In the past few years, everyone has become a Photographer and wants to share every special moment with the world.  Wedding guests take pictures because they want to remember the special day without the intention of being rude.  There is absolutely no concern with this in everyday situations, however, when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime moments such as a Wedding, seeing life behind a camera or iPhone may cause a problem, especially if the special couple hired a professional photographer.  An "unplugged" wedding, at least, an "unplugged" ceremony, has become an option for couples.  This article shares Grand Lens Photography's five reasons why couples should consider having an "unplugged" wedding.

1) Interrupting Camera Flashes

Professional photographers seldom use the pop-up flash on a camera.  Photographers use their knowledge of natural and artificial lighting in a controlled manner and this enables the capability to capture the best photographs.  However, when guests begin to take photos using their cell phones and digital camera with an automatic flash, it ultimately disturbs the controlled atmosphere created by the photographer.  As a result, the photo is washed out and no client who has hired a photographer wants poor wedding photos because a guest of theirs just had to capture their own photo.

2) Blocked Images

Wedding guests who love to take pictures feel the nee to step into the aisle or even shove the hired professional out of the way to get the photo they want.  Although the excitement of the guest is understandable, it can ruin professional images.  Photographers know where to stand and what angles to use for different moments.  Also, they only have one second to capture those significant moments (e.g., the first kiss).  A guest hopping into the aisle at the last minute or holding up a large iPad can block the view of the photographer.  The end result could be a photo of Aunt May, standing in the aisle with her camera or the bride's head being blocked by the head of another guest.  The following web link is a video of TLC's reality show "Wedding Island"; a prime example of a wedding ceremony with a disruptive guest.

Click Here To Watch Video


3) Lousy Portraits

All guests want pictures of the family together or maybe a photo of the bride and bridesmaids standing together.  The photographer may be preparing them self for a photo of the bride and maid of honor when a few guests stand behind or beside the photographer and start snapping pictures.  naturally, this throws the focus of the bride and maid of honor, therefore, the photographer might get pictures of the bride looking in one direction and the maid of honor looking in another direction.  This occurrence may agitate the professional photographer's photo.  For quality portraits, keep the focus on the professional photographer.

4) Distracted Wedding Guests

Enthusiastic guests feel the need to capture every moment with their cell phones, but is that not why the couple hired a professional?  Instead of having a clear view of the bride making her way down the aisle, the photographer now has to evade the guests leaning in, trying to snap their own picture; a picture which they immediately filter, hashtag, and share on social media.  Before they realize it, they have missed a majority of the ceremony.  A couple sends wedding invitations to those closest to them so they may share their special moment.  By taking photos with a smartphone or a digital camera, the guests exclude themselves from the moment, hoping that they capture one great picture.  If this is acceptable to the bride and groom, then it should be acceptable to the photographer.  However, in several cases, electronic usage during the ceremony is not appropriate.

5) First Look Disasters

Wedding guests ought to delay posting pictures of the wedding online until AFTER the ceremony.  So many "first looks" have negligently happened online before the wedding because the bridesmaid or groomsman uploaded pictures to social media before the wedding and the bride or groom, who were killing time by browsing Facebook, saw their future before the ceremony.  Sometimes people prefer to keep things quiet due to varying circumstances and no one wants to cause unwanted stress.  The bride and groom are the photographer's high priority during the wedding.  The client pays a large sum of money to make sure the professional photographer documents the event and it becomes disappointing when an overeager guest becomes a nuisance.  Oftentimes people do not realize their actions and this article aims to educate people that will take this advice and perhaps think of the professional before moving into the aisle for that special photo.

Aside from wedding invitations, couples can inform guests of an "unplugged" wedding by including a notice of the request in the wedding program, set up an entrance sign, or have the flower girl carry a sign saying that electronics are not permitted, as she walks down the aisle.  Another way is to have the officiant announce that the bride and groom have requested if everyone be present and shared the moment without technology.  Applying this tips to any wedding plan will ease stress for both the couples and the professional photographer.