Timing - Mom on a Chair

Timing and attention is critical at a wedding when the action is high. This was from a Jewish wedding last year when I was still shooting 100% MF film.

The venue was the reception during the "chair dance" which is called the Hora. The guests take turns raising the B&G as well as family members up on a chair in celebration.

It can be hazardous to the photographer if you get too close to the action - I've had the flash bonked into my forehead at least a couple of times . A short ladder or step stool is very handy in a situation like this to get better elevation for the shot. You wouldn't get as many emotional crowd faces if you were at a lower angle. - Stu

I have done a few of these weddings....and you are correct...stay back..I generally stand on a chair..or a stage to get the right shot...I have even seen brides fall before....

Hi Lisa - yes, sometimes my heart catches in my throat when a couple of large strong men almost send the ladies into orbit. Fortunately I've never witnessed any serious injuries.

Rakefet wrote in post #2459971
I have done a few of these weddings....and you are correct...stay back..I generally stand on a chair..or a stage to get the right shot...I have even seen brides fall before....

Great shot! (lighting, composition, DOF, emotions) I love the bride in the background, too. Have you tried it in BW, too?

Thanks - gives new meaning to "Sports Wedding Photography".... you know something is about to happen, but you're not sure where.

B/W huh? I should give that a try.

jessiper wrote in post #2460035
Great shot! (lighting, composition, DOF, emotions) I love the bride in the background, too. Have you tried it in BW, too?

I see you are from Cleveland..what part? I live in Warren. I travel to cleveland alot...Beachwood and solon also....

great shot!! love the expressions you captured!

I live in Lyndhurst, about 15 miles east of downtown Cleveland. You're probably about 65 or so miles southeast of me then.

Rakefet wrote in post #2460080
I see you are from Cleveland..what part? I live in Warren. I travel to cleveland alot...Beachwood and solon also....

The expressions are almost a hit or miss sort of thing - you are guaranteed something as long as you are paying attention, but I just watch the entire action in general. I am not looking at individuals, except for the person in the chair. When I feel that the moment is right, by the music, the physical motion, the yelling, and what's going on in that chair, then I pull the trigger.

monter wrote in post #2460161
great shot!! love the expressions you captured!

Awesome job Stu. You mention ladder/step stool. Got to be careful there, or they might send you flying like a wide reciever who's hit in the air.

Thanks for the kind words Grego. Yeah know what you mean - seen some of those sideline casualties. My little ladder only gets up about 20" and I'm pretty good about making my presence known .

grego wrote in post #2461177
Awesome job Stu. You mention ladder/step stool. Got to be careful there, or they might send you flying like a wide reciever who's hit in the air.

Excellent shot! I LOVE seeing the couple's reaction to mom too.