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Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs?
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TOPIC: Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs?
#831
Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs? 1 Year, 6 Months ago Karma: 0
Almost every professional photographer has run into a Wedding Officiant, at some time or another, that dictates where to stand while you are taking your most important shots. I have one even tell me and all the guest "no photos of the vows or the rings". I can understand the religious point behind some of these requests, however, what some of the officiants demand takes a nasty surprise to photographers hired to capture the most important shots of the day. I can agree on keeping the Officiant out of a shot, if he or she requests that. It is NOT about them, it is all about the couple.
I would STRONGLY suggest the couple getting married to look into this, as these "requests" or "demands" put on your photographer, may leave a big blank spot in your wedding album.
NO VOWS, NO RINGS being put on hands, NO KISS ???????
Do some of these Officiants think that this is thier own day ??????

I have done many Weddings that I have experienced nothing but plesant co operation from all involved.
Most Officiants are not like this, just be aware and be upfront with your Officiant.
Tell them this is YOUR Wedding day and what Your plans are.
If it is in a Roman Catholic Church or in a back yard garden, ultimatly, you have hired them for your service, they may need to be reminded.
OTHER PHOTOGS OUT THERE,.....what is your opinion?????
D Man Productions
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#832
Re:Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs? 1 Year, 6 Months ago Karma: 0
I sense the frustration in your words, and totally understand! In the same time I admire you for voicing this problem. At our company, all photographers practice common sense and respect, however, some officiants can make it very difficult if not impossible to do our job. I always warn my couples to ask and check this out ahead of time, as suddenly imposed rules and restriction don't come as a nasty surprise only to a photographer, but to the couple as well!
Images With Attitude
Building The Ring (20 - 100 Posts)
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#834
Re:Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs? 1 Year, 6 Months ago Karma: 0
I took a big risk on the ceremony stopping and me getting spoken to, possibly infront of the guests, but I did manage to sneak a couple of shots in with out a flash, then later I re-posed the shots just as they were infront of the alter. It turned out convincing enough, however, the officiant, in my opinion upset the couple and all of the guests.
All part of our job as professionals to deal with the issues, I guess.
D Man Productions
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#837
Re:Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs? 1 Year, 6 Months ago Karma: 0
As the Wedding Couple, much like I.W.A stated, Talk to your Officiant about any rules, and make sure you pass the list along to your photographer. Also make sure you are aware of these rules, so there are no surprises on the day.

As the photographer, I suggest introducing and talking to the officiant or their helper before the ceremony begins. Learn their rules and come up with a compromise between how you shoot and the rules. I have made it a practice to photograph with a flash for the processional and signing of the registry, then shot with a longer lens from the back and maybe on the odd occasion the flanks of the location using available light. I have found that this is alright with even some of the toughest ruled officiants. Plus remember it isn't our day either, and personally I feel it annoying if the the photographer is bouncing around the Alter and standing on pews with a flash going off during the ceremony - it has happened. Be a ninja and blend into your surroundings. If it is an Outdoor Ceremony, you do tend to have a chance to snap a few photos from behind the officiant, and usually the officiants are alot more lenient with their rules.

In the last 8 years, there has only been one case where I couldn't talk the Officiant into photos during the Ceremony. The Bride and Groom knew the rules, and where alright with this. We ended up taking 5 minutes after the ceremony to redo some of the important photos. You can plead your case, but in the end it is the Officiant's house and their rules.

Have fun, and I hope this Monday Morning rambling maybe of some use.

Cheers,
Kurt
Two Tone Studios
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Last Edit: 2010/11/08 09:14 By Two Tone.
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#841
Re:Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs? 1 Year, 6 Months ago Karma: 0
As a photographer, I strongly recommend that my clients speak with their officiant about what is permitted or not during the ceremony. I also make sure that I arrive at the ceremony location in time to speak to the officiant to ensure that the rules have not changed.

Some of the officiants that we have worked with have specific places for us to stand (actually had one directing all of the photos in the ceremony -- we cooperated otherwise we would not have been able to take photos at all.)

I have only had one officiant who actually put both myself and my assistant outside the sanctuary during the actual ceremony (while the guests were shooting all through the event). This turned out to be a complete surprise to the couple because this was not the officiant who was supposed to be marrying them.

All I can say is be as informed as you can be before the ceremony and that goes for the bride and groom as well.

We usually just go with the flow!

Gail
NightinGail Photography
NightinGail Photography
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#860
Re:Should the Wedding officiant limit photographs? 1 Year, 5 Months ago Karma: 1
I can understand D Man's frustration but I have to respectfully disagree in that the church's or officiant's policies need to be bent for us on our client's wedding day.
It's my common practice not to take photos during prayers, because it is indeed a religious ceremony that is taking place so out of respect for that, I refrain from snapping away during those moments. And I also make it a point to speak to the officiant before any wedding to make sure we're all on the same page as to where I'll be shooting from, etc. Again - it's about respect. I shouldn't be interfering with the service, climbing onto things and getting up on the altar disrupting things and distracting guests of the event -- that's why I carry a nice long lens so I can stay outta the way in the background!
But I do encourage all my clients to talk to their officiant so they understand the rules beforehand as well. As long as the client knows that this particular officiant doesn't allow for certain photos taken during certain times of the ceremony, then there are no surprises when they receive their images and those shots are not included. If there is a policy of "no photos during the vows" then I will abide by that rule, end of story. The last thing I want is for an officiant to stop a ceremony to blast me out -- how embarrassing that would be, not only for me, but for the bride & groom as well!
In Bloom Photography
Building The Ring (20 - 100 Posts)
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