By now you've seen my friend Hannah Way Photography's viral post about her recent (and not the first) experience with cell phones during a wedding! If you haven't here is the link to the post so you can check it out below and click on the image to view the post.
Seeing this post get so much attention is amazing as a wedding photographer! If you're not in the industry you may not know how many times this happens at weddings!! It can leave the photographer panicked, frustrated and discouraged! And let's not begin to talk about the bride's view... These photos in the viral post were not the only two photos the photographer captured, she is a professional, she moved and captured the rest of the moment. These two photos in the post were shared to prove her point...and a very good one at that.
After this post began to go viral for both the GOOD and unfortunately for some of the bad (some people are jerks), you may find yourself a little hesitant with that upcoming wedding on your calendar to attend. As glamorous as it may seem now about going viral, when this is your arm sticking out with your phone...oops! So here I am, a wedding photographer here to offer you a few tips on when it's appropriate to use your cell phone at a wedding!
Tip 1: Respect The Sign
If you see that beautifully handwritten UNPLUGGED sign the bride either spent hours making or money purchasing, respect it! The couple has invited you to their wedding to enjoy yourself and celebrate with them. Respect their wishes and remain unplugged for the ceremony! (Bride's this sign is available to rent for your ceremony from MLP!)
Tip 2: Sit on the Outside Aisle
If you must use your cell phone to take pictures (or FaceTime) with your cell phone or point and shoot camera, the best, less distracting and most appropriate seat is the outside aisle. Wedding photographers typically stand smack dab down the middle of the aisle to capture the bride walking in with her father! Don't block that view with your phone, iPad or Uncle Joe's DSLR.