The kiss, is it a must-get-shot?

Some say they look gross and it’s not a big deal. For others though, well, they might sue if you miss it. Think I’m joking?

A couple tried to sue a Melbourne wedding photographer for missing the shot of them kissing. Yep, you read that correctly. In case you didn’t hear about this, in 2013, a couple tried to sue their photographer for failing to capture the kiss. Long story short, the kiss was deemed a peck by the judge and the couple basically lost their case.

If you’d like to find out all of the details of this case, a quick search online will bring up a stack of coverage. My post today isn’t about this case specifically, its abut the kiss shot and how it can be so difficult to capture.

The majority of them are easy and I manage to snap 5 or 6 perfect shots. I would then deliver maybe 2 or 3. Some couples, though, they have a quick peck or they turn heads and embrace and it’s simply impossible to get your camera to focus and snap a shot in time no matter how prepared you are.

The judge in this case stated that weddings are “moving feasts” and I couldn’t agree more. Being a professional wedding photographer is a difficult job. By no means am I saying it’s brain surgery or trying to cure cancer but no two wedding days are the same. With so many variations to consider such as light, movement, guests, celebrants and priests, I’m not surprised this couple lost their case.

As a photographer, the best you can do is be prepared for the kiss shot by knowing the order of the ceremony. Anticipating the moment and being in position. Knowing your camera settings and being on continuous mode. Having your focus set and knowing the direction of light. Even with all of this done, a celebrant could move to a spot that shades the couple and in a 2 or 3 second window, you don’t have time to politely ask them to move. You snap the shots and hope for the best.

If the kiss is a must-get-shot for you as a bride or groom, then keep your heads straight and hold for at least 3 seconds. In 3 seconds, a professional wedding photographer can get what they need to be able to deliver you with a great shot of the kiss. If it doesn’t matter so much, do whatever you feel comfortable with. I’m not a fan of telling my couples what to do. I give a small amount of creative direction but if they don’t want a long kiss, they don’t have to. After all, the couple will be looking at their wedding photos a lot more than their photographer!

Is the kiss shot a must-get-shot for a professional wedding photographer?

The Kiss - is it a must-get-shot?