Wedding Ettiquete?

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James Greed

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Just wondering what the 'rules' are for wedding photography.

What i mean is where should you position yourself as a photographer? Should it be discreetly at the back or is it ok to get up near the front to get close up expression shots during the ceremony?

I have worked with photographers that have done both and the guy who was up at the front i felt a bit uncomfortable with....

What about the signing of the register? am i permitted to go and photography that or do i have to re stage it after the service?

I know that some vicars don't allow flash in the church as well which is a bit of a b****r.
 
its my brothers wedding and i am the 'official' photographer.

Up until now i have simply been assisting.
 
If it's etiquette you're after - ask the Minister or who ever is officiating. The last two weddings we've done, I've asked the minister who allowed discreet photography from the back (one was most insistent that I was NOT allowed at the front) and NO flash was allowed. So, I used a tripod and there were no complaints! Well, only from Marianne and I :lol: We were permitted to use flash for signing the register however, I did have to ask!

Why they were allowed to build such dark churches 500 years ago beats me :shrug: Didn't they know photographers would be tearing their hair out in the 21st Century?

If it's unetiquette you want..... go for it and live with the consequences! ;)
 
Yup check with the Minister. I was very lucky at my last wedding. My relatives were good friends with the priest so he was cool with me being at the front. He even went as far as waving me over during the ring exchange and let me stand in front of the bride and groom to get the shots. I'm not sure how many priests would allow this so always check where you can go and what you can shoot.
 
It varies so much and it's all down to the resident holy man. Some allow flash, some don't. Some like you to work from the back of the church - some are happy for you to roam around and move up front. :shrug:

It comes down to always thrashing out the ground rules before you start, but don't be brow beaten - argue your case - politely and respectfully of course.

The signing the register shots shouldn't be any problem at all, when they move to the vestry for that ceremony just follow. I've never encountered any difficulty there or been challenged on flash shots in the vestry.
 
Just to echo the above really. Etiquette depends on each individual minister. I find the Church ministers more chilled out than some of the over zealous Town Hall officials these days.....still give them a uniform and all that:razz:

Data Protection law prevents anyone photographing the actual register so a dummy one will need to be used and should be provided by the venue. It is best left for the couple and witnesses to sign the original which gives you a breather too. Think about backgrounds, some venues have a very small 'signing area'. Dont be afraid to move tables and chairs etc, your couple want great pics remember.

Otherwise, dont be too obtrusive on the day, use common sense, stand back with a big lens and enjoy getting some good candids too.:)
 
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