Your cart is currently empty!
Wedding Photographer’s Viral Rant: “Please, Put Your Phones Away!”
A wedding photographer recently shared a powerful message on social media that has struck a chord with many: put those phones down! Photographer Jason Blake took to Facebook to vent about an experience that many in his profession can relate to. He missed capturing a pivotal moment during a wedding ceremony because the guests were all busy trying to snap the perfect shot with their smartphones.
In the photo he posted, you can clearly see how the guests were blocking the view of the bride and groom as she walked down the aisle. Instead of capturing that magical moment when the couple gazes lovingly at each other, Jason was left with a cluttered scene filled with outstretched arms and glowing screens.
This is the moment when emotions run high, and tears are shed. It’s supposed to be a beautiful exchange filled with love and anticipation. Yet, the guests, intent on documenting everything, formed a barrier that ruined the shot.
In his passionate post, Jason calls for couples to host “unplugged weddings” where electronic devices are not allowed. He suggests making this clear in the invitations, perhaps even having a sign at the entrance of the venue. “Announce it at the start of the ceremony!” he urges. “Or hire a plane to write it in the sky if you have to!”
Wedding photographers bring a unique skill set that allows them to capture moments in a way that most guests simply can’t. Weddings are full of fleeting moments that deserve to be remembered, but it’s tough for a photographer to do their job when they’re surrounded by people who think they’re the next great photographer just because they own a smartphone with a decent camera.
I dabbled in professional photography for a brief moment and quickly realized how high the stakes are. There’s immense pressure to deliver perfect photos that become family heirlooms. If guests are snapping away, it can lead to chaos and missed opportunities.
Jason reminds everyone, “You’re there to witness a celebration of love, not to play photographer.” Furthermore, it’s quite inconsiderate to post wedding photos online before the couple has a chance to share their own. Think of it as announcing a friend’s pregnancy before they have had the opportunity to tell their loved ones. It’s just not cool.
So, if you’re invited to a wedding, unless the couple has specifically asked you to take photos, please keep your phone tucked away and savor the moment. At the very least, turn off your camera during the ceremony. As Jason eloquently puts it, “You are witnesses to their marriage, so for goodness sake, watch them with your eyes and your minds, not your phones.”
Summary
A wedding photographer’s viral rant emphasizes the importance of having unplugged weddings. He calls for guests to put away their smartphones during ceremonies to allow photographers to capture those precious moments without obstruction.