With the increasing popularity of modern recording and photographic devices like smartphones, tablets, point and shoot cameras and even consumer DSLRs – more wedding guests are plugging in and snapping away throughout the wedding day! And although having the capability to capture special memories is exciting, many wonder whether this technological obsession is taking away from experiencing the events of the day!
Just over a year ago, one of my favorite wedding blogs, Offbeat Bride, featured an article about Unplugged Weddings that brought this issue to the forefront! As I am preparing for my own wedding… I felt like it was time to bring back this discourse and see what Chesapeake area brides and photographers think about the dilemma at hand!
What’s the problem with guests using their smart phones and cameras to take pictures?
Today, we’re going to discuss concern from brides and photographers to discover a modern dilemma that’s gaining attention across the country!
Ten years ago, when the bride walked down the aisle photographers captured the smiling faces of her friends and family, emotion stirring behind their eyes! Now, it’s quite likely for the majority of wedding guests to hide behind their smart phones or point and shoot cameras as they try to capture the perfect picture for a quick upload to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
What breaks the hearts of couples and photographers alike – are the countless wedding galleries that are more filled with the screens of iPhones and point and shoot cameras than they are with the smiling faces of wedding guests and family members!
Recent bride and talented wedding photographer Marcella Treybig encourages brides to consider unplugged weddings – as she did when she married her husband!
“I would absolutely suggest making it an unplugged wedding, I did for my wedding! I know it’s hard for people to put the phone or camera down, but think about how liberating it is… and you definitely enjoy yourself and the moment so much more. That’s what I wanted my guests to feel.. not on facebook posting the photo they just took of me walking down the aisle. I want to see their expressions and make eye contact with them and share in my joy.”
Another reader and bride to be, Sarah Kane explained her feelings after seeing an image like the one above! “I was just looking at my photographer’s blog of a recent wedding he shot. He took what would have been a beautiful photo from the alter area of the bride walking down the aisle and I was completely distracted by all of the iPhones and and digital camera screens.”
She also adds, “I know that the guests are just trying to enjoy the day but sometimes they can be so caught up at capturing the moments on camera, they end up in pictures holding up a phone or camera or getting in the photographer’s way.”
Photographers know all too well that in that split second before the kiss, hands dart into the aisle to capture the perfect iPhone picture – leaving the professional to do his or her best to dodge around the amateur devices in order to get the timeless shot! There are also concerns about multiple flashes going off at the same time, flooding the venue with a rapid abundance of light and leading to blown out images that would have been picture perfect!
There is a term used around the photography industry for individuals who try to play the role of the wedding photographer – the familiar “Uncle Bob”. But today it seems that Uncle Bob has been replaced by a multitude of his younger and more tech savvy counterparts with devices galore.
With advances in technology and the spread of smart phones, just about everyone has the ability to play the role of photographer… And far too often, it’s these innocent attempts to use these devices that can ruin the professional photographs, distract from the importance of the event, and keep guests farther removed from the moment.
Local wedding photographer, Abby Grace reiterates this important point, ”The bride and groom invite you, the guest, to their wedding because they want you to share in their joy and witness the biggest commitment they’ve ever made. Watching the wedding through an LCD screen isn’t the same as seeing it with your eyes, and you’re so concentrated on getting your photos that you miss the experience.”
And while most brides and photographers agree that guests should be able to carry their cameras and take snapshots throughout the day – it’s the big emotional moments that are becoming increasingly lost amidst the shuffle of devices and focus on picture taking rather than truly enjoying.
Do you think that guests should consider unplugging for the wedding day? Whether you’re a bride, photographer, future wedding guest, or general reader – We would love to know your thoughts on the issue!
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES. I love this! So eloquently written but incredibly to-the-point. THANK YOU for writing this!!! I’m sharing this with all of my brides!!
This isn’t something I had ever thought about before but I dont want my guests more focused on their phones or computers than they are on our wedding… Plus those ruined wedding pics. Unplugged it is!
I’ve seen so much surrounding this topic in the past few weeks, and I think it’s such a good idea for guests to leave the picture snapping to the photogs. Look at all those lovely examples you posted of how guests jumped in and ruined a beautiful shot. Ouch.
I support unplugged weddings wholeheartedly. Imagine my surprise when my ENTIRE wedding ceremony was posted to Youtube by a guest. NOT A HAPPY NEWLYWED!!
Thank you so much for writing this Natalie! This is such a touchy subject but I think you covered it so nicely – I will definitely be sharing with my brides as well, and linking this post when I blog about it myself :)
Amen! what a great post!
I absolutely love this! All of your points are great. I know that if I were the one getting married, I’d want my friends to not worry about the photos/video because I’d be sure I’d hired a super photographer who would capture enough precious moments. Maybe the idea of disposable cameras at the reception could help appease people’s need for photos, and it would still be so much less electronic.
Natalie, this is SO well written and SO true. I am sending this to all of my brides to consider this option as well! I’ve had so many ruined shots from stuff like this – it makes me sad.
@Lindsay Anne – I really love the idea of disposable cameras at the reception! That’s a great way to let guests have fun capturing their own moments, while keeping a balance!
As a former bride and photo enthusiast, I disagree. Being able to take pictures of an event is the element that really helps me enjoy the moment. Imagine that someone takes you to Hawaii and says “okay you have to just enjoy being here, you aren’t allowed to take any pictures” – that would be so frustrating! Fellow photographers should understand this – not being able to take pictures of a wedding would really detract from the experience for people who love photography. I see how it would be annoying for photographers to deal with excessive wedding guest paparazzi, but it’s part of the experience for a lot of people.
Plus, a lot of wedding photographers take a long time to post any pictures from the wedding. My photographer posted our wedding the following Thursday (which is a really short amount of time), but it made me so happy to get to see pictures of our wedding when people posted a few on facebook before our real ones came out.
I love this article! I like all other photographers have had countless shots ruined during the ceremony and exit by a guest stepping in front of me. Once an Aunt Bob was dead set on capturing the entire day, using flash during their intimate ceremony, stepping in front of me during family portraits and laying on the ground in her dress to get the perfect first dance shot which resulted in her panties in most of mine!!! Eeek!! I’m all for people taking photos at the reception, but the ceremony is a really special time that everyone should enjoy!
I think am ok with people using their smart phones to take pictures, but we have definitely decided that we want to get the word out to our guests that we would prefer they not post photos on Facebook (or other social media). There is also a chance that our Church will not allow photos (other then our professional photographer) to be taken during the ceremony. Need to put that on the list to ask.
What a well written and thoughtful post! I agree with everything said and appreciate that you wrote it with a lot of tact and grace:)
What amazing points! I wish I could convince all couples and families to go “unplugged”!
Well said, I totally do think gusts should be able to carry their own picture taking device at the wedding, @sydni I don’t anyone is saying leave your cameras at home, just put them away during the ceremony to give the bride and groom your full attention for 20-30 min. and respect their wishes. It really enhanced my experience as a bride, plus I got so blubbery looking at people’s adoring faces during the ceremony. It was the best feeling. Thanks for touching on such a sensitive subject and just generally growing awareness so couples have information to make choices that they feel is right for them.
I had never really thought about this, but my ceremony will now be unplugged! They will have plenty of time to take pictures at the reception, but the ceremony should be only about emotion and love, not technology. Thank you for this article!
LOVE! Awesome post Natalie! :)
So how does a bride tactfully, politely, yet forcefully ask guests not to take photos during the ceremony and reception? Does Emily Post have guidance on this one???
This is a fabulous article! Luckily, when I was a bride I didn’t even have to worry about iPhone usage because our church forbid any kind of photography during the actual ceremony. Our photographer got some wonderful shots of the walk down the aisle and the procession following the ceremony so I wasn’t discouraged. The church asked us to print the disclaimer about photography on the program and everyone happily complied.
So glad to see this subject discussed. I am totally in favor of no photos of ceremony (except discreet professionals like Natalie) It is a matter of respect for the church and/or ceremony. Most Catholic churches will not allow. Formal family shots should belong to the pro as well. However, receptions are another matter. they should be a party that everyone, even Uncle Bob can enjoy. I have been a guest at 4 weddings this month and at every one, the pro photographer stood directly in front of the couple to take their shot (vows, cake, dance) and blocked everyone from even seeing the couple. (Natalie would never do this!)A little respect (and a zoom lens) from both sides would go a long way.
Awww! ;) So well said. Thanks for this post Natalie!!
YES! Thank you!
I was shoved at one of my recent weddings by a guest who had taken my camera bag off the seat I’d arranged for during the “down the aisle” walk and used it himself…when I ran from where I was taking my initial shots to the spot I’d scoped, he not only refused to move, but hip checked me hard to get his own cell phone shot! As he was much taller than I am, he completely blocked my view. I managed to run around two more aisles and get the final second before she reached her groom, but I was horrified to think that all my careful planning almost resulted in missing such an important shot
At another wedding, the amateur videographer didn’t realize he was in my way (and I couldn’t interrupt for fear of being heard during the bride & groom’s ceremony)…all my shots are off center and from farther away than I’d ever planned-and I literally couldn’t move without becoming a huge distraction, and that’s something I endeavor to NOT do during a wedding. I was also competing with various arms and body parts as they angled for their own camera and/or iPhone shot. It was frustrating.
I have in my contract that I’m fine with guests taking photos during the non ceremonial type moments, and even if I’ve gathered a group together for a family shot, I’ve told other eager photogs that they can come and take their photo as soon as they’ve let me take mine without interruption…but it falls on deaf ears. I have tons of group photos where half the party is looking at me, and the other is focused on the people who have snuck up behind me or to my side with their cameras.
My own wedding was 5 years ago, but I was definitely not happy with the poorly angled, poorly lighted, and singularly unflattering photos posted on FB before I got back from my honeymoon. They were things my real photographer never would have posted.
For my clients, nothing goes up until it has been reviewed, edited, and I can ensure my clients will be very pleased with their images.
I wish all brides & grooms would tuck an “unplugged” note into their invitations or even into their emails to their guests. It would help the hired photographers in so many ways.
Thank you for this awesome commentary! :)
when i am guest at a wedding i generally bring 9 cameras which include my Ipad, iphone, itouch, ipod nano, polaroid, fuji instax, and attach them to my 70-200L lens and try my hardest to get in the way of the photographer. LOL… i totally agree sometimes i feel as if capturing the experience interferes with experiencing it. Totally off subject of weddings but when my son was born i took a picture of my friends and family outside of the newborn nursery glass all looking through some sort of smart device with a camera. I kind of wish they would have taken a second to realize that they did not have to look through a touch screen camera to experience the amazing moment in front of them.
This article is so well written! Nice, but really to the point! I wish I have done this for our wedding (hope you didn’t have any problems!). I completely understand! It is superfustrating when youare trying to capture sweet moments and those devices get in your way. Also as a bride, I would feel it does take away from the memory slightly that you have in your head from your special day.
Thank you for bringing up this topic!
i am still on the fence with this. ultimately i think it’s up to the couple. i mean, you are talking to someone that was asked to come to a wedding to TWEET the whole thing … the couple ENCOURAGED electronic participation from the wedding guests & i thought it was AWESOME! because it was THEM. plus, someone that got married – i thoroughly enjoyed seeing the moments that my guests captured outside of the hired photog’s lens.
Thank you for finally bringing this up!!!! Great article !!
Excellent post. Ive encountered plenty of “Uncle Bob’s” during all kinds of shoots. Certainly frustrating from a photographer’s standpoint, but I also think in many cases the person(s) being photographed are also uncomfortable having a bunch of amateur cameras flashing in their face, they just don’t have the nerve or want to risk hurting feelings to veto it.
I think many of us are guilty with the conveniences of our smartphones. I admit my Iphone rarely leaves my hand unless I go into an event or place that doesn’t allow them and honestly when i do, I realize how much I enjoyed not having my phone. Sometimes we all need to be forced to be unplugged :)
If you are interested in having an “Unplugged” wedding, how do you communicate to your guests that this is the case? On the programs?
At one wedding I was photographing a guest jumped into the aisle just as the bride and her father were walking down the aisle. I was behind the guest so I couldn’t get a good shot. Ended up having to clone the guest out in photoshop – it was a nightmare and took a long time.
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Quick Tips for Brides:
If you’re considering going unplugged, make sure the photographer you hired will give you FULL ACCESS to your images. That means that you will be able to download or receive every image in HIGH RESOLUTION so you can print them or give them away to family members. Some photographers upcharge prints to receive profit from sales which is somewhat unfair. Find a photographer that charges more upfront and gives you full access to your images. TRUST ME ON THIS. You will end up saving a lot of time and money in the long run. Hire a photographer for their skill and style rather than their pricing because there could be hidden costs down the line for you and your family and friends.
I hired a photographer that gave me a link to an online gallery where I could download the images for free whenever I wanted. On the back of my invitations, I told my guests to leave their cameras at home, shut off their cell phones, an download the images from her site. And now everyone has the pristine images from my wedding that my photographer took, not the images they snapped on their iPhones. Better all around.