Dear Jasmine,
I have the hardest time taking pictures of the guests. I just had a wedding where the bride and groom wanted to go to each table and take a picture. The wedding was for 100 people, but the reception was packed! I panicked, I asked the bride if she still had time to go around the tables and she said no, however she did mentioned that she wanted pictures of her guests.
So I started going around each table…and some guests were still eating! I panicked so I didn't care and I still took the pictures of the guests because that's what the Bride wanted and now I'm going through my work and I hate it!! So in the back of my head I wondered if you have a preferred way of taking pictures of guests. Or what do you normally do with wedding guest pictures??

Thanks,
Panicked Photographer

Dear Panicked,
Let's get one thing straight: photographing guests at tables is–quite possibly–the least favorite part of our jobs. It ranks right on up there with flat tires, root canals, and paying taxes. But if a bride requests it, then we must oblige. However, if a bride is requesting table shots, I first ask her WHY and WHAT. WHY are these photos important to her (cultural considerations, familial obligations, etc) and WHAT will she use them for. By taking the time to ask two simple questions, a photographer can get a better understanding of her desires.

The bride's answers can clue a photographer in on how to service her needs…and perhaps avoid the traditional table shots all together. Most brides think these types of photos are necessary, but she may never use them or view them at a later point in time. What most brides want are candid photos of guests and they assume it'd be good to get it done at dinner. We obviously know this is the worst time.

Because of this, I suggest to my brides that we (photographers) have free reign to shoot what we think is best. If the bride and groom agree, JD and I will do one of two things:
1. Capture Guests as They Walk Into the Reception
This is my favorite alternative because guests are happy from cocktail hour, standing or walking (always a better angle for most people than sitting), and the light is soft and golden. There are times when we ask guests to pose for our cameras, and other times we simply photograph the guests without them knowing.

2. Capture Candid Photos as They Mingle with Guests
The main thing we want to avoid is forcing guests to be aware of our cameras or pose for those awkward stand around the reception table and toast together (while they may be good in theory, these photos are always lackluster at best). However, if we have the freedom to capture guests simply being in the moment (even if seated around the table), then those photos are organic and compelling.

I hope this gives insight into how we handle the table shots…first focus on the conversation before the reception and find a way to educate your bride of her options. Once everyone is on the same page, happiness will ensue. Promise.

Flat Tires, Root Canals, and Table Shots,
j*