Where Should the Photographer Stand During the Wedding Ceremony?

by Waseem Abbas on Oct 2, 2017

Are you where you’re allowed to stand while shooting a wedding? Sometimes the wedding location can be different from a general space, and you need to know a few facts about where you should be standing. In this photography guide, we will tell where should the photographer stand during the wedding ceremony.

1. Attend Rehearsals

Most weddings have rehearsals before the final day. The couple practices the rituals to perform best in their ceremony. It is best for a photographer to be a part of the rehearsals and understand the ceremony.

You’ll find the bride and groom moving around with the other important people. It will also help in developing an understanding between you and your client. If the rehearsal is at the same venue where the wedding will be held, then you should mark the positions for the best photos.

2. Ask Where to and Where Not to

Sometimes the couple has seen poses from other weddings and wants to implement them into their own wedding ceremony. These poses will need you to stand in specific positions.

However, you need to make sure that you won’t create any disruption in the ceremony. Attending rehearsals will also help in sorting out these positions with the couple. It will make you confident to shoot on the big day.

You should also check out this guide on 15 unique and essential wedding photography pose ideas for couples.

3. Visit the Venue

The wedding ceremony has a venue that you need to visit on your own if possible, separately from the rehearsal, before the final day. This visit will help you to mark down your positions.

You should move around and make a list of places where you need to stand and where you need to add a tripod. As a photographer, the angles and the poses can be measured on an empty venue for the perfect photos in the wedding ceremony.

Have you ever used a tilt shift lens? Go explore this amazing gadget for shooting your next wedding.

4. Get Approval From the Officiant

Weddings can be different on the basis of rituals followed by the couple. Most of the ceremonies that are planned in the churches or gardens need you to collaborate with the priest, pastor, or other officiant.

Though the officiant should understand that photography is an essential part of the wedding, you should discuss and get approval on when you can hit the flash and when you can’t. Similarly, your positions should not distract the officiant in performing the wedding rituals.

Your discussion with the officiant will also create a sense of understanding that will let him avoid minor errors. Check out these 10 wedding photography mistakes that you should avoid.

5. Communicate with the Guests

It is recommended to talk to the wedding attendees. Give favors to take favors. When you communicate with the guests, it will help you develop a positive environment for the shoot.

The guests will easily take your directions, so you can move around in your positions for the shots you need. This networking may also help you to get more work for the future.

That’s all. We hope this guide has helped you to learn where should the wedding photographer stand during the wedding ceremony. You may also want to check out our guide on 7 reasons wedding photographers need second shooters. In case you are having issues while creating your photography site, simply check these 25 most common WordPress errors and how to fix them.

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