ALL THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BITS?

The ‘traditional’ bits. The bits people seem to think you need, but aren’t sure why, when you ask why? Can you have this too?
To be perfectly honest? No, not really – not if you really want the best from your documentary wedding photos!
Standing in front of the car/church…Posing on the back seat of the car, grinning at the camera…Group shot after group shot after group shot….Cutting the cake for the camera…Posing with a pen and a blank book…Group shot after group shot after group shot…Posing up during the reception, glass in hand, Hello magazine style…Group shot after group shot after group shot…etc. You know sort of thing?
You miss the opportunity for images of real moments. You miss actually experiencing the day and letting the photography quietly capture this.
Group shots….this is where ‘family pressure’ can come into play. They ‘expect’ these shots. But it is the couple who has to stand there the whole time – as time ticks by – missing out on celebrating with their friends.
Most of the couples who book me want no formal group shots at all or no more than two or three of just immediate family. Shot quickly and informally – no elaborate ‘Vanity Fair’ style arrangements with chairs, etc. I talk about it more here.
The photography is meant to reflect the day. Not impose upon it.
So here’s some things I just don’t do!
Setup shots like…
Portraits of the bride in the back garden. Posing up the bride outside the church. The posed up signing picture. Stopping a couple as they come down the aisle. Shouting at everyone to arrange the confetti/groups shots outside. Posing with the wedding car. Posing with the cake. Drinks in hand posed up shots of wedding guests in the reception. Pictures of all the guests posing for the camera at each table…(?)
Why? Because it’s about capturing these moments naturally!! Look above.
Walking up to the church, walking down the aisle, dodging the confetti, reaching the wedding car, guests chatting during the reception…..
The only time I intercede and ‘pose’ anything, is the couple portraits.