There are few opportunities to practise shots on the wedding day, but one of the few opportunities we get as wedding photographers is the cutting of the cake. This is a great opportunity to get some 'safe shots' in the bag with no interruptions. Another reason is that sometimes the photographer is only booked up to a certain time and so they need the photographs of the cake cutting before they leave. Since my 'second shooter' days I was always taught to do a mock cutting of the cake for these reasons. However, last weekend I decided against doing this. The reason?

These 'fake' shots never make it in to the final portfolio of images I hand to the clients. When they do the real thing the expressions are too priceless to miss capturing! I always stay until the end of the night so there is no chance of me missing this great opportunity. I also find the same thing when throwing the bouquet. It can be photographically challenging, but doing it live and capturing the real thing makes for better, emotionally charged photographs.

This is part of my plan to reduce the amount of photographs I take at a wedding and concentrate on the quality. This is a time consideration meaning less photos to post process and more highly rated photos.

The only other 'fake' part of the day is the signing of the register. Normally the priest doesn't allow this due to the distraction, but it is his house so his rules... Okay maybe it's God's house but I am sure you understand what I mean!

Photography is all about capturing the moment!

Labels: Guide, Techniques, Thoughts, Wedding Photography