From the “YES” being all caps in the title of this post, it is fairly obvious what my opinion is on this topic. I think, especially as a photographer, that every bride should at least consider doing an unplugged wedding. If you have never heard of an unplugged wedding, it simply means to have all guests turn off cell phones and cameras during the entire wedding day celebration.
To be honest, I hadn’t really thought much about unplugged weddings until I began photographing weddings and quickly realized the benefits. This helps ensure the bride and groom that they will not have any unnecessary flashes or interruptions due to the guests on their special day. After all, they did hire a professional photographer for a reason. I cannot tell you how many times pictures have been ruined due to guests trying to capture an intimate moment of the bride and groom.
Yes, this is a special day and everyone wants to have a picture of it, but think about it, does you taking your phone out and standing in the middle of the aisle really help the bride and groom? What if, you doing so, inserts yourself in the way of the photographer’s shot? Obviously, this is a call for the bride and groom to make, NOT the photographer. From a photographer’s point of view, unplugged weddings are a fabulous idea because it means that they do not have to worry about guests trying to sneak shots and possibly getting in the way.
What are your thoughts about unplugged weddings?
I wish more couples had Unplugged Weddings! It would allow their guests to enjoy the moments with their own eyes instead of behind a camera, or worse – an iPad.
Very true, Alex. Being there for the bride and groom is definitely more important than hiding behind a point-and-shoot camera, phone or iPad.
Im on the YES side too. Simply because having a camera or cell phone or an i pad infront of your face removes you from the moment, yes you may have scored a great shot but you missed being there fully with all of your heart and soul enjoying the moment, instead you are focused on your shot (one that the photographer will capture) so why not leave the cameras at home and enjoy the celebrations this is so much better than a photo its a memory.
I agree, Shannon.
YES, YES, YES. My last 3 weddings, I have a phone in the isle in my view of the bride. I took the shot as is, so the bride can see I was doing my job.
Ugh.. not fun when that happens.