a sweet letter to you with the camera

February 1, 2017

Hi you,

Yes you, there, with the camera, hanging into the aisle way, holding your ipad over everyone’s head, or flashing your dslr while the bride is making her walk down the aisle. I just wanted to drop you a little note. I sat and stared at the blinking curser for a while, trying to think of a polite way to write this post. Let me explain my side of the story, and maybe you’ll see where I’m coming from.

I’m guessing you don’t know this about me, but I make careful plans for the wedding day. I plan out the schedule with the bride and groom weeks beforehand. Within our schedule, I leave 30 minutes before the ceremony so I can set up. I get my camera settings ready, scope out the places I’ll stand and where my second shooter will stand. All this is carefully done so we can be sure to get the right shots for the beautiful couple. Now here’s the tricky part: Now a days, I have to use some of that precious 30 minutes to spot you.  I bet you didn’t realize this, but as the professional photographer, I’m given rules to abide by on the wedding day. Some churches don’t allow flashes, some only let you stand in the back of the church or won’t allow you to move after the ceremony begins. We must be everywhere at once yet invisible and in a way that’s not distracting. Imagine our surprise when your flash goes off and our camera settings get all goofed. It’s tricky for me to crop you out of photos as you’re hanging into the aisle and it’s distracting to many people as you try to shoot over my shoulder.

Here’s the thing, I promise I’m not a bitter photographer worried about you stealing my job. I’m just thinking of you. I’ve watched family members miss the look on the groom’s face when he first lays eyes on his bride, miss that white knuckle grip the father of the bride has as he gives his daughter away to her new husband. I don’t want that to be you. That’s what I’m there for. I’ve been given the responsibility to capture this beautiful day. Leave that to me. You were invited to witness the couple on their most important day. Enjoy it! Really listen to the vows, throw confetti when they leave, eat an extra piece of cake and put on your dancing shoes.

So maybe next time you’re headed to watch some precious ‘i dos,’ you’ll think twice before packing your Dslr or busting out your iPad during the ceremony. I double dog dare you to just sit back and be present on the wedding day 🙂

Sincerely,

The Hired Professional Photographer

****Let me say that I chose this photo to lighten the mood a little bit. I actually had these people stand behind me because we were trying to get the sweet little flower girls to giggle. I didn’t want to post a photo that would call anyone out 🙂 This way you get the idea.***

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@katelynkellie

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