The Wedding Day: photographer peeking photos of others

THE PHOTOS FROM OTHERS by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON

Of the others photographing the wedding day at the Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos in Oeiras

• Pode ler este artigo em Português. 

Festive Day of Joyful Feelings: The Wedding Day

The wedding day is a festive day, filled with joyful feelings and emotions. For many couples, this is one of the most important moments of their lives, and as a wedding photographer, it is a privilege to capture these magical moments. From the wedding ceremony to the celebration, each photograph is an essential piece in telling the story of the big day.

As a wedding photographer, I have had the opportunity to witness and document various types of weddings, but one thing that is common in all of them is the presence of people who, in some way, become photographers, even if not officially. Nowadays, at many weddings, we find different types of “photographers” who are not professionals, from those with sophisticated cameras and lenses to the simpler ones with their smartphones, all eager to capture the special moments.

The Wedding Photographer and Friendly Competition

I am not the only wedding photographer on a wedding day. There are always others who, with more or less equipment, end up competing in some way or, rather, complementing my work. There are those who, sometimes, unintentionally, end up blocking a good shot with their amateur enthusiasm, who, even without meaning to, move to the best scene before me.

I am not a person of revenge, as that is too powerful a feeling for such a festive day. However, in some situations, I take advantage of moments when other “photographers” are busy to, like a kind parasite, steal a few moments and capture images that otherwise might have been lost. Today’s technology, like smartphones, makes everything easier, and it is very common to see people taking pictures during the event.

The Wedding Photographer Who Loves… Photography

Wedding photography is not just about capturing the moments that were planned. There is a certain art to documenting the spontaneous moments that arise during the event. As a wedding photographer, I am passionate about photography itself, and this includes, in some way, the “unofficial” photography that many guests take. This type of record, no matter how amateur it may be, can add an interesting touch to the visual story of a wedding.

Photographing the Act of Photographing

It’s almost like a concept within wedding photography: the act of photographing other photographers, or even the very act of taking a photograph. While my priority is often to capture the most intimate and emotional moments of the couple, there is something special about the images that arise unexpectedly. I like to take advantage of that, and often, I use the photographs taken by others to create my vision of the wedding.

What to Say About the Other “Photographers” at the Wedding

In recent years, we have seen the rise of a new breed of wedding “photographers.” Today, many guests, armed with smartphones, decide to capture the most memorable moments of the day. They don’t have formal photography training, nor are they professionals, but that doesn’t mean their contribution is irrelevant. They are spread throughout the wedding, and sometimes they even interact with others and interfere with the more important shots.

Point by point:

• Wedding Photographers:
  • For several years, the wedding photographer has had to deal with other “photographers”:
    • Many with good cameras and lenses
    • They photograph everything that comes their way
    • But they are not the official wedding photographer
• The Impact of Smartphones:
  • More and more, smartphones take over weddings:
    • They allow everything to be photographed
    • They interfere with professional work
    • They are everywhere
• Instead of avoiding or resenting them, I prefer:
  • To use their wedding photographs in my own images
  • To capture the moments they create
  • To take advantage of the opportunities that arise, even when they’re not in front of my lenses

The Guests’ Photographs at the Wedding

Instead of fighting the other photographers, I’ve learned to incorporate them into my wedding photos. Often, the images they take can be just as valuable as mine. The guests, by capturing relaxed scenes, can offer a different view of the event, which I can take advantage of. This creates a complementary relationship between the wedding photographer’s work and the non-professional photographers present at the event.

How to Handle the Crowd of Photographers

The wedding day should be filled with happiness and joy. As a wedding photographer, my role is to ensure that the couple has the best photographs of their big day. This includes dealing with the amateur “photographers” who appear, without allowing that to interfere with the positive atmosphere of the event. Instead of worrying about it, I decided to integrate others into my approach, ensuring that, despite the interruptions, the best wedding photos are taken.

Summary

Although the presence of other photographers at the wedding can be a challenge, it does not prevent me from doing my job. On the contrary, I see it as an opportunity to capture even more special moments. The wedding is a union of love, joy, and happiness, and that should be reflected in all the photographs taken on that day. Even with the abundance of non-professional “photographers,” they are part of the environment and subjects for the lenses of the wedding photographer.

Conclusion

The other photographers, with their cameras and smartphones, are part of the wedding scene. While they may interfere with the wedding photographer’s work, this interference can be used in the professional’s favor. Instead of being a negative, these moments create new opportunities to capture unique and genuine images. So, don’t worry about the number of photographers at your wedding. They will also be part of the story of your big day.

If you’re planning your wedding and want to ensure every moment of your big day is captured, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. As a wedding photographer, I am available to discuss your needs and make sure every detail of your wedding is documented with the best photographs. Schedule a meeting with me, and together, we will create memories that will last forever.

• You can see a full wedding story:

• In Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos Paço de Arcos, Oeiras, Portugal