nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I have always dressed for the occasion but times have changed.

For Church Weddings:

I require our staff to wear suits. We have two male and one female shooter and she always is dressed well..... (even in the July August miserable heat) First, we are being seen by a lot of people and future clients. I want for our group to look professional, sharp, as well as produce a quality product.

Weddings outside as in a Beach Wedding:

I visit with the Bride and usually mom before the wedding and we decide then but at the least we are dressed business casual (no jeans, no t-shirts, no sandals) sport coats and slacks.

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jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

i totally agree...and if you are a pro...you should look the part also!

Paw Paw Bill Loc: d

Always - a nice suit with tie (not open collar). Even if the vast majority of the crowd are t-shirt/bluejean.

Coat off during setup, but on any time the camera is in your hands to get a shot (as compared to being in your hands for setting up the camera)

I have a couple dozen suits, 150 or so silk ties and a closet full of dress shirts in a variety of colors.(I select color of suit, tie and shirt based on bride's color theme)

Photography classes in Fayetteville nc Loc: Fayetteville, NC

I was a guest at a wedding last weekend and had the opportunity to observe the photographer and his assistants. I could not help but wonder, what has happened to looking professional at a wedding?

I don't want to hear any excuses about I can't work in a suit. I did and do, and all of my colleagues did in the past. We took our profession serious on all levels, we looked and acted professional. How can we expect to get respect from our clients and the general public if we don't even look like we take the job seriously enough to dress for the occasion?

Dress the part people. Don't be an embarrassment to other professionals.

If the wedding is on the beach or outdoors, different story. Still that is no excuse for not being properly attired when the conditions are more relaxed. Otherwise, suits for men, dress pants for women, clean shirts, ties for men, shoes that have been shined, jackets for all.

Hard to ask for premium dollars when you look like minimum wage help.

wrei

When in Rom, do like the Romains do. A very old saying but it also applies to your question. The photographer should be respectful to the couple and dress business like, but not too different from the other guests.

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

In my area I've seen many photogs (I don't typically do weddings, but when I have done a few I dressed this way) wearing a black turtleneck and black pants (black sports shirt in summer) and black soft-rubber-bottomed shoes so they are as inconspicuous and quiet as possible while working. The women photogs do the same with a black blouse and black slacks or longer black skirt and black soft-rubber-bottomed flat shoes.

Crouching, squatting, crawling, and other such activities are somewhat restricted by suit type clothing that fits the body correctly and doesn't stretch. I can't imagine anything worse than trying to focus on your photography work while cooking in a suit coat on a 100 degree day.

The all black clothed "artist" type get-up also sets the photographer off from the crowd when the time comes to give direction to photo subjects, similar to the way a cop uniform demands you pay attention to him. I would consider the all-black idea to be a uniform that is just as proper as a suit but far more versatile.

alaskanfrog Loc: Alaska

If you are the photographer and not actually a part of the wedding ceremony, then it's not offensive to dress comfortably as long as your attire isn't outrageous. If you're not going to be a part of the proceedings and will just be there to take photos, I'd check with the party involved about what they want. Ask if it's alright to be there in casual dress, since you won't be a part of the actual wedding, I'm sure they won't mind. If someone is video taping the wedding, then perhaps more appropriate attire is in order...

Paw Paw Bill Loc: d

Photographers are seen as prominently as any of the wedding party. If hidden in the crowd then casual is fine.

But, up front and visible, I would not dress casual. Just my take on the subject. If we all liked only mashed pototoes under our gravy then the rice farmers would be out of business. To each (with bride's approval) his own.

debbiesweds

I always wear black dressy shirt or sweater and black slacks and shoes. I think that distinguishes you from the crowd as few people wear black pants and shirt and also so you do not jump out - especially at the wedding - you want to blend in more. Just has always seemed like the attire that would be the most appropriate.

ked Loc: California

I always ask the bride and groom how they would like me to dress but I would never show up in jaens and t-shirt

PWhisperer Loc: Allentown, PA

Dress sharp , business casual. I do, and nobody ever complains. The client wont care that u aren't wearing a suit if your photos are great.

Roger Salls Loc: Stratford, CT

I couldn't agree more with your philosophyb regarding dressing the part, YOU'RE A PROFESSIONAL DRESS LIKE ONE! Last summer I was on the campus of Columbia Univ in NY City, there was a very highend wedding party at the chapel and there was the photographer dressed like a vagrant. We were visiting the university, not any part of the wedding and I felt embarrassed because this guy was making my profession look bad. All I can say is "DRESS FOR THE OCCAISION!

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

I agree fully.

People are assuming I said earlier to dress casual but I tried to imply that wearing a black flexible top and stretchy black slacks with comfortable black shoes is a universal "working uniform" to avoid standing out. Black is a universal lack of color and it blends with anything. I'd also add that the clothes should be chosen to not rustle, crunch, or make swishing sounds as thighs rub together while walking around the occasion. Shoes should be chosen to not clack heels against the floor, creak as they flex, or squeak on the floor surface.

I personally wouldn't want to be wearing a suit that doesn't match the color scheme of the bridal party and stand out like a rodeo clown as I clashed with them constantly throughout the service. I also don't want to spend a fortune buying a rack of suits to try to fit every color scheme a bride could come up with, then have to pre-event coordinate myself to them.

A nice black "uniform", in my opinion, is no less appropriate for a wedding shoot than a suit - and it's a lot easier to work in.

English_Wolf Loc: Near Pensacola, FL

It is not what you wear as a pro that is important it is what the bride and groom are wearing and what they expected of us that determines what we wear.

We always paid attention not to clash or being better dressed than the bridal party as a whole.

Our policy was each photographer had to have three outfits in his car*.
- A plain black tuxedo (no band, no frilly shirt), for formal wedding (and I do mean formal with hats and everything)
- A clean three pieces suit dark grey color with corresponding shirt and subdued plain tie
- The third outfit was lighter to be worn in case of 'accidents' like being spilled on, (usually during the reception) so much more relaxed but still pro.

They had to always wear garters to maintain their shirt and socks straight at all times. Excessive? No. we were upmarket.

Our regular staff photographer were paid $250,00 per 4 to 6 hours (1989 $) and a stipend to have their stuff cleaned after each event. (with that they could afford getting their own tux or rent one for $50 at the nearest rental shop). I still have mine but I am certain I cannot fit in it anymore!!!

Women photographers? We had none.

* and had to dress on arrival so not to get dirty in their car for any reason.

Just Tami Loc: Long Island

As a women I wear black pants thay allow for movement but fit. I wear a long sleeve dress black shirt. I agree with rubber bottomed black shoes as my saftey is important too. I will wear a dress shirt cut straight at the bottom and slightly longer so it looks neat and doesn't need to be tucked in so that the movements of my arms don't make me look like I'm fluffy around the middle I am built small. I never wear black and white because I don't want to look like the waitstaff and be asked for help.