When shouldn't you take photos at a Wedding - Tips for guests

Since the advent of digital cameras, many guests now bring cameras to Weddings. It is very easy to cause disruption to the Wedding, to the Professional Wedding Photographer, and even to break the law.

So when should guests be careful about taking photos?

1. During the service
There is nothing wrong with taking photos during the service, as long as appropriate care and consideration is used. This is one of the most important days of the Bride & Groom's lives, so they should be the centre of attention.

Although many churches and civil venues do allow flash photography, it can be very distracting to the Wedding Party and guests. I try to avoid using flash whenever possible in the venue, and guests should as well.

Moving about the venue to get a better photo is also distracting. I have to do it as the professional photographer, but pride myself on being as discreet as possible. If I'm in a very conspicuous place, it is often with the prior agreement of the couple.

2. When the register is being signed
This is where you may be breaking the law. Although there was a fuss last year about data protection laws and photographing the Register signing, this has always been a no-go area. The Wedding Register is a legal document, the signing of which shouldn't be photographed. Every professional photographer knows this, but there have been several occasions where I have had to tell guests not to take photos.

Many marriage celebrants (Vicars, Priests, and Registrars etc.) now invite guests to take photos once the Register has been signed.

3. When the professional is taking formal photos
I generally have no problem with guests taking photos while I'm taking Formal photos. However, some times guests try to get the attention of the couple, which means I end up with photos of Bride and Groom looking off to the side. I have to not very subtly remind the couple who they are paying to take photos.

Any considerate professional photography will allow time between photos for guests to take theirs, while not significantly delaying the process.

4. During any particularly moving moments during the day
The speeches are normally an excellent part of the day for capturing the emotion involved. However, there have been several weddings where I have stopped taking photos during the speeches. This is typically when the speaker is remembering friends or family who have passed away. I don't regard it as being appropriate to take photos of such grief, yet some guests seem to think it's okay. If it's happy tears - definitely take photos. If it's a sad moment - show some respect.

All my 'Wedding Packages' include providing the Bride and Groom with copies of high resolution and web sized photos on a memory stick, to use as they wish. They often email these to friends, put them on Facebook, and send prints to guests.

There is no need for guests to interfere with the smooth running of the Wedding Day. My aim is to take as many of my photos as possible without being noticed. That should be your aim as well.

Andrew