Guest Do’s and Don’ts for taking wedding snapshots

Everyone loves a good wedding- a celebration of love, great food, good fun, beautiful decor all around. But sometimes, as a professional photographer, it can get discouraging to see guests spend the whole ceremony and reception on their phone taking photos. We know that it’s hard to resist a great moment at a wedding, but here are a few tips we all can do to make sure it doesn’t take away from the whole reason we are there- the union of two people in love.

Do take snapshots. It’s a once in a lifetime moment that everyone wants to capture. But please remember to turn the volume down on your phone. And once you get the shot you want, put it away and enjoy the moment!
Don’t forget to be respectful. Don’t get in front of the professional photographer to get a prime spot of the couple…. and don’t block the groom from seeing his bride walking down the aisle.
Do remember that there is a professional photographer there. They were hired by the bride and groom to capture their special moments, and want their guests to be there to be in their moment.
Don’t take out your phone when it is inappropriate. For example,if there is a sign at the ceremony asking people not to take photos, please keep that in mind. Many times, a couple will ask that guests put their phones away while they are reciting their vows.
Do use a hashtag if there is one provided! One of the biggest trends lately is to have a wedding hashtag for everyone to be able to see all the photos that various people take. It takes time to come up with a great hashtag and it is such a fun way to see different perspectives of the wedding.
Don’t edit or alter the professional photographers photos! It’s against their contract to have their photos altered and reposted.