Wedding Etiquette: Respecting the Photographer

Photographer Kaysha Weiner shares fabulous wedding etiquette tips to ensure you get the most out of your wedding photos!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me. Sing it with me now (in your best Aretha Franklin voice, obviously).

Photo credit: Kaysha Weiner Photography

Now why would a wedding photographer be writing a guest blog post on respect? Well, my friends, I hate to say it… but us photographers are subjected to a little (ok, sometimes a lot) of disrespect when we are working a wedding.

I know. You’re probably as shocked and appalled as we are. Let me explain.

In the day and age of iPhones, tablets, smart watches and drones… every person in attendance on your wedding day is in a position to play photographer. And this can get in the way of your actual professional photographer (you know, the one you’ve invested thousands of dollars for) doing his or her job.

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

People, there is only so much that photoshop can do when trying to hide the sea of smartphones being held up in the backdrop of every photo.

Then there is the distractibility factor. I’m guilty of it myself at times. When I’m immersed in looking at the screen of my iPhone, I can easily become unaware of my surroundings. When this happens at a wedding, it usually results in your guests stepping in front of me, or bumping into me, rendering me unable to get that perfect shot. Shots that only last a second and can’t be re-done (i.e. your first kiss).

There is a big movement happening right now promoting “unplugged weddings”. Brides and grooms are asking guests to put their devices away for the entire ceremony and/or reception. While this is ideal because it frees up any issues for the professional photographer, I know it’s not 100% realistic. Besides, even if you ask your guests to ‘unplug’, there’s always the one or two rule breakers (you know who you are!).

So how can guests simultaneously respect the professional photographer and snap a few great photos of their own? Below are my top 4 tips!

Wedding Etiquette Tip #1: Sit Down and Enjoy the Show

Guests – stay in your seat during the ceremony. I can’t emphasize how important this is, especially during the processional and recessional. If you must take a photo, do it quickly, put your device down and then return to being present as a guest.

Wedding Etiquette Tip #2: Leave the Portraits to the Photographer

Refrain from taking pictures during family, wedding party, and the couples portraits. Photographers are given a very limited amount of time to accomplish these photos so that the wedding and reception can stay on track (no one wants hungry guests waiting to be fed). If you want to request a special photograph with cousins, college roommates with the bride, etc.- just ask the photographer! Whenever possible, I’m happy to accommodate these requests.

Editor note: the couple will absolutely appreciate if you snap lots of candid photos, and video interviews of marriage advice, while they’re away getting portraits filmed. After all, that’s the only way they’ll get to see the fun they may have missed. This is a great time to interview the VIP guests like grandmas.

Photo credit: Kaysha Weiner Photography

Wedding Etiquette Tip #3: Don’t photobomb

Keep an eye on where the photographers are, and do your best to stay out of the background of the photos. Nothing kills an image more than a random person in the background holding up a colorful phone case trying to take their own photo.

Photo Credit: New Daily

Wedding Etiquette Tip #4: Be the Candid Photographer

Focus on taking pictures of the behind-the-scenes moments. The professional photographer can only be so many places at one time. The bride and groom will appreciate you documenting these candid, spontaneous moments that often happen at tables, away from the main action.

Photo Credit: Wedding Bee

And, here’s a bonus tip for you, my wonderful wedding guests! Be a guest. This wedding is as much for you as it is for the bride and groom. Drink, eat, visit with family and friends and dance your little hearts out. We’d love to snap a picture of you doing what guests do best! Enjoying themselves!

Kaysha Weiner is a photographer based in Southern California. Her photography is fresh, simple, modern and always fun. Check out her website to read more or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

What fabulous wedding etiquette tips! Stick to these and you will ensure your professional photos are free of smartphone photo bombs while still giving guests the opportunity to capture the special moments! Speaking of capturing the moment – with a DIY wedding video, you can relive the highlights of your big day through the eyes of your guests!