Chinese Tea Ceremony

Hi everyone,
this Saturday I have a first wedding where there will be a Chinese tea ceremony.
I have seen this before from other photographers images and video, but I would like to hear from you, what I have to especially look to get in my shots.
What would be important and what is a must have shot here.

I will be there taking my routine anyhow but still advise from more experienced photographers in Chinese tea ceremony would be appreciated.

Are there any restrictions, should I be worried not to offend anyone by being to close or in certain spot.
According to the couple, nothing special was indicated, no restrictions, no special conduct etc. just do my thing. I still would like to hear from you about this.

Thanks guys

Just make sure you capture the B&G pouring the tea. It's very symbolic.

jcolman wrote in post #15135723
Just make sure you capture the B&G pouring the tea. It's very symbolic.

Thanks, how long does it take usually?

Keep your distance to avoid affecting the purpose of the ceremony. Not much different from general wedding photography I suppose , like you aren't in their face with uw for the first kiss...

check wikipedia for chinese tea ceremony for hallmarks & highlights to photograph...edit: forget that... Sorry I can't remember the details, only the peaceful energized feeling after it! There is the washing, the brewing, the pouring, the drinking. Capturing both the brewer and drinkers is important. Takes 10-20 minutes iirc. Surely there is Tea House where you can experience & practice-- guaranteed a pleasure. Ten Ren Tea there?

the idea is that the tea are serve to the elderly in the family. in return, the couple receive their blessing along with gifts (gold etc) and $.
the younger members in their family will in return serve tea to the newly wed couple, welcoming the new family member. The couple will most likely give them $ in red packet in return.

stand opposite to the "tea lady". the person in-charge of passing the tea cups to the couples/families.
get yourself in low angle. space is often an issue with me. i use wide angel and stay close so no one gets in between me.

how long it takes depend on the amount of family members in there. can last for half hr or more.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

The Wedding was a great success!! Tea Ceremony was not big deal at all, all went pretty smooth. Thanks guys for the tips, I will post couple pics soon!

Can't wait to see some samples

The important photos to take away are the elders as they are served tea. You'll only need one or two photos facing the couple. Here are some examples:

http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …reception-darling-harbour
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …nner-reception-cabramatta
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …ng-tea-ceremony-candy-bar
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …otography-boat-house-lake
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …sian-wedding-storytelling

Tea ceremonies can be big or can be very small. It depends on the size of the family and who has been invited. It also depends on how cultural the bride and groom feel like being.

I personally love tea ceremonies because I'm Chinese and it means a lot to me to see family given the respect that they deserve, even though the day is based on the couple.

I tend to shoot 35mm and quite close to the people in the tea ceremony. I position myself either behind the couple or behind the people being served the tea. I tend to find side-on shots a bit boring and messy, but that's just me.

Hi everyone, I have posted some pics of this lovely wedding that i asked you to give me some advice on my blog:

http://armansphotograp​hy.blogspot.ca/

please take a look, comments are much appreciated

Thanks again for the advice and your comments

dche5390 wrote in post #15193395
The important photos to take away are the elders as they are served tea. You'll only need one or two photos facing the couple. Here are some examples:

http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …reception-darling-harbour
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …nner-reception-cabramatta
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …ng-tea-ceremony-candy-bar
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …otography-boat-house-lake
http://www.danielkcheu​ng.com …sian-wedding-storytelling

I personally love tea ceremonies because I'm Chinese and it means a lot to me to see family given the respect that they deserve, even though the day is based on the couple.

I agree, it is nice to see that the family is respected. In general tea ceremony was really nice and the entire wedding.