elements combined to provide great light.

Back to my original thought that aesthetics for me play a huge part of what I do.

In my opinion it reflects on me if the shots contain what can only be called crap in the background, so I spend an age taking it out. Am I mad or just looking for perfection? And yes you could say that’s how it was on the day so leave it in, but I personally can’t. I do feel that venues should literally clean up their act.


Sorry a 'wannabe' as you call me replying..as I am not a pro yet; but I would be curious as to what you are doing with them though if you do not get a mocked up signing. How are you digitally manipulating them..just removing the crap? Posting example pics of exactly what you mean would be handy.

[damppaper]

I have experience of register signing, but i am not sure of the difference between a photographer and a wannabe? If i take photo's am i a photographer or a wannabe? Do you mean an "amateur" when you say "wannabe"?

You must be a "photographer" if you don't want advice from mere "wannabe's".

I'm really confused? Could you clarify what exactly a "wannabe" is?

Richy...

[MichelleM]

Hmmm...I've seen 'wanna be' photogs that are better than some self-proclaimed 'pros'. Tread lightly and you may get a response to your question. *tapping foot*

[picturecrazy]

Wow, I've never had to deal with junk and garbage in the background of wedding shots taken in churches. IS that common in the uk? All the churches here are squeaky clean.