Questions for Wedding Photographers

[Bill98501]

It has been years since I've been to wedding. I went to one yesterday and noticed some things I thought were odd.

During the vows the photog was right in the middle of it taking close up pics, even pushing the flower girl and ring bearer out of the way to get a shot. I would have like to have seen the couple more during a vows but the photographer was always in the way.

After the vows we all ate and conversed with some family for quite awhile. People were already leaving at this point. Finally they go over by the cake and start taking pics of the b&g. I am thinking finally, we get some cake, nope, they disappear again. About 90 minutes after the vows, they finally get done taking pictures and sit down to eat. We were bored enough by then we didnt want to wait around anymore and left.


So, is it normal to get right in the middle of a ceremony to take pics?

And shouldn't most of the pics be done before the cermony? not after and make everyone wait?

She didn't look like an amateur, 5dmkII with a grip and 24-70.

[Skrim17]

All depends on the photog, the couple and what the church allows.

Many people want to stick to the not seeing the bride in the dress until the wedding, if that is the case then you get the delay. Often on the invite it will say wedding at 2, reception at 5 so you realize you have a few hours to kill in the middle, generally speaking they ply you with alcohol as well in the interim so you don't mind the wait.

[Joelene]

I try really hard to encourage my couples to do the pictures before the ceremony, but it is a rare treat. I usually will get 1 or 2 out of 20 or 30 couples willing to do it. The rest of the time we do them immediately following the ceremony, so there is usually a 1-3 hour gap for the guests. How that is handled is usually up to the bride and groom. Last weekends wedding had Dance instructors teaching the guests how to dance in the "gap".

As for the shooter physically moving the flower girl and ring bearer during the ceremony I frown on that!!! Actually more than frown that is just down right rude in my opinion! I also do not approve of the photographer being so obtrusive. BUT to each their own and everyone has their own style and way of doing things. If the B&G don't mind then all is well in the world.

[Bill98501]

All depends on the photog, the couple and what the church allows.

Many people want to stick to the not seeing the bride in the dress until the wedding, if that is the case then you get the delay. Often on the invite it will say wedding at 2, reception at 5 so you realize you have a few hours to kill in the middle, generally speaking they ply you with alcohol as well in the interim so you don't mind the wait.


It was in their yard, the invite said ceremony at 6. It didn't even start till 6:30.


I try really hard to encourage my couples to do the pictures before the ceremony, but it is a rare treat. I usually will get 1 or 2 out of 20 or 30 couples willing to do it. The rest of the time we do them immediately following the ceremony, so there is usually a 1-3 hour gap for the guests. How that is handled is usually up to the bride and groom. Last weekends wedding had Dance instructors teaching the guests how to dance in the "gap".

As for the shooter physically moving the flower girl and ring bearer during the ceremony I frown on that!!! Actually more than frown that is just down right rude in my opinion! I also do not approve of the photographer being so obtrusive. BUT to each their own and everyone has their own style and way of doing things. If the B&G don't mind then all is well in the world.

I didn't know that many did it after, been 20 years since I have been in a wedding, 10 since I have been to one. Mine was last year but on a beach in maui, and we did pictures first.

It was weird wedding, groom walked down to hulk hogans theme "real american" with a groomsmen waving a big flag in front of him. After, they walked out to the imperial march from star wars, darth vaders theme.

[Joelene]

It was weird wedding, groom walked down to hulk hogans theme "real american" with a groomsmen waving a big flag in front of him. After, they walked out to the imperial march from star wars, darth vaders theme.


The Imperial March, I love it, that will be my Kids song I am sure of it!:D

[tim]

So, is it normal to get right in the middle of a ceremony to take pics?

And shouldn't most of the pics be done before the cermony? not after and make everyone wait?

She didn't look like an amateur, 5dmkII with a grip and 24-70.

In the middle, yes, but I crouch down most of the time.

Pics before ceremony, nope, the couples choose but at most 5% do the photos before the ceremony. There's usually a gap of two hours between the ceremony and the reception, which is filled by snacks, drinks, and talking to people.

Sounds like your expectations are a little out of whack.

[Bobster]

pushing people out of the way isn't a good way to practice wedding photography imho. you should be stealth like a ninja.. i wouldn't dream of ever pushing a flower girl or a bridesmaid out of the way to get a shot, nor would i be up in anyone's face.. thats what the 70-200 2.8 was built for, distance..

this guy is what gives us other togs a bad name in the circles of the church!

[OdiN1701]

Also another expectation that is a bit out of whack....the wedding was to be at 6. It didn't happen until 6:30. Seems normal to me lol, rarely do they ever actually start right on time.

[Joelene]

hmmm my ceremonies rarely start late, if they do it is at the most 15 minutes, it is everything else that runs late for some reason..I guess everyone here is afraid to tick of the clergy...

[Mike]

I try very hard to stay unobtrusive during the ceremony (difficult for someone 6'4) but I certainly wouldn't push people out of the way for a shot.