As a wedding photographer, how obtrusive should I be when taking photos at a wed

Question:I do outdoor weddings & would like some feedback from other wedding photographers on how obtrusive I should be when getting the shots I need during the ceremony. Is it good to get in front of everyone to take shots of the bride & groom at the altar (get in & then get out quickly) or use a telephoto? Also slightly arranging people & bits n pieces on the signing table so I get a good shot? Sometimes I hold back from saying something or moving to a particular spot as i'm not 100% sure of my boundaries & restrictions when it comes to 'directing' people to get the desired images during a wedding ceremony. Your professional advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I do outdoor weddings & would like some feedback from other wedding photographers on how obtrusive I should be when getting the shots I need during the ceremony. Is it good to get in front of everyone to take shots of the bride & groom at the altar (get in & then get out quickly) or use a telephoto? Also slightly arranging people & bits n pieces on the signing table so I get a good shot? Sometimes I hold back from saying something or moving to a particular spot as i'm not 100% sure of my boundaries & restrictions when it comes to 'directing' people to get the desired images during a wedding ceremony. Your professional advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

As the previous poster said, talk to the wedding organizers first to be sure, especially about moving items. You don't want to incur the wrath of a crazed in-law/decorator who sweated blood getting things *just* right.

For your own movements the general rule should be "When in doubt, JUST GET THE SHOT".

A wedding photographer has a duty to perform, just like the minister and the musicians, caterers etc. You're not there as a spectator, so don't stand around waiting for the perfect unobtrusive opportunity to move. That can result in important moments being missed- which is far more upsetting to the families than momentarily being a distraction.

Sometimes it's difficult because you don't want to break the mood or ruin the experience for other guests, but it's not a task for the timid. At the end of the day, if that @#!$% photographer walked past table #3 and obstructed the view just when the bride & groom kissed, that will be forgiven over a drink at the reception. But not capturing that once-in-a-lifetime shot would be unforgiveable.

Once those moments pass, they're gone. So be sure to capture them for the participants in the ceremony. If you're able to do this via telephoto then great, just be careful you aren't shooting from beyond your flash range (Obviously not the same issue outdoors as indoors, but you might be using fill flash?)

As for group shots of family members after the ceremony- you're on your own there. Normally some lucky family member should be enlisted to assist with rounding up grandparents, aunts, kids etc.

Good luck!

If you speak to the person performing the ceremony beforehand, they will tell you what they are comfortable with and those are the rules you should follow. Otherwise you seem to have a good handle on how to photograph the ceremony.

Ed

certain types of ceremonies don't allow photographers to be within a certain area or use flash.....sooo like the other guy said definitely ask anyone who's in charge first to find out. Getting good shots are important and if you sayyy miss the kiss because you were trying to be out of the way then that might cost you ......I mix in a bit of both...up close and personal and some telephoto....then get back up there at the end for the kiss and the rings. As far as the rest of the day....you gotta do what you gotta do! If you are a professional you are going to do what it takes to get fabulous shots even if you have to tell someone...."pretend you are signing that book one more time for me" if you have a friendly fun personality people won't be bothered by you at all but feel comfortable and at ease.

1) Speak with the priest/pastor or officiate of the ceremony. They will have rules and guidelines.

2) Talk with the bride and groom and ask them how aggressive they want you to be.

3) I try and not get in anyones way. The point is that you should be as a fly on the wall. Get the shots you need, but do not linger too long in one spot or be "obvious". You are there to do a job, the others are there to experience a magical life event.

Some of what you're asking comes more naturally after you've shot a few weddings, or worked with someone as an apprentice. As far as posing the "candids", almost every wedding photographer I know does this. The trick is to gently direct the subjects to get a better angle or presentation. Of course, formals are one thing and happening events are another. The cake cutting, license signing, and first dance are happening, the wedding party lined up in front of the altar with the parents and grands are formals. So pose the fromals and direct the happenings. Often I say something like "Can you turn a bit to your left?", or "Now. look up at her and smile." I have turned a scene all the way around, for instance, have them cut the cake on the left instead of the right or whatever. Or sometimes I do the moving if the space and time permit. You really need to direct people in order to get the best looking photos. Candid does not mean with no planning or direction at all. Just do it quickly, get the capture, and move on.

As far as any wedding is concerned, whether indoors or out, your coverage will depend on several things, the venue's rules, preference of the officiant and wedding couple, and your personal style. I always discuss the rules with the officiant first, then with the B&G and planner. I let them know what my plan of attack will be, and what they can expect. Sometimes, when allowed, I do a couple of images from the front, especially if I have a second shooter in the back. Occasionally I use a flash for those, if permitted and needed, but I much prefer no flash and being in the back, on a balcony if available. You also need to cover the same bases with the videographer.

Last weekend's wedding had a surprise the B&G neglected to tell me about. Had I known, I would have planned a bit differently to be a little closer to the action. (I had never seen a salt exchange in a ceremony before, I thought it was unusual, and one might think they would have mentioned something like that). I captured it, but from the back of the sanctuary where I usually am during the vows. And I had asked the order of the ceremony beforehand! So always be prepared.