Good evening Esquire Photography HQ in Newport Beach! I’m one slightly frustrated Newport Beach Wedding Photographer who’s once again needing to remind wedding guests that just because you own a DSLR, it DOES NOT make you a professional photographer.
If I went out & bought a flute, does that mean I’m qualified to perform with the LA Philharmonic? If I bought a basketball, does that mean I’m qualified to play with the Lakers?
If you weren’t hired to capture all the memories of the wedding day, why are you telling me that you brought your camera “just in case” or my favourite – you’re a “professional photographer” (with your Canon Rebel & pop up flash) and are there to capture photos for the bride & groom. If that’s the case, then you should show up with a computer, speakers & music & push the DJ out of the way. Or why don’t you bring flowers? Or a cake? OR Better yet – YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER!
Also, the next Uncle Bob or Aunt Betty that sticks his or her camera over my shoulder next to my one good ear that I can hear out of will be asked to put your camera away and/or removed from the wedding. I will exercise the clause in my contract that protects my client; the bride & groom who paid me hard earned money to capture their wedding without interruption by YOU; the GUEST OF THE WEDDING.
Bottom line is, you’re DISRESPECTING the bridal couple & their families by doing what you’re doing. NOT me. I’ve captured MILLIONS of photos for tens of thousands of clients from Los Angeles, to Berlin, Germany, Paris, France & London, England in nearly 29 years so trust me, I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING!
With that said, I’m not going to reinvent the wheel & share a previous story that I’ve shared consistently AT LEAST once a year since I first wrote it & recorded the video two years ago with you.
Thank you for reading, watching & if you’re that person who disrespects the bride & groom, I welcome your comments on why you feel entitled to do what you do.
Enjoy!
Last week I met with Bernadette and her fiance’: Vlad at the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach where my client turned great friend; David Jacob works at to chat about their wedding over some beverages and delicious food. They had some really sharp questions about wedding etiquette – but more importantly wedding guest etiquette.
Bernadette & Vlad’s concern was why with all the weddings that they had been to, why the wedding guests storm the alter where the wedding is at, cake cutting and other various special moments during the course of the wedding day.
This really opened up the floor for some terrific conversation and as I drove back to Huntington Beach from Laguna Beach that night, I really felt admonished to share my thoughts with you in a video. I launched it on You Tube & Facebook, which sparked quite a few views and a lot of traffic. So I thought I would share it here with you as well.
But before I present you with this wedding tip for guests about wedding etiquette and you’re thinking… Hey – I’d really like to get to know this Orange County Wedding Photographer in Huntington Beach, California that wants to enjoy life to the fullest and share a toast with his couples celebrating a phenomenal day, feel free to get in touch with me anytime.
I’m available just about 24/7 via Twitter, Facebook, the form on my contact page, or the old fashioned phone as well at 888.ESQ.PHTO (888.377.7486) or 562.225.5915.
Without further ado, here is the video that I recorded that night. I would love to hear your comments or suggestions as well – cheers!
Good afternoon from Orange County at Esquire Photography HQ everyone! It’s Mother’s Day and I’m one Newport Beach Wedding Photographer who is totally excited to share Tiffany’s Urban Seniour Portraits I photographed in Downtown Fullerton with you!
Lisa b - This was a great video… I love the way you address the issue with florist. GREAT analogy!
David Esquire - Thanks Lisa! I really want to help brides & grooms be educated on how to make their wedding better. Especially when everyone works hard for their money to pay for their wedding. :-)
Benny - I wished I hired a photographer for my wedding instead of trusting friends and families..
David Esquire - Hey Benny,
I’m so sorry to hear that! I do hope that you were able to still have pleanty of memories captured and your wedding day documented. Thank you for sharing! :-)
Marc L - Bravo! And very timely. I spent most of yesterday doing my best to MC and reluctantly DJ the wedding of a very close, albeit cash strapped friend. I had originally been asked to just donate my sound equipment for the services and others would fill the MC / DJ roll. As time grew close, it became clear that wasn’t likely. Long story short, I got to witness your worst nightmare unfold right before my eyes.
Let me cut to the chase by saying that after viewing many of your shoots, I totally enjoy the work YOU do and the candid shots of guests behaving appropriately. The event I worked yesterday (for reasons expressed in your post) came off like a poorly rehearsed Chinese Fire Drill. They had hired a nice lady to shoot the event and I often found her bobbing and weaving around guests just to get a shot. I doubt there is one picture of the ceremony void of “guests” standing or leaning one way or the other to take a picture or look around someone who was, at one point I almost felt seasick from watching the sway!
In my opinion… as a “guest” you are playing the role of an “Extra” in the very special Hollywood production of a “Cinderella Story” which is being captured by professionals for time and all eternity. Unless you’ve been hired, contracted or asked to provide a specific service… sit back, enjoy a very special event and do your part to make it as pleasant as possible for all concerned. This also includes parenting your children if in attendance. I understand that you want to see the event… but if your 4 month old is dealing with colic… your first priority is to remove yourselves and deal with that. Exactly how many looks for scorn from family and guests does it take to send a message? Apparently … many!