The Disposable Camera: Is It A Catch-22 At A Wedding?
Announcement posted by Peter Edwards Photography 29 Nov 2013
A popular photo trend amongst some weddings these days is giving disposable cameras to all of the guests in attendance. It may seem cute, but is it really a wise idea?
Perth, WA, November 29, 2013 - Peter Edwards, Master Wedding Photographer of his studio near Perth, has mixed feelings about this trend. “In this day and age, with striking advances in technology, anyone, anywhere, at any time is able to snap a photograph. Whether it’s using a mobile phone, a point & shoot, or, yes, a disposable, the average person could consider themselves a ‘photographer’ simply by virtue of inexpensive and user-friendly devices.
Many people think they automatically qualify as photographers because they've taken a few good shots at a wedding,” he says. “I hate to say it, but it discredits professional wedding photographers and the craft we have worked so long and hard to perfect.”
Historically, the first so-called ‘disposable cameras’ came on the scene in the United States in 1949, contained only eight exposures, and cost the consumer $1.29 to purchase. Once used, the cameras were mailed in to the Photo-Pac company for processing. Although the prototype disposables were remarkably similar to today’s, the concept essentially failed to take off. Fast forward to the 2000s, and disposables were a staple in the amateur photography market – complete with built in flash.
This ‘amateur’ competition can sometimes cause a headache not just for the professional photographers but for the bridal couple as well. That flash component, however, poses another headache for the professional wedding photographer. “When the flash from a guest’s disposable goes off, there is the risk of overexposure if and when I’m shooting with my flash, as well,” Edwards says. “Overall, the image I’m taking could be ruined – and there is no way of combating that.”
With the popular advent of single use, or disposable, cameras given as wedding favours, brides and grooms are in fact relying on their guests to supply anywhere from dozens to hundreds of “free” wedding photographs.
In recent years, wedding guests have been suppliers of ‘free’ candid shots that brides and grooms used to purchase from professional wedding photographers. After the reception, the cameras are given back to the couple – and they, in turn, choose which photos make the cut.
Most days, the popularity of the disposable/digital doesn’t pose much of a problem for the professional but problems can crop up for the bride and groom. They often get a selection of tasteless photos snapped by inebriated guests, or worse these images find their way onto social networks.
Edwards concurs. “Brides want to be the first to post pictures of her and her husband on their wedding day. With the advent of social media brides often comment that the first photos to go on social media are those posted by guests. Often these images can be unflattering and not something the bride would have chosen.”
Edwards says, “I do want to make it clear that I don’t take issue with wedding guests who take their own pictures and share them with the bride and groom. I’m certain there are plenty of angles or special moments that are snapped.”
A legitimate concern, however, from professional wedding photographers in Perth is simply that people get in way of shooting the bride and groom. “It is a shame when I’m trying to capture a key moment and someone is in the way,” Edwards says, “since I’m fairly confident that the quality of my image will trump theirs.”
Peter Edwards has a Diploma in Photography, and is an Accredited Member of the Australian Institute of Photography (AIPP). Peter Edwards Photography, located in Mount Pleasant, Perth, will create beautiful, professional wedding photos. Phone them on (08) 9316 2465 or visit their website at http://www.peteredwardsphoto.com.au/
Many people think they automatically qualify as photographers because they've taken a few good shots at a wedding,” he says. “I hate to say it, but it discredits professional wedding photographers and the craft we have worked so long and hard to perfect.”
Historically, the first so-called ‘disposable cameras’ came on the scene in the United States in 1949, contained only eight exposures, and cost the consumer $1.29 to purchase. Once used, the cameras were mailed in to the Photo-Pac company for processing. Although the prototype disposables were remarkably similar to today’s, the concept essentially failed to take off. Fast forward to the 2000s, and disposables were a staple in the amateur photography market – complete with built in flash.
This ‘amateur’ competition can sometimes cause a headache not just for the professional photographers but for the bridal couple as well. That flash component, however, poses another headache for the professional wedding photographer. “When the flash from a guest’s disposable goes off, there is the risk of overexposure if and when I’m shooting with my flash, as well,” Edwards says. “Overall, the image I’m taking could be ruined – and there is no way of combating that.”
With the popular advent of single use, or disposable, cameras given as wedding favours, brides and grooms are in fact relying on their guests to supply anywhere from dozens to hundreds of “free” wedding photographs.
In recent years, wedding guests have been suppliers of ‘free’ candid shots that brides and grooms used to purchase from professional wedding photographers. After the reception, the cameras are given back to the couple – and they, in turn, choose which photos make the cut.
Most days, the popularity of the disposable/digital doesn’t pose much of a problem for the professional but problems can crop up for the bride and groom. They often get a selection of tasteless photos snapped by inebriated guests, or worse these images find their way onto social networks.
Edwards concurs. “Brides want to be the first to post pictures of her and her husband on their wedding day. With the advent of social media brides often comment that the first photos to go on social media are those posted by guests. Often these images can be unflattering and not something the bride would have chosen.”
Edwards says, “I do want to make it clear that I don’t take issue with wedding guests who take their own pictures and share them with the bride and groom. I’m certain there are plenty of angles or special moments that are snapped.”
A legitimate concern, however, from professional wedding photographers in Perth is simply that people get in way of shooting the bride and groom. “It is a shame when I’m trying to capture a key moment and someone is in the way,” Edwards says, “since I’m fairly confident that the quality of my image will trump theirs.”
Peter Edwards has a Diploma in Photography, and is an Accredited Member of the Australian Institute of Photography (AIPP). Peter Edwards Photography, located in Mount Pleasant, Perth, will create beautiful, professional wedding photos. Phone them on (08) 9316 2465 or visit their website at http://www.peteredwardsphoto.com.au/