Welcome to the next installment in our "Ask the Photographer" series! Today we are addressing one of the newest trends in wedding photography that has been taking Pinterest and wedding blogs by storm, having an "unplugged" ceremony. A no phone, no Snapchat, no InstaStories ceremony where the only images that are being captured are by your trusty photographers. Some couples may not even consider asking guests to stow away their devices and our photographer friends are here to tell you why you should:
"I love an unplugged ceremony. I think it’s especially important if you know that your crowd might be holding up phones and ipads during your ceremony. Those many devices not only end up in the professional photographer’s images, but they subtract from the intimacy of the ceremony. An uplugged ceremony really allows guests to give their full gift of presence!" -Ashley Seawell Photography
"Some of the most beautiful ceremony shots are ruined by not just Iphones, but Ipads hanging out of the aisle. It is very frustrating, since obviously our photos are going to document the day best. That is the beauty of the internet. The guests will eventually have some form of access to the professional photos." -Mark Williams Studio
"Goodness there are so many benefits! From a photography standpoint, cellphones are definitely the most distracting and unattractive element of wide ceremony photos. Occasionally they are even in tighter shots, and I have even had people step out into the aisle to take their cell phone pictures, which can entirely block your photographers view and hinder your professional photos. Aside from a cosmetic point of view, unplugged ceremonies also allow your guests to be more present and for you to see their faces when you look out at them." -Britt Croft Photography
"As a lover of capturing a story and experiencing life with people I love, I fully understand when guests want to snap a few photos of their own as long as they are respectful! However, sadly more often than not I find that the guests inadvertently step into the shot right at the optimal moment. Having an unplugged ceremony benefits not only me as a photographer, and you as the recipient of photos, but also the guests! When they are able to focus wholly on the ceremony and moment, they aren’t worried about scooting into the aisle to get that first kiss shot or your newly married bliss as you walk back down the aisle! And that allows me to get the best angle for your special moments!" -Lauren Carnes Photography
If you are wondering if you should take an engagement session or if you and your fiance should have a first look, make sure to check out our first and second installments in the series as well!
Image by Ashley Seawell Photography.
