GroupShots

What takes up 10 mins to prepare just for a few seconds of clicks?

Yup, group shots on the pelamin.

This can be very, very annoying for the pengantin, the photographer, the mak andam and those already on the pelamin. Especially if we are running out of time.

But what’s the rush for?

a) Pengantin needs to change to their next outfit.
b) Pengantin needs to have their lunch.
c) Pengantin needs to rush off to the Groom’s side. (and its 30 mins away)
d) There’s a long long Q of family and friends and colleagues and…

So please, here’s a simple few tips for pengantin as you prepare your wedding day programe; (of course there could be any other more efficient ways)

1. MAKE A LIST

   Who’s getting up the pelamin, at what time.

   After nikah, its always the parents FIRST, followed by the siblings and perhaps the closest cousins and aunts / uncles. For bersanding, after the kompang performance, PLEASE get the parents ready at the pelamin, for sembah salam, followed by family shoot, including siblings. Then the aunts / uncles / cousins and friends / colleagues.

   This list should be handed to the DJ AND the bridesmaids and groomsmen, so they would do the calls.

   Bridesmaids and groomsmen SHALL BE THE LAST in the Q – as a closure of the photo session. This means the pengantin will be having their lunch immediately after their photo session with the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

2. CROWD CONTROL

   Someone have to make the call. The DJ / Mak Andam and the Photographers / Videographers – WE DON’T KNOW who’s who. We can assist, but still we do not know who’s missing in the group.

   Many many cases had happened whereby we have taken the shot, then the aunt / uncle called out, “EH, WHY NEVER CALL ME?” And this even happened AFTER the DJ had called out for the guests names.

   We don’t mind taking another shot, but having 4,5,6 times of WHY NEVER CALL ME is very unnecessary.

   Crowd control is NOT part of our job, but any assistance would be VERY MUCH appreciated. Hint – bridesmaids and groomsmen.

3. ARRANGEMENTS

   

   You can see the photographer. The photographer may NOT be able to see you.
   Especially if you’re 1.5m tall and standing behind the groom’s tanjak or the bride’s sanggul lintang. Your face could have been covered and all we see is your eyes, or forehead, or none.

   PLEASE let us arrange where you should stand. If you’re with your spouse, let us know too. We would try not to separate both of you in an awkward arrangement.

4. CAMERA PHONES

   a) Yes, you’d want to have the photos on your iPhones / Samsung / Huawei / Oppo etc. So please tell us POLITELY, not just shoving up the phones to our faces.

   And then your phone was locked. OR not enough memory. Or dead battery.

   b) For ONE group, ONE camera phone would be enough. You can send the images to the rest of the group via what’s app, etc.

   Having 2,3,4 maybe even 5 phones for us to shoot means you have to stand and pose longer on the pelamin. You’d be doing 2,3,4,5 times of candid / fun shots too. That would take up 2,3,4,5 mins already.

   Best part, you get ready to LEAVE even BEFORE the official photographer takes your group photo. Especially when you have someone to use the camera phones for you.

   d) Oh, then you forget to take back your camera phone. Please look it up in Carousell. Thank you!

   

5. CANDID / FUNSHOT!!!

   Yeah it’s meant to be fun, but still not every one is fun enough. *cricket sounds

   Please have some respect, or actually by right, THE ULTIMATE RESPECT for the King and Queen of the day, the pengantin, especially when they are dressed in the royal costume.

   NEVER EVER AT ALL mess their headgear.
   NOPE. NOT FUN. NOT FUNNY.

   Every Mak Andam could have killed you with just their stares if murder is legal.

6. Other things to take note:

   a) Please be careful of the space on the pelamin. If there is not much space on the back of the throne / chair, please let us know. Or simply stand to the sides. Watch out for steps and the uneven carpet.

   b) You may want to share seats with the pengantin, if there’s enough space. Of course upon their consent.

   c) Sometimes, the pengantin has already started walking off the pelamin when you just arrived. You may want to have a photo taken with them standing, NOT asking them back on the pelamin.

   d) When the pengantin is already seated for their lunch / meal, please have the courtesy NOT to interrupt by asking for photo session. We usually would not entertain your requests, simply because it’s simply rude. Let them eat in peace, please.

   

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I could have missed out a thing or two, so please leave me a comment, ya?