The unplugged wedding: couples tell guests to put down their devices

I actually think that is a cracking idea!

Now I know what some may think......"Yes Alison I bet you do, that way you will be the only one with images to sell"

Actually no, that's not it at all! I would happily trade for a chance to shoot unhindered. The number of times I have been standing at the back of the church all ready to shoot the recessional when some well meaning member of the family steps right into my shot in order to get their own. That's my one chance EVER to shoot that shot and it's gone, in an instant. I can't very well bellow at the offending family member to get out my way, we are in a Church and it's not appropriate. So what else can I do?

All I can do is move forward so I am as obvious as I can be and hope that it does not happen.

But it does.

And there are several times during the day that I could fill a shot of guests with cameras in their hands.

I have worked with some Vicars recently who will not allow photography in Church and you have no idea how much better the photos look!

And it happens on group shots where family members want their own shots and I end up with eyes all over the place as the wedding party no longer look in the right direction. So now I have to take charge and direct everyone to look at me and ignore the other cameras. Can you see why not having them can make my life so much easier? As well as making my life easier, it also makes it so much easier for your guests and I don't have to shout at anyone! Much more pleasant for everyone involved. I can also shoot those group shots more efficently with no interruptions so your guest get more time to enjoy themselves. What's not to like about that?

Bride and Groom shots are done well out the way of any other guests with cameras. There are several reasons for this. One is that you can relax a little and have a breather and we can have a little "fun" time out of the sight of your guests. The other is that quite simply I want you to be able to be more intimate at that time, it's the only chance you will have during the day and the last thing you need is an audience.

So if you are due to be a guest at a wedding, consider either leaving the camera at home or using it for those shots where you are not going to end up in the album as one of many who saw the couple through the back of a screen.

I actively encourage participation at certain times, signing of the register and cutting of the cake, I'll happily invite guests to take photos. At other times it really is not appropriate and can actually go some way to spoiling the day, not just for me but more importantly for the couple getting married.

So pop that camera back in your bag and engage with what is happening around you. Your Bride and Groom are there in front of you making some pretty serious commitments. That's where your attention should be, not on the back of your iphone :)