“I told you to back off….”

True story. It was in the middle of the ceremony. Church was packed, bride and groom anxiously waiting to exchange their vows. And the video dude, yea, that dang video dude. The same one I tried to offer some advice the week before: “Try not to get so close to the bride and groom during the ceremony. Besides, you’re blocking my view, and the guests view too.”

My words fell on deaf ears. Here he goes again, in their face.

Then it happened. My perfect “I told you so” moment.

The priest stopped, looked directly at the video guy with a stare that would scare satan himself, pointed and sternly ordered: “I told you to back off.”

I tried to warn him. I did. And I almost felt bad for him. The embarassement must’ve been brutal.

Whenever I am photographing a wedding, I always, always get to the ceremony early enough to have a quick chat with the officiant. This is especially important when it’s at a traditional religious location, say, in  a traditional church. The priests can sometimes be a little ornery, have their ways and rules. Or not. I ain’t taking any chances.

I need to respect them. For the couple too. Who needs an embarrassing moment like the one that video guy tarnished his reputation with?
BUT…there’s always a but….I will sneak onto the altar, or wherever, to “get the shot” when I feel it’s safe to do so.

I don’t like going against the rules. But I will when I feel confident enough I won’t get caught. Makes me feel like a kid again.

In this shot, you can see me clearly trespassing. Over to the left is the back of the priest, busy doling out communion. Stay quiet, get the shot, move on.

No one the wiser. The results….

Yours in photography,

Rob

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”