I’ve been to many a wedding reception both as a guest and as a local wedding photographer, and I’ve seen many mistakes I was amazed that professionals were making. Make sure that you also don’t commit these wedding reception sins.
Don’t wear leggings as pants or show up in other unprofessional outfits
You’re representing your brand and when you shoot a wedding you have access to a lot of potential customers. You also have to be able to move freely without flashing people (and I’m not talking about the flash on your camera!). If you wear something that’s too tight or doesn’t adequately cover everything, you don’t portray yourself as a professional and you’re less likely to land future customers you network with there.
Don’t laugh at or mock wedding guests
Again with these people being potential customers! You don’t want to alienate them or your current customer by making snarky remarks to your assistant about the wedding guests or laughing at them. It will get back to the person who hired you, who will pass it along to whomever asks. Make sure they only have good things to say.
Don’t ignore the little things
Some of the best pictures I capture at receptions happen because people don’t know they’re being watched. You’re able to capture little moments between the bride and groom or the bridesmaids or the guests. I love being able to go up to a cute couple that came as guests, hand them my card, and ask them to send me an email so I can send them sweet pictures I got of them.
Don’t be unprepared
Make sure you bring everything you need and then some—just in case. That last thing you want is for your battery to die and not have a backup or need a reflector to add some extra light to the side of the wedding cake. It’s better to be over prepared then underprepared.
Don’t be too outgoing
Don’t forget you’re there to take pictures. You shouldn’t be too occupied with having a good time or with chatting up potential customers that you miss the moments that you’re supposed to be capturing. I don’t care if the dj is playing your jam, don’t put down your camera, and don’t stop taking pictures. You’re there for a reason and it’s not to have fun. And, need I add, stay away from the bar.
Remember that you are a professional and it’s important to act that way. You want to leave with some great photos and leave everyone else with a good impression of you. If you have a hard time trying to decide how you should act or what you should do at a reception, ask yourself if that’s how you’d like your photographer to act on your big day or on your family member’s big day. If you’re still in doubt, ask your client what they’re comfortable with or what their preferences are. Happy shooting.
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