I’m sure you don’t mean to be annoying, right?
The big trend in 2015 is using the “selfie stick.” The metal pole probably reminds any self-respecting child from the 80’s or 90’s of Inspector Gadget (“Go, go gadget arm!”). You pop in your cell phone, extend the pole and you are able to take a large group shot that doesn’t have your arm filling the bottom part of the photo. Even though it has been banned at places like Disney, you think it’s actually a pretty cool invention, right?
Should you use your selfie stick at a wedding?
Of course, we were bound to see selfie sticks at weddings. I know that they may be considered irritating by some people, so as a photographer, you may be surprised that I would say YES, you should use yours while celebrating the big day! However, there are some etiquette tips to make you less obnoxious while you snap your photos.
1. Respect the ceremony
Whether you are a groomsman or a guest, using a selfie stick during the ceremony is just plain bad manners. The bride and groom invited their family and friends to witness their marriage. They don’t want someone else ruining the moment by shoving their phone out into the aisle, above the guests heads or even into the professional photographs. And they certainly don’t want to have guests paying attention to your phone instead of them, taking the focus away from their vows. Keep the selfie stick and your phone tucked away and just bask in the bride and groom’s love while they become Mr. and Mrs.
2. Let the professional photographer work
The bride and groom spent time and money picking out the photographer to capture their special day. They are on a time schedule to get the professional photographs done before the reception gets rolling. Make sure to stay back and let them get those important photos finished. The photographer will be able to get the shots they need much quicker and easier if they are not fighting off your metal selfie pole or regathering stray bridesmaids that jumped into your selfie shot.
3. Include lots of people, especially the bride and groom
The extended arm lets you include a big group in your shots- get them in there! Don’t hog the spotlight for yourself. And make sure to ask the bride and groom to get into a group shot or two.
4. Share the images
A lot of couples will have a wedding hashtag to share their images online. Make sure to post your images with the hashtag so everyone can see and enjoy them.
5. Don’t be annoying
This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Too much of a good thing can be annoying. Wedding champagne and a hopping dance floor is no place for wielding a selfie stick. Certainly, nobody wants to get poked or pushed aside while you are taking a photo. Once you’ve capturing some fun crowd shots, put the selfie stick away and show off your dance moves, instead. You don’t want to upset the bride and groom or their guests by waving your phone high above them all night.
Follow these tips and you can enjoy being the life of the party and get some amazing photos, while still being a wonderful guest.
If you are the bride and groom embracing the selfie stick revolution, consider giving them as wedding favors. You could even get them engraved with your wedding date. And don’t forget to share that wedding hashtag with all your guests so you can see all the fun that happened through the day!