When Herald columnist Jim Consedine wrote of wedding photographers' "tyranny," reactions came in a flash. ChCHRIS DANIELS reports.
At the top of a chair lift on Mt Ruapehu, wedding photographer Carmel Faulding was keeping batteries warm by storing them in her bra.
Ski enthusiasts Steve Brown and Rosie O'Neill were getting married. No cathedral or warm beach for them though, up a mountain in the middle of winter was more their scene.
Carmel had the batteries down her bra, warm and ready in case the cold conditions caused the camera to seize.
She photographs up to 40 weddings a year, charging around $500 for an hour and a half's shooting on the day.
Steve and Rosie were delighted with their pictures, but accusations of a "tyranny of the wedding photographer" has sent the profession in a tizz, forcing them to defend the way they behave on the big day.
Wedding celebrant and parish priest Jim Consedine sparked the controversy last week, when, in a Herald article, he accused wedding photographers of dominating weddings, taking control of the couple, shooting too many picture and keeping the guests waiting.
"In some instances, they conduct almost a tyranny; at times, they can hold the whole wedding to ransom." How many photographs are needed?" asked Father Consedine.
Not fair! cry the photographers, with New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography president Lester de Vere taking great umbrage at Father Consedine's comments.
"There has been a marked shift in demands for all wedding suppliers," he said. Local wedding photographers were recognised internationally for their innovation and creativity.
Rod Ellmore, a professional photographer for the past 40 years, describes himself as working in the "middle to the top end" of the wedding photography market.
"The days when one could take 30 or 40 photographs are long since gone, the market requires a lot more of us today and a lot more creativity."
"Today's couples are very visually aware," he says. "They're looking at lots of fashion and style magazines. They know a good image when they see one and they don't want the things that our grandparents had."
Mr Ellmore offers a basic package, including photographs of the arrival at the ceremony, the ceremony itself, various family and friends, and a location shoot of the bridal party. A couple could expect to pay $2500 for this.
They would get a professionally organised 20-page album of their favourite photos, but could choose more at extra cost. Others offer packages costing around $1600, while some cost as little as $600 to $700.
Wedding planner and celebrant Shirley-Anne McCrystal advises couples who want a lot of posed photographs to get them taken before the ceremony, so guests are not left milling around at a reception, waiting for the bridal party to arrive.
She describes bad photographers moving about too much during a ceremony and blocking the views for family and friends. Some had turned up in shorts and informal clothes.
Couples are given a list of reasonably priced, discreet and well-dressed photographers from most wedding planners and celebrants, she said.
The Rt Rev Richard Randerson, dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, said that although he had come across some "cowboy" wedding photographers, most were fine.
A photographer's wardrobe choice has, however, also rankled him.
"What I have objected to on occasions is photographers who have dressed totally inappropriately. They've just come along in a floral shirt and a pair of jeans, running around like it's a beach carnival. That is the exception though."
The professionals who spend every weekend at customers' weddings all give much the same advice on how to capture the big day.
You can get good quality photography and videos without breaking the bank. Meet the photographer or videographer first and ask to see some of their work.
And, for God's sake, tell them to dress up nicely.
Wedding 'tyrants' reply
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