Monday 12 August 2013

Have you thought about a 'Guest Photography' & 'Social Media' policy?

Today’s modern world brings a modern set of concerns that you may wish to discuss and consider prior to your wedding day. This is not an exaggeration and is something we experience every week at our clients' weddings.

The following article has been supplied courtesy of A Fabulous Event Planning Service.

iPhones, iPads and Guest Cameras:


 
With the increasing popularity of modern recording and photographic devices like smartphones, tablets, point-and-shoot cameras, more wedding guests are plugging in and snapping away throughout the wedding day. And although having the capability to capture special memories is exciting, many wonder whether this technological obsession is taking away from experiencing the events of the day.


Ten years ago, when the bride walked down the aisle, photographers captured the smiling faces of her friends and family, emotion stirring behind their eyes. The bride could make eye contact with her guests and share her joy and that moment. Now, it’s quite likely for the majority of wedding guests to hide behind their smart phones, iPads or point-and-shoot cameras.


What breaks the hearts of couples and professional photographers alike – are the countless wedding galleries that are more filled with the screens of iPhones than they are with the smiling faces of wedding guests and family members.


I know that the guests are just trying to enjoy the day but sometimes they can be so caught up at capturing the moments on camera, they end up not being present in the moment themselves, they cannot be photographed properly themselves and they can get in the photographer’s way.


There are also concerns about multiple flashes going off at the same time, causing further difficulty for your professional photographer and videographer.







Some of the most award winning and heart moving wedding photos have been raw emotion shots of family and friends enjoying your special moment. Now when photographers attempt to capture these moments for you, they are faced with the above images instead. Which would you prefer?







Social Media:
It is now extremely common for wedding guests to use their smartphones to post pictures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter before and during weddings.

Bridesmaids have posted photos of a bride in her gown that was seen by the groom prior to the ceremony even taking place.

Other guests have posted photos during the ceremony and reception. This can be fun and may not bother you at all but take a moment to think about your feelings in this regard prior to your wedding day.

Some couples prefer to be the ones making the Facebook announcements themselves and do not wish their guests to do this before they get a chance. You also have no control over the quality of the photos posted and some of the candid unprofessional shots may be unflattering in your opinion.

Some couples prefer privacy with friends and family and would prefer not to share these moments with the world in an uncontrolled environment.
 
What can be done?
Dealing with these situations can be as simple as asking the celebrant to make an announcement that all phones and cameras are not to be used during the ceremony but they are welcome to use them again afterwards.

Some couples are now opting to have an “Unplugged” wedding and placing signs or cards at the ceremony or inscriptions on wedding invitations giving people prior notice of their preference. A mention can also be made regarding your request for privacy on social media.

You may like to state an official social media page where everyone can share their photos but where you have the control of the content.

If none of these issues worry you, then don’t do anything and just enjoy your day as it happens.





Helen Coghlan,
Simply Magic Ceremonies
Gold Coast - Queensland – Australia