Go Unplugged

Inspired by this article by The Offbeat Bride
http://offbeatbride.com/2011/06/unplugged-wedding

I thought I would share some spoiled shots due to guest photography. I have been fortunate for them not the be a single moment shot, like the kiss, but I don't think I would be the happiest bride if the photographer missed a shot because my 3rd cousin decided her iPhone would suffice.

Guest Photographers

At this particular church I was not allowed to be anywhere but the balcony so every shot that capture the whole church scene had family snapping photos from their phones.

At this wedding this guest had to be asked to sit down. Nearly every shot my 2nd shooter took was thrown out due to him blocking part of the subjects. I also had to keep jogging around him to get to different angles. The planner for the event didn't get him until right before the kiss. Glad she finally did though.
One lady still standing in the isle blocking any shot I would have liked to take down the isle of the couple during the wedding. A guy in the background taking pictures and sharing his viewfinder with other guests during the wedding. And a lady on the left taking photos the whole time. (and this is just what I had shooting down the isle!) BELOW there are different angles of the wedding with even more viewfinders in the photos. All the zoomed in photos of this wedding were stunning and the only ones I would frame, any backed out shots had more guests taking photos then anything. I actually adored this wedding, it was different for me culturally and they were immediately like family. Doesn't make it less irritating from the photographer standpoint though!

BELOW are examples of how guests point and shoot cameras can ruin shots. In dim lighting some of these cameras throw a dot (green, blue or red) up on the bride and groom to focus on them before the shot is captured. These bug me like crazy! I have asked several guests before to stop taking them during the 1st dance and father daughter dance. Some have responded with anger and abstinence even after I show them the dots on the bride. DJ lighting for your 1st dance can also be an issue. If you choose a DJ with colored ball lights ask him to turn them off for your 1st dance and FD MS dances. :)

I don't think going unplugged is for everyone and I will certainty work around it. This is just an example of the affect it can have on your photos!