If I were a Bridal photographer

If I were a bride I will ensure that I have very memorable photos of myself and my family and friends. And if I were a bridal photographer I will take my time and make the best out of the photo sessions.

I cannot remember the number of times that people go to weddings and miss the opportunity to take pictures with the bride and groom because of some impatient photographer. It may often not be the fault of the photographer though. Perhaps the fault should rather be placed on the impatient MCs whose “mceeing” begins with the photo sessions. It is often a good way of announcing their presence and letting people know that they “run the show” as we often call it.

I always feel uncomfortable when parents of the bride and groom are rushed and sometimes “crushed” emotionally in an effort to take memorable pictures with their children who they have birthed, bathed and fed for decades sometimes for as long as two to three decades. On the day of the wedding, the least we can do is to give the parents adequate time for them to enjoy the luxury or privilege of taking pictures with their lovely children before they are whisked away.

Often the pictures are taken inside the church or away from the church where the scorching sun leaves people with a frown instead of a smile. If the pictures are taken inside the church hall the room is dark and affects the beauty of the photos. There isn’t much space and time and no preparation is made for the photographer. So what happens is a rush through the photo sessions occurs so that they can get on with the rest of the program which is often the reception and sometimes dinner or lunch. The result is a group picture which looks like a group of people in a singing band struggling to be seen.

For most of the weddings I attend I hardly join the photo sessions for the reasons outlined above and if I do I just drag my feet and do it reluctantly. What’s the point, I would say to myself; no one will see me because there are just too many people and they are not properly arranged. However I am always pulled along by my husband or family members. “Well, you have to force to squeeze somewhere so that the couple will see that you also attended the event”, they will say.

Now, the more I think about this scenario the more I think that it’s unfair to blame the photographers and the MCs. Indeed most part of the blame should be placed on the bride and groom themselves.

Most brides in Ghana arrive late for their wedding service – it has become the norm, sadly. Recently my husband attended a wedding where the bride and groom were three hours late. I have attended weddings where the entire ceremony starts two to three hours late. With these incessant delays, do we expect to have time to pose for great photos?

Secondly, many couples hardly make time to brief photographers. All they do is to call the photographer, show up on the day and voila! The photos are taken anyhow. Sometimes in an attempt to take photos with the couple you are treated like a beggar or intruder. You will easily find MCs pulling the bride away because they are wasting time in getting to the wedding reception.

Some also don’t go in for professional Photographers. There are different classifications of photographers e.g. some are expects in Aerial, Nature, Scenic, People, Commercial, and of course Amateur photography. Couples have a choice to decide on what kind of photographs to take and if they want elaborate photos they must engage the services of professional photographers.

Now my advice to would-be couples is for them to plan ahead, manage their time well so that they can have adequate time to take photographs especially with their close family and friends. In the same vein, I will also advise photographers who accept to cover such weddings and other memorable family events to make time for the event by visiting the premises and developing a concept for the project. In this modern digital era there is no room for photographers who have no clue about their work.

I have come across a few fantastic photographers who are taking advantage of the Digital world to create memorable breathtaking photo. Now friends and families can have access to great photos digitally. Of course with facebook, instagram and other online channels available, brides can have splash of their big day all over the world.

From gafiagbenu@mtn.com.gh