Want a Great Way to Confuse a Photographer? Invite Them To be Your Wedding Guest.

I was invited to my good friends Ara and Nate’s wedding this past weekend…as a guest!  These two are perfect for each other and their wedding really reflected who they are, what’s important to them and how they live their lives.  The ceremony was held on a private beach in Cape Perpetua on the Oregon Coast.  It was a weekend of wedding fun to be had by all in attendance.

Here are a few words to describe my feelings as a wedding guest; excited, honored, happy, and a little awkward and confused.  Let me explain the awkward and confused part.  You see, I’ve been invited to many weddings as a photographer.  I know what my role is on the big day as The Picture Taker.  As a guest, I found myself wondering about everything from what to do with my hands to where to stand.

Here’s a little side-by-side comparison for ya.

I’ve seen way to many guests who seem to forget that they are in fact guests at a wedding and not photographers.  The Bride and Groom have selected a Professional Photographer to document their wedding day.  That includes getting pictures of their guests enjoying the ceremony.  Personally, I prefer to photograph guests with their hankies up to their faces wiping away tears of joy, not with their professional camera gear covering their faces or looking down to adjust settings.  Those don’t usually make it into the album or slideshow, either.

As a photographer, I never travel without my gear.  But when I’m invited as a guest, I am a guest.  Though I may take a few shots here and there, they’re mainly snap shots and maybe one or two of the couple for my personal enjoyment.  I may even tweet or facebook a few; after the ceremony of course.  If I’ve taken anything that I think could be perceived as a Pro shot, it’s not posted anywhere online until after the hired photographer has posted theirs or delivered photos to the couple.  It’s just not cool to steal another photographer’s thunder.  Although I really don’t think it’s possible for anyone to steal Bambi Cantrell’s thunder.  Watching her work and assisting in the smallest way was an incredible opportunity to learn even more about my craft.  Plus, it was just fun to watch her get excited as she interacted with Ara & Nate to pose them for their portraits.  That’s why I’ll only show you a few shots that I took with my iPhone.

Proof that I didn't know what to do with my hands and am apparently afraid of bouquets being thrown at me. Photo by Yin Yi

At the Post Wedding Brunch with Ara in her Happy Dress. I love this girl!

Ara and Nate’s wedding weekend was a blast and I wish them all the love and joy that they can stand!

PS:  If I were you, I’d check back next week to see the photos and video of the fire dancer, and maybe a few of the belly dancer.  These ladies were captivating!  Who knows, I may throw in a few other funnies.