How to avoid others taking pictures

regesheetal · May 2010

We have a reception where our relatives will come on stage to wish us and our photographer will take pictures.
However, there will be people carrying their own cameras and cell phones asking to take pictures on them.
Which will waste a hell lot of time and causing inconvenience to other guests waiting.
How do we politely avoid such situations.

~mRm~ · May 2010

I would just ask your professional photographer to keep things flowing during those photos. If your photog is vocal with directions as to what your next shot or pose is, you should be ok.

capecod1986 · May 2010

People are going to take pics no matter what you say or try to do. Just smile!

gateruner · May 2010

I have had brides send out an email telling her guests not to bring a camera to the wedding. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didnt. Allowing others to take pics of formals is going to happen but more times than not the photos get messed up with someone in the group looking at the amateur photographer. Never fails to happen with the best shot of the B&G. It does add time and can be a problem.

What is probably the most annoying is when we have a shot in mind and a guest jumps in front of it and totally ruins it. A case in point. My wife who is my second photographer was sitting in a balcony and a gorgeous catholic church. The shot we were looking for is one that the bride and her father are waling down the idle with the groom looking on and shot in a wider fomat to capture the moment and the amazing church. Just at the right moment an overweight guest steps completely in the aisle to take his picture of the entrance and essentially ruins the shot by not only being in it but partially obscuring the groom. IT was a bummer.

My advice is if you are using a trusted professional photographer and you are getting the disc of images then ask your guests to leave the cameras in their pockets and let the pro get the shot.

morainemom · May 2010

Thankfully my daughter's professional photographer was very gracious and understanding that guests wanted snapshots of their own.

No one stuck around for the formal photos that was not an issue with her. At the reception, she took her shots first and then let the guests take a few quick shots.

It was nice to get copies of photos taken by friends and families a day or two after the wedding. The professional ones took a month to come back, so the snapshots were a very pleasant reminder of the wedding.

Additionally, friends and family caught moments and interactions that varied from the photographer's point of view.

Honestly, I think you will be very happy that other people are taking photos - as long as they are respectful of the professional photographer.

As for the OP's dilemma of having everyone rush the stage - it would be fine to have the MC/DJ make an announcement asking that no photos be taken during this portion of the reception.

CA2MT4EveR · May 2010

Sometimes guests take better pictures than the professionals. And what if something happened and you lost your pro pics. Your guests could have at least some for you.

Beachy730 · May 2010

If I were you I would just stay focused on your photographer and make sure you keep your eyes on his camera. If you keep trying to look at every camera you will be all over the place and won't be looking in the right direction for half the pictures. If these are the ones you are paying for, make sure you are looking at his/her camera at all times for those photos.

How to avoid others taking pictures

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