As any wedding photographer knows, one of the most nerve-wracking events is when a guest completely destroys the picture perfect moment you've been hired to capture. Whether they stand up in the aisle during the first kiss, take photos with their ipad in front of your camera, or inadvertently cause half the family to look off to the side during posed family portraits, wedding photo bombs can be a real headache. Wedding photographer Corey Ann's suggestion is having an "Unplugged Wedding".
What exactly is an unplugged wedding? An unplugged wedding is when you ask your family, friends and guest to turn off their phones, ipads, cameras and other digital distractions during the ceremony or reception. The purpose is to allow the hired wedding photographer the chance to capture the wedding as efficiently and perfectly as possible without possibly missing key shots caused by obtrusive guest photographers.
“Welcome, friends and family! Good evening everyone. Please be seated. Dan and Jennifer invite you to be truly present at this special time. Please, turn off your cell phones and put down your cameras. The photographer will capture how this moment looks — I encourage you all to capture how it feels with your hearts, without the distraction of technology. If Dan can do it, then so can you.”
Here are a few interesting quotes from responses made to Corey's original article:
"I would kill to work at an unplugged wedding, but guests are only a nuisance. You have to plan to get around all the nonsense."
"I'm sorry that this wedding photographer thinks she has it "hard." But she's getting PAID for this work and is supposed to be a PROFESSIONAL. A professional should know how to get the job done in less than ideal circumstances. That's part of being a professional and she should just deal with it instead of bitching about it in a blog post."
"If I'm a potential client and I come across the blog post, I might think to myself "this photographer can't handle herself and get the shots she wants." That might influence the decision I make on which photographer I hire."
"Yea, I get OP's rant. But I don't think it's as bad as she makes it sound. I guess it depends on personality. Most photographers, at least the ones I know, are not Type A personalities, but go-with-the-flow people. The Type A's have a shot in mind, and that's what they want to get. My view: 1) Capture what's already there; 2) there's no problem that one can't dodge or work around."
So what do other wedding photographers think about the concept of having an Unplugged Wedding? Leave your comments, stories, and thoughts below.
How silly. It's part of the challenge. It's not about the photographer, it's about the people and the photographer is there simply to document it.
I think it's a great idea... The people are watching with their eyes and focussing on the moment ... not on their cell phones. It's good for everyone!
The photographer is there to document phones and tablets and peoples backs? Really? I am sure the client would love that.
I have been around a while. I have to say, I don't remember guests taking photos during the ceremony before the late 90s or early 00s.
It just did not happen and would have been considered rude. The reception is a different matter all together.
Actually its not about the people its about the couple. If the couple wanted the cousin take the picture they would have not hire a photographer. We're talkin images that last a lifetime not some snapshots posted on facebook almost right-away and forgotten a week later. Document it you say, I say please let me do so.
The wedding is about the couple. A good photographer will talk to the couple about their priorities and help them plan accordingly. Life is all about tradeoffs. Do they want the best possible chance at perfect photos, no matter what? Or is it important to them that their guests to have the fun of taking their own pictures? If it were my wedding, I would ask that guests refrain from taking photos during the ceremony and invite them to go nuts with cameras and social media during the reception.
I agree with you, it's our job to talk about it before the wedding with the bride and groom.
Ultimately it is up to the couple. As a professional, though, it is our job to guide the couple with our experience rather than just "document it." Most couples don't want the day documented, they want it created.
I always suggest no cameras during the ceremony. Then during the formals I tell everyone with cameras that I will make sure they have a moment for a shot after I am done with each pose. The reception is a free-for-all. This is what I believe works best for getting the couple the shots the service the asked for and keeping the family happy. It is my professional advice to someone who has paid money for it.
Good luck trying to explain that to the family, that they cant take pictures, only a hired individual with fancy camera can. I agree, this would be awesome, and ideal for photographers, just good luck getting everyone on board. "Grammie, I'm sorry you cant take any pictures of us even thought you've been dreaming of this day since I was born, but you can surely purchase some from our lovely photographer!" Catch my drift?
The photographer doesn't have to explain it to the family... You didn't read properly.
do you really have to purchase from the photographer? I mean, aren't you kind enough to give a copy to your grammie?
I didn't write this post because I'm upset about losing sales. That's actually laughable.
I will second what Corey is saying. I don't think I've ever sold a print of the bride and groom at the alter to anyone outside the immediate family or wedding party. The only photos guests have bought from me are photos of themselves dancing.
It might not stop everyone, nor should it be strictly enforced unless the couple wants that. I don't think it should ever be the photographer's job to enforce it either. Nor should a photographer be so inflexible that they would demand it be enforced.
The point is that some (hopefully, most) will think twice about it if an announcement is made. Peer pressure is a powerful tool.
BTW, a photo of Grammie taking a picture would be adorable and the couple would treasure it. A photo of all the d-bags with their iPads.... not so much.
Because Grammy is super keen on whipping out her little digi to get a photo... I think not
Worst idea ever! its 2013!
Year is an argument ? Seriously ?
you know what i meant.
This is how I feel about it.
http://synchrosstudios.com/blog/2013/5/15/a-note-about-wedding-guests-an...
it's "aisle". An "isle" is a geographical piece of land surrounded by water. Sheesh!
yeah, we live on the water here...guests are always standing in isles
It's amurica, we're all surrounded by water.
tbh its all upto what the bride and groom want , i done a wedding when the couple proposed and unplugged wedding! although it didnt turn out that way. And in my opinion, this day of age there is NO way you can tell people not to take pictures
Thinking about this from the photographers' perspective is wrong in a lot of ways. Please note that the initial suggestion here was from the BRIDE, not the photographer. Sure, we're generally willing to take what's there and work with it, but the couples who are paying for the work want the best possible document, not merely the best you could get under the circumstances. I wouldn't necessarily demand it, but I would suggest it if the couple hasn't already.
I agree. If a bride and groom are hiring a photographer, they're hiring her for her professional expertise, which should be operative before, during and after the event. It's the photographer's job to tactfully advocate for the conditions that will enable her to deliver the best possible product in the most unobtrusive way. If the photographer feels that there's a tradeoff to be made between results and obtrusiveness, it's her job to raise the issue with the couple and help them clarify their priorities.
My two cents... I think that the times have changed from what they used to be and EVERYONE has a camera on them at all times be it their point and shoot, DSLR, iPhone, iPad etc... As far as not allowing their guest to take photos... I think that is a bit too much... But should someone see that there is a "second shooter" in the audience perhaps a family member or someone else in the bridal party or wedding planner can gently ask them to refrain from getting in the way of the photographer. I definitely think that there will be rude people who like the picture above with the crazy guest and the Ipad... but brides and grooms don't want to wait weeks or months to see moments at their wedding and it is nice to have guest share their images. I guess it really is just down to the groom and the bride how they want to handle this type of situation. It would be the photographers job to inform them how things go down at weddings now and allow them to decide how they would like it handled. And put it in your contract that you will not be held liable should a guest jump up and stand in your way. These days we have gone from prints to digitals, film to memory cards, and now every guest has a camera also. So its just something you have to learn to deal with when you get into the profession of a wedding photographer and eat it. Quit complaining and just go with it... If you dont like it do something else. A newborn photographer doesnt complain about "accidents" its part of the job.
I think in these days - or in any days politeness and consideration for others should not go out of style. If the celebrants are your friends/relatives, why would you want to ruin their pictures?
I personally love the idea of the "unplugged" ceremony (not extended to the reception). Um, yeah...it deserves the same respect one would give to a worship service and you don't jump up in the aisle at church with your iPad taking shots. Take the hired photographer's responsibilities out of it the argument. We are way too attached to our mobile devices and sometimes they just need to be put away. I can get around those who are trying to grab a shot - most of the time. I just wish that the attendees revered the ceremony the way they used to.
I agree, unplugging at the ceremony is a sign of respect for the couple. they invited you to be there and share the moment with them, so BE there, you- not your cell phone, facebook, twitter, etc. Once things move to the reception then by all means let the guests take pics of the party - just be mindful not to stand a foot away from the couple during the important dances or the cake cutting... those are iconic moments the photographer is still responsible for capturing in a beautiful way (which is why the couple hired them to begin with)
I like the idea, it's great to see a bride who realizes that all the clicking will cause a distraction. If anything maybe announcing that there will be a set aside moment for anyone who wants to take a photo to do so, but that during the ceremony they request only the paid photographer to do the shooting. True it maybe part of the job for the photographer to work around people taking photos but the family is paying to get the best shot. Having to wait or move around someone shooting with a cellphone may cause that special moment to be lost, the paid photographer is suppose to be getting the good shots.
i think an unplugged wedding is a cool idea, but to successfully get everybody on board how about adding incentive like giving only ceremony guests who wish to take photos one or more free hi-res downloads. that way way they don't feel like crap too much when your walking around taking pics and they can't.
I agree that guests taking pictures can get a little out of control, but as a hired hand you are not the most important person there.
I think the best solution is to allow everyone to take photos at certain times, and not at others.
I agree with this! I am 18, did my first Wedding Video last year at 17, not having a clue what it would be like, or how hard it was... Not only was getting shots hard with only one camera, but when the kiss happened I was perfectly positioned until someone in the back row stood right in front of my camera... I was able to cut and edit it properly in Post so it worked well, but I was scared of failing - it was my teachers son getting married and I didn't want to dissapoint her or him for that matter!
The final video looks alright though :) Considering I had to use Magic Lantern to use manual controls on my 500D and so on... It's over at http://www.jacksonhenney.tk under the Video section :)
Google Glass would be helpful here - Remove the need for iPads, smartphones and flashes wrecking photos!
Now just to remove the heads.
I feel that this is a bit of a pretentious idea and really it's about adapting to the world around you and not making the world adapt to you. I understand where the photographers that do this are coming from, but ultimately the client won't care less. Check out fauxtographer sites and they still get compliments, sadly it's only us photographers that really notice or care in this day and age.
Some people say yeah just work around it. Yeah I'd like to see you work around everyone taking out their iPads,kindles,nexus7,windows8 tablets ,iPhone whatevers and big screen samsung galaxy phones that do layer mask selections. Then the couple says why is there a dam screen every where . Then your only response is well it's 2013. 2013 will be the last time you have a job.
My favorite thus far has been someone who actually suggested that I should use a ladder and that would solve my problems.
Stilts are easier and fit in your lightstand bag better
People.lol
I can understand if the bride and groom request the unplugged wedding because they want picture perfect wedding photos but generally speaking a wedding photographer is there to document the day as it is, so just go with the flow! I've actually taken some really nice close up shots over people's shoulders of their iphone/camera screens while they take a photo of the subject(s) at hand and those candid shots work really well in their own way too.
I dont mind intrusive guests photographing, I think it's all part of the editorial style of coverage I provide. I've shots fantastic wedding images and I've shot fantastic images of 90 year old grandmothers taking a family photo with their prosumer dslr. Making people unplug would have been like telling people in the 80's to cut their flock of seagulls hairstyles because they might be in the way of the photo.
i give an average 1500 images per wedding. re "bad" shots, i've had some but haven't really submitted any image as those sampled above. i wait, reposition, move, recompose and take my shots. i also don't shoot any wedding alone.
as for this idea, its good but i doubt if it will ever apply even if you destroy a perfect wedding by constantly announcing or implementing such.
imo, taking away background flashes like the image where they are dancing destroys the concept of the party. as photographers we mix compositions where in some instances, include the background to portray how the party or event is going and having guests just standing isn't a very nice picture of a wedding party :)
I honestly think that being a male definitely helps command authority. Almost every female photographer I know has ran into this a time or two while males are saying they don't see the issue that much. It's been interesting feedback to get in response to this post.
You're probably right, however, with females now taking an overwhelming heavy foot-hold in the family, children, newborn portrait business it's good to know that males at least have some uses in the business. And I say that in jest.
This has to be one of the most embarrassing ideas I've heard lately.
A wedding photographer that actually expects family and friends to put away their cameras so the"pro" can work (then presumably pay pro prices to get any pictures).
Corey Ann, if you're actually serious, maybe think about becoming a pet photographer, weddings must be beyond you.
Perhaps you should actually read the article before you make a judgment.
Your opinion is your opinion, but it really should be informed before you share it.
What's embarrassing is that you didn't even read the article before making a judgement on it, and then "demoted" her to a pet photographer - which is, by the way, insulting to professional pet photographers, as somehow "lesser" skills that wedding photographers.
anticipate their flash? more like 'lucky shot'
that point aside; its part of the day if they do it, they shouldnt expect anything unreal. Be sure to let them know about this issue when you meet before the actual day. Thats all I guess!
I'm thinking, how about having some sort of a stoplight on the venue?: red means guest should not shoot. Only the hired photographers. And on green, they're all free to shoot. ...
So this is how humans created law.
Unplugged wedding is a good idea for me.
I think it's a great idea for someone to inform the guests of this concept, and the request given by the officiant was very polite. I don't think you're going to be able to stop everybody from taking photos, nor should it be expected. However I see this as a great reminder to the guests that there is a pro photographer there and that after the officiant makes this announcement the guests will look around to see who this photographer is and be more aware of them, that should hopefully help remind people to at the very least not step into the aisle during key moments.
I almost feel like you can provide some of the example photos above in an email communication out to the guests in another attempt to remind them to be a little more courteous and to be aware of the pro photographer during the ceremony.
Some people say that getting shots of guests photographing the event can work and looks nice and I agree, if you get good and well composed shots. However I believe that you have a bigger chance of getting a ruined shot if people are using their camera during the ceremony than you do if no one uses their camera.
All in all I think this is a great suggestion for the bride & groom and is ultimately a decision they have to make. If they choose this route then it's up to you to work with them on how to best communicate this idea with the guests, either in advance of or just before the wedding day begins.