An inquiring mind wants to know

Hi all,

I'll be the first to admit wedding photography is foreign to me. I've recently attneded a couple of weddings in the past months which caused me to wonder about the following questions:

1. Where are some key points you stand during the ceremony (procession in, exchanging of rings and vows, procession out, ect.) so you are not noticed? At both weddings the photographers were great capturing the images without distracting the audience from the couples.

2. What is the general rule of using flash in the church? I've seen photographers use flash during the ceremony, but I've also seen weddings where the photographer has been able to do all shooting without a flash. Is there a general consensus? What do most photographers use or perfer?

I'm assuming it's hard work to stay unnoticed. I just wanted to know your secrets. Thanks in advance for answering-I'm just an inquiring mind who wants to know from the pros.

1. Off to the side and/or in the back and/or on the balcony (if available).

2. Ask the officiant. It can vary from venue to venue and even officiant to officiant in the same venue. If you feel like assuming, assume no flash. Never assume you can use flash.

It usually isn't as difficult as you might think to remain unnoticed. After all, everybody's attention is fixed fairly firmly on the bride and groom. The key is to visit the venue before the ceremony and plan your positions etc. then discuss things with the minister, or registrar, to check on what they are happy with. Some will allow flash, some won't, some are fussy about where you can shoot from. Equally, they probably have a pretty good idea of the best vantage points.

So long as you don't move around close to the couple during the ceremony, and use flash only when necessary and permitted, you should be able to stay out of the way quite easily.

Have you ever been to a wedding or will you be coming up - maybe check that out too?

I would say the church lighting could be two things - either the photographers preference and level of equipment OR request by the church. Some don't allow you to have flash/lights in there.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the responses. I never noticed the small details at weddings before but I'm starting to take notice at any venue that involves photography. Thanks again.

Just remember that movement attracts attention. And if you do need to move, walk calmly and quietly to the spot and stand there a moment before you begin to take photos. That way, people look your way as you move and when you stop and stay still without doing anything, very shortly they'll lose interest and focus back on something else. Then take your photos.

I believe that's also another reason why I see a lot of wedding photogs shoot with a 70-200mm lens... so they are not up in the faces of the bride and groom and can get shots just like they were.