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Respectful ceremony photography
By nealejames | January 12, 2007
This is a tricky subject, because as lawyers say, this blog has to come across without prejudice. It involves perhaps the most important professional that will be present at your wedding; the registrar, or priest. For without this person, there would be no confetti, no first dance, no beautifully polished Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. However, some wedding photographers have earned our industry a rather generalised reputation as being too intrusive; perhaps a little over zealous in the execution of their duties when it comes to capturing shots at the alter, or table. Now, clearly it would be wrong for any photographer to climb all over the ceremony in a clumsy manner; to dart out from behind a church pillar five feet from the groom and ‘pap’ him, or mount the front pew to capture from a high angle the bride’s reaction during those all important vows. Yet some registrars or ministers, treat our profession as a kind of unwelcome obtrusive element. Certainly the respect isn’t always mutual it would seem, which is a great shame. As a photographer I believe I have a very clear set of responsibilties, to you yes, and equally to the place and religion where you are getting married. It’s your day, your dream, your occasion. A wedding is a party, for sure. And at the heart of this party, are the most wonderful, solemn, intimate, expressive, romantic, lively, sad, colourful, joyous, humourous (I think you get the picture) moments in the whole day. It’s the part that this event is constructed around. It’s the reason a hundred of your closest friends and family have travelled from far and wide to celebrate. It’s the ceremony. So as a photographer, I adore capturing this for you. Dad looking so proud he could burst, a beaming bride, mum wiping away a tear. People say the phrase ‘once in a lifetime’ is a little cliche when attached to weddings. But if it ever really belonged to one moment in this day, it would be the ceremony. These moments are truly never repeatable seconds and an essential part of the storybook that is, your wedding album. And this is when I feel frustrated, not for myself, but for the couple, when a registrar banishes me to the back of the room, to capture your day from a long lens perspective looking at peoples’ backs. Of course I remain respectful of any registrar’s wishes when this is requested. It’s not my job or privilege to demand exception to any rule - and I have a duty to befriend not alienate. But it is strange though; the reasons given. Here’s a few in my collection. “The flash hurts my eyes.” (Simple, I don’t have to use flash, infact mostly I don’t.) “It’ll make the couple nervous and spoil their day.” (It’s your wedding day, of course you’re a little nervous. I’m married too, the nervous anticipation is what made our day so special. I wish I could bottle the feeling I had when watching my wife Sam walk up the aisle. In reality I don’t think any of our clients ever notice us. They’re too busy staring at the person they’re about to spend the rest of their lives with.) “You’re noisy.” (Not I suspect as noisy as all the guests with digital cameras that beep and play birdsong! And not a patch on the wonderful children that, lovely as they are, nearly always amusingly find the echo in this strange large room or church is great when they make a funny loud sound during the quiet moments.) “There’s no space.” (I am a stone and a half over weight at the time of writing. It probably makes me what’s called, average build. I spend most of my days in tiny corners at strange angles, squeezed into positions that are uncomfortable, just to get the right shot. Actually I could store away with the upright hoover if I tried. I probably require a patch of ground that’s one foot squared.) I think in essence, what those in power are really saying is; “It’s my party, I’ve had a bad experience, I’m nervous about you.” I wish, and many do, they would add the words; “Please photographer, prove me wrong.” As a professionally married photographer, I made my vows too. When I pop a camera around my neck and enter a church or place of marriage, I don’t lose my morals or integrity. Actually, I celebrate the fact I chose to subscribe to the path you are about to follow. So, where is this all headed? Well, it’s a good idea to ask a question so rarely asked, and almost ask it verbatim; “Can my photographer capture this moment if he respects the solemnity of the occasion?” If looking back at your album during your twilight years, a single picture from the ceremony can transport you back to that wonderful moment you said “I do,” that one question will have been worth asking.
Topics: Blog journal, Wedding day tips, Wedding general |