How to Photograph a Wedding Ceremony (without being a distraction)

I was shooting a wedding a few weeks ago and one of my previous brides was a guest. Shortly after the ceremony, we greeted each other and had a quick chat. I asked: “Was I a distraction?” Although I have a job to do, I never want to be the center of attention while documenting the most important part of a wedding day. I was relieved when she said she hardly noticed me. I never want to distract guests, while doing my job. Especially during the most solemn parts of a wedding ceremony, like the vows and prayers.

People travel from all over to witness my clients say, “I do”. I also realize and accept that there is a balance between capturing those special moments and being able to be inconspicuous at the same time. I believe photos are very important, but my goal is to ensure that  the guests are able to enjoy the day too. So I put these points together to inform my clients on my approach and help other photographers as well.

1. No flash. I prefer soft and natural light, even inside a seemingly dark church. Luckily my equipment works very well in low light situations so I generally only use a flash when it’s absolutely necessary.

2. Turn off beeping noises on camera. Ceremonies are quiet and a beeping camera isn’t pleasant. It’s quite simple to turn it off in camera settings before arriving at the ceremony.

3. Take a knee. I mix it up between standing and kneeling. Most of the time, I kneel until I’m ready to take a photo.

4. Don’t stand in one spot. I prefer to move around so that I’m not in anyone’s way for an extended period of time.

5. Use a telephoto lens. I love my prime lenses, but a telephoto lens like the Canon 70-200 mm is an awesome piece of equipment allowing me to get close up photos without having to stand too close.

6. Ask if a venue has special rules. This helps a lot because some churches have rules about when you can take photos and where you can and can not stand. I usually work with the bride long before the wedding day to get this information before the ceremony. I also introduce myself to the officiant before the ceremony to review the rules, if there are any.

And there you go! Happy brides and wedding guests make an even happier wedding photographer. Thanks to one of my second photographers, Niki Marie, for this behind the scenes photograph at my recent wedding in Detroit!