What's an Uncle Bob?

Your wedding is a special day and each bride wants to capture and remember every second of it. This is why one hires professional photographers but sometimes extra photographers appear out of nowhere. Their names are Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty. I am all for guests capturing some moments of the day don't get me wrong, however not at the expense of your images being ruined. Regardless of your photography budget or style you are looking for, I urge you to consider having a "camera free" ceremony and let the professionals do their job. It is not that we think your Uncle Bob is competition, we just know from experience what can happen during ceremonies and some overzealous guests. I personally have been pushed into a pew so that a guest could "get the kiss", I couldn't capture a wide angle of the ring exchange because a guest went up into the alter to get his own shot and I have had countless images ruined and expressions lost because guests have stepped into the aisle to get the shot. Maybe they think they are doing you a favour or maybe they want to see if they can be the first one to tag you on Facebook. Regardless of their intention, it does not negate the fact that you cannot get those moments back.

Even when the minister announces to guests that there is no photography (only the professionals), some guests do not listen. Just recently, I was videotaping the processional for a fusion wedding piece and the guests were told that the couple did not want guests taking pictures during the ceremony. One guest ignored the request and stood up directly in front of my lens as the bridal party walked down the aisle. Your photographer cannot shout to have the guests sit down. As a result, that portion of the ceremony is ruined and the couple will not be seeing it. Even when guests are allowed to use their cameras and don't get in the way, I have had numerous images ruined because their flash went off as I was taking my image. The result was an overexposed shot that could not be recovered. Additionally, as a wedding photographer, I make it a point to get the parents' reactions during the ceremony. The emotion on their faces are amazing and touching. However, I can recall at least two weddings where I could not get the father's expression because their faces were behind a lens the entire time. I watched these fathers see their children get married through a viewfinder and not through their own eyes. I wish they would just be in the moment.

It really makes it difficult at times to do our jobs as professionals when we have to compete with guests for prime spots or worry about what a guest will do instead of focusing on you the couple. If at all possible, consider telling your guests that the ceremony is "unplugged" - That you as a couple do not want cameras during the ceremony. You will not miss shots or moments I can guarantee you! Kick it old school and let the guests enjoy the wedding and preserve the memory in their heads. You will not regret it!

Artcile provided by

Barbara Ann Studios

www.barbara-ann-studios.com

smile@cameronphotos.ca