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Where to Stand During Ceremony


sam_express

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<p>After shooting a recent wedding in a church that felt pretty tight, there just didn't seem to be a good place for me without feeling like I was a distraction from the ceremony for the guests...at least not one that had clear shots of the B & G (even with zoom, railings and whatnot were in the way unless I was just about in the aisle). I'm having a hard time balancing capturing the moment and honoring the moment. When the father is escorting the bride...how inappropriate would it to be up at the front and sneak to the center to get that shot from the altar at the start of the aisle? <br>

The pastor said he didn't even know I was there and stated that was the highest compliment he could pay me...however, it felt like had a been a tad more "intrusive" and bolder, I could have gotten some of the shots I'd envisioned in my mind. How many of you have accidentally aggravated pastors or guests while trying to work for the B & G? </p>

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<p>Rule #1 - Ask the Pastor where you can and can't be. Also ask them what they permit in terms of flash, lighting, etc... </p>

<p>Rule #2 - Follow what they tell you - the last thing you want is for them to stop the ceremony and point you out to everyone. </p>

<p>Rule #3 - Most Pastors (I use the term generically) have been around long enough and done enough weddings that they know you are there to capture the moments for the couple. However, there are some that are insecure in themselves, or believe in the Church above all else - and can have rules which seem difficult. However, as a professional, you have to adapt, overcome, and improvise to get the shots the couple wants. Which is why most wedding pros carry enough gear to outfit a small army. </p>

<p>Rule #4 - See Rule #1</p>

<p>I've had church leaders tell me everything from go where ever you need to - including in my face... to YOU WILL STAND HERE, YOU WILL TAKE 1 PHOTO, YOU WILL STEP BACK.... and in all cases managed to get the key shots. I have had one clergyman state that if I violated his rules he would stop the ceremony, call me out and demand that I drop and give him 20 push-ups (He was military, and according to other military that I have worked with someone who was not the norm) </p>

<p>I've had church leaders tell me one minute that everything is fine and that where I planned on being is perfect, then seconds before the wedding party walks down the isle - tell me that I can't be where I was... </p>

<p>Point is you learn to adapt, you check your fly before the ceremony and you carry on. Most churches and pastors will allow you to be "up front" during the processional. Meaning you stand off to one side, step out into the aisle, snap a photo of the couple then step back, then repeat... for the bride - you do the same, then get photos of her being hugged by dad. Then you dissappear for the ceremony. (Figuratively, not Literally). Some pastors have rules about you not being in front of any guests, some don't allow photos during the religious parts of the ceremony, many don't allow flash during the ceremony. You have to learn their rules (by asking) and follow them. </p>

<p>Dave</p>

 

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Sam Express: " When boldly going, have you gotten into hot water with anyone?"

 

Not really, as a matter of fact, there were several churches that were considered VERY strict, and I was in pretty good

with the pastors, and they used to know me by first name and told me to do whatever I wanted. I never abused it though. I

also had a few nice shots of them along the way that I gave them, or of some other part of their church ;-))))

 

There were a few real difficult characters along the way, I just did the best I could and posed up some extra stuff later.

That's always a big hassle when they tell you NO PICTURES, pose everything later. It wastes so much time and if they're

late, everything starts to bog down and screw up your whole flow.

 

But, I also remember a specific Friday night job covering a last minute studio hit I arrived at the hotel to shoot the pre

ceremony girls for 4:30 with a 6:00 ceremony in the next town and the lady at the desk just laughed, that they didn't even

check in yet. Holy film canisters, talk about a fiasco. They got in around 5:15 and it was a huge cluster. Then we leave in

the limos, and all of a sudden they're turning around on the highway, I just kept going to the church, they forgot all the

flowers. Yikes, what a mess, you can't make this up.

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<p>Sam, I agree with the suggestions David wrote. I always try to follow the pastors rules. If you do many weddings, you will end up doing multiple weddings at the same churches/venues and it helps to be in good standing with the pastor and/or wedding coordinators. Once they have worked with you and see you respect their rules, they are more accomodating. On the flip side, I have been in churches that were very strict towards photographers and videographers because of a few people violating the rules. It is a fine line we tread in trying to get the best images of a couples wedding while following the church's/pastor's rules. I have had occasions where the wedding coordinator and pastor had different rules. It was an awkward situation. In the end I went with the pastors rules because he was more lenient and I wanted to get the best photos of the ceremony. The cooordinator wasn't happy but I explained afterward that I my primary responsibility was to the bride and groom. It was a church I knew I would most likely not return to, so I took photos as the pastor instructed. It was a tough call though. I had informed the brides parents of the situation and they were thankful I went with the pastors rules and not the coordinator. If you can, find out the churches rules beforehand by asking. It beats being surprised on the day of the wedding.</p>
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<p>This is why I ALWAYS attend the rehearsals. Not only is the pastor usually there, but so is everyone of importance. It's like a dress rehearsal, on site, and you can get the bridal party used to you being present, as well, be a part of the process. ie. stand where you think is most advantageous, plan out your movement, and ask for input ("so does everybody think where I was is good? Anybody want me to move specifically elsewhere?") make sure you address this while the Pastor/Officiant is present, and they will feel obligated to put their two cents in. This is a very good way to prevent 'day of' offenses, and restrictions, since you are, in essence, getting approval to stand where you think it's a good idea to stand. Don't be a primadonna, afterall, despite this being your job, it's also<em> their</em> wedding.</p>
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<p>Attending a rehearsal is not mandatory unless you are not familiar with the religious ceremony or there is some sort of never before seen production that will be happening there. If you seen one wedding ceremony you seen them all (same religion of course) Exercising common sense and sensitivity will go along way. I have only attended one rehearsal plus dinner which was on a separate day and it was a paid job. Most rehearsals i see which are jewish are done 1 hour before the actual ceremony and I use that time to do something else.</p>
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<p>I <em>completely</em> disagree with '<em>If you seen one wedding ceremony you seen them all (same religion of course)...</em>' There are some religions where this is kind of true, and some where this is completely erroneous. Often, there are so many variations of the religion that (for example) a Baptist ceremony in this county means nothing compared to Baptist ceremony in that county - different pastors = different ceremonies... I suppose if you spend all your time shooting one sect of one religion, especially a particularly formal one, you may have this misconception, but it certainly is <em>not</em> a universally applicable conclusion.</p>

<p>As far as attending the rehearsal...<br>

It certainly is a <em>business</em> choice. To <em>me</em>, aside from increasing my/your preparedness, it <em>also</em> increases the B&G's comfort level with me. I get better pictures from clients who like me and feel they know me and feel comfortable with me - the longer they are around me, the more comfortable they inevitably are., Their comfort level reflects in their pictures, especially the candid, and the in-the-moment ones - though formals are a lot more relaxed as well when they are comfortable with me. I suppose I should be specific about the benefits of attending, and participating in the rehearsal - at least that I have observed:</p>

<p>1) Increase your specific experience with the site/location/set-up (setup often varies even in the same location)<br>

2) Obtain <em>approval</em> from pastor/site/B&G/bridal party for your position, and placement, and movement during the ceremony.<br>

3) Increase familiarity (yours and theirs) with all members of bridal party, meet and greet them all prior to ceremony.<br>

4) Increase the comfort level of subjects with you and your shooting.<br>

5) Prevent <em>many</em> potential problems (like aggravating the pastor).</p>

<p>I certainly wouldn't argue that an experienced pro <em>must</em> attend every rehearsal, but given the OP's level of experience, I'd recommend it for them. I'd also say that even an experienced pro may find some benefit in doing so. I know I do, and since getting great imagery (not just average, or acceptable) is my job, I feel pretty strongly that it allows me to<em> improve the quality</em> of my output tangibly, especially since I don't largely rely on formals to make stunning pictures. </p>

<p> </p>

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<p>Again it is a personal choice and if it helps you to do a better job then by all means do it. The point I was making is use common sense at the same time you are there to do a job and capture all the ceremonial things happing. I always meet the rabbi or priest before the ceremony to go over rules. The Bride and groom I have already talked to weeks before hand to go over any surprises or special ceremonial things so I am not caught off guard. The rest is pretty basic and if you are not sure shoot it. Common sense would dictate walking slowing not running. Don't push your way to get a shot. Use the flash sparingly and don't take more pictures than you have to. I think the confidence level is more what Sam needs to work on. Oh and there should never be any intrusive moves to get a shot.</p>
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There was a time I was shooting three, even four weddings/events a weekend, plus sports, plus commercial/industrial

assignments, musician portfolios, band appearances for publication etc. NO, there were not going to be any wedding

rehearsals in my week. I was asked a few times and explained that my schedule was too busy unless they wanted to

book that time slot for a fee. Simple as that. Now, I am completely on to other things and just doing some commercial

type assignments and musicians, some editorial projects, teaching etc. Weddings are no longer a concern, but the same

would hold true. I'm not getting involved in any rehearsals.

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<p>As spoken by many check with the pastor where are taboo areas follow that. In all other areas remember on rule - you are hired, to be paid you need to delivery photos. If you waste time agonizing if you are being too much of a side show, after doing what you can not to be ie shoot fast n disappear, then you will miss key moments and this will cause the couple to have harsh word or more with you. Yes I have been only once asked to take a rest and have a seat in a church but that was 40% my fault , clients had no problems with that as they got the coverage for their wedding. Do first apologize latter a good way to work - just tone down so it is not a praparzzi shoot okay ?</p>

 

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  • 1 year later...
<p>The one thing I'm fearing is where to shoot. Should I go like 4 isles from the back, step out, take a quick shot. which you could get camera shake. then when they are going down the aisle keep taking the pictures from the back of the aisle even though I'm pretty sure I won't get any good close up shots since I will only have a 50mm-300mm lens. or should I get as close as I can so I know I'm going to get a good shot at all times. and is it ok to step out even though your probably blocking other peoples view from people who are behind ( which if your as close as you can get to the alter I'm probably going to be disruptive from everyone who can see me keep stepping out then stepping in the aisle. The other thing I'm worried about is lighting of the candle. If I'm close as I can get to the alter I will have to literally stand up in the aisle which then people who are behind me won't be able to see the couple lighting the candle. But if I'm to far away I'm obviously not going to get the shot. The last wedding I did I was about 4-10 aisle from the back but had my tripod up as high as I could get it the entire time. one of the guests were mad because I was completely blocking there view.</p>
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Tanya you have to get over stage fright as a professional photographer you will always block someone's view. The thing is

to get your shot and step aside. There are some photographers who just stand there after they take the picture and that is

inconsiderate. You are there to do a job and everyone knows it so stand tall and stand were you need to stand to take the

shot. Know the rules of the church and where your boundaries are.

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