Dear Wendi Wednesday: What's the deal with disposable cameras?

Wendi,

I just had a random question that I keep forgetting to ask you. What are your thoughts on putting out disposable cameras for guests? I've always thought it was a fun idea, knowing that the pictures would be terrible and goofy, because the guests might have fun with it and there's always the slight chance of getting a decent picture. However I don't know if it's considered tacky, or if it might cause problems for the real photographer or anything. Just wanted to get your thoughts on that. Thanks a lot!

-N.A., Seattle



Hi N.A.,

Thanks for the email. I think that if you like the idea of the disposable cameras, then let's go for it. Your expectations of the pictures is pretty accurate! I do like to suggest putting together a "strategy" for your guests and the pictures they take. I think it is beneficial to put together a list of shots, like a scavenger hunt of pictures. Meaning, on each table we will print guest cards with 5 or 6 specific shots for those guest to capture. We can do 2 or 3 different scavenger lists on different tables so you get a variety of shots. Some examples of this might be: Take a picture of

• The B&G dancing,
• The Bride & Groom kissing
• The cutest shoes at the table
• Every couple at the table
• The cake
• Parents of the Bride
• Parents of the Groom
• Children at the table
• Etc.

To avoid guest disturbing the professional photographer, I would suggest not having the "key moments" on the scavenger hunt list. So, no cake cutting photo op, or father daughter dance moment, etc. Your photographer is also a professional, so they are used to cropping shots, using different lenses, or asking people to move aside for him/her to do their job. This shouldn't be a problem.

Lastly, it is important to designate someone near the end of the night to take "good quality" pictures with the remaining film on each camera, so there is not a bunch of leftover pictures on all the cameras before they collect them for you. These pictures I hope will be worth keeping! If there are some not full cameras, then take them on your honeymoon and capture more amazing fun memories. You will get them developed far faster than the 6 to 8 weeks your photographer can take!

All the best,

Wendi