Photography restrictions during the ceremony

I'm used to running into issues with taking photographs during the ceremony. Often with both civil and church ceremonies I am told that I'm unable to take any photographs at all.

But I was rather surprised when I turned up a recent church to be greeted by the vicar with "Are you the photographer?" on confirming I was indeed the photographer he added "I don't want you in my church".

While I sympathise to some extent as I know some photographers move about, take photographs during the prayers and use flash. I usually explain that I stay at the back, don't move around and don't ever use flash and use a camera with a quiet shutter. However this vicar told me it wasn't open to negotiation and he wasn't interested in talking to me about it despite the couple wanting to have a few photographs from the ceremony.

Unfortunately there is nothing I can do when presented with this situation and I find it frustrating watching the emotion of the ceremony without being able to photograph it. Earlier this year I blogged about registrars banning photography during civil ceremonies. Once again I have run into this on a few recent weddings.

Often they will also place restrictions on photographing the signing of the register, usually saying it's due to data protection (which is partly true but I'll explain exactly why later). I had one wonderful registrar tell me I couldn't photograph the register signing as they use a special ink which can't be photographed. The actual restriction is on making copies of the register book itself as it contains details of other people. There isn't actually a law which prevents photographing the signing itself and funnily enough there never seems to be any restrictions imposed on video.

I advise all couples to discuss photography in advance with the vicar/priest/registrar. The couple stand a much higher chance of being granted permission than the photographer does. Once I was told by a registrar I couldn't take any photographs as it would disturb the couple. Apparantly she seemed lost to the fact I'm working for the couple.

Jenny & Charlie's wedding in London on the 15th December

Jenny & Charles held their ceremony at Middle Temple in London followed by a reception at the Honourable Society of Lincolns Inn.

These are a few of my favourite photographs from their wedding.

Steve & Eleanor's wedding on the 7th December

Steve & Eleanor married at Swinfen Hall on the 7th December 2007. The Met office might not have forecast snow but that didn't stop them from walking out into falling snow after the ceremony. As a suprise someone had hired a snow machine.

Lighting your reception room

Let there be light. Without light photography is not possible and the quality of light is as important as the quantity.

At this time of the year many couples opt for a cosy candle light theme for their reception. Candle's give a lovely warm glow to the photographs. The key to getting great photographs is to have enough light and this is usually best achieved with a mix of both candles and other forms of lighting. This is especially true for dark venues with wood panelling, often the venue switch off the room lighting and place just a few candles on each table. Balancing the candle light with some room lighting gives a much nicer look to the room and photographs.


In the example above large candles are in the centre of each table and small spot lights have been positioned above each table. Uplighters have also been placed around the room.


This marquee uses a combination of floating candles as the centre piece of each table along with small tea light candles. Chinese lanterns hang from the ceiling and a spot light has been used during the speeches.


This was a small wedding with just one table at the wedding breakfast. Tea lights have been placed in coloured glasses and up-lighters in the corners add some extra light.

Tips for creating a lovely warm candle light look -

* Use lots of candles, a mixture of tea lights and large candles looks great.
* Leave some room lighting on, candles alone look too dark and make photography difficult
* During the speeches some extra lighting works well. I have seen venues so dark that the brides father was unable to read his speech. Turn up the room lights or use spot lights.
* Chinese paper lanterns look fantastic suspended from the ceiling of a marquee


http://www.pressphotography.co.uk/

Nicola & Andrew, 24th November 2007

Nicola & Andrew married on the 24th November at The Old Rectory in Crudwell, Wiltshire.

These are a small selection of photographs from their wedding.






http://www.pressphotography.co.uk/