Tips for Using Disposable Cameras at Wedding Receptions

In addition to hiring a professional photographer, many couples opt to place single-use disposable cameras at the reception tables for guests to take snapshots. Ideally, the couple hopes to get candid action shots they might not otherwise receive with a professional photographer. After the wedding, the happy couple discovers half of the disposable cameras "disappeared" and the pictures that are developed are a bunch of blurry shots of the backs of people's heads. If you're putting single-use cameras out on the tables for wedding reception guests to use, here are a few things to note.

Number the cameras:

Using a magic marker, write a number on each camera corresponding with the table number. Guests are much less likely to swipe it if they know the couple is accounting for each camera.

Place a friendly note with the disposable camera:

Write a short note next to each camera on the table, politely asking guests to take snapshots at their table during the reception. In the note, leave a friendly reminder for the guests to leave the camera on the table. Again, this thwarts would-be thieves and encourages the guests to use the camera. Often times, the camera sits unused as the guests take photos with their own camera.

Buy disposable cameras with a flash:

If your reception will be held inside, disposable cameras with a flash are a must. Otherwise, you'll end up with a bunch of grainy, dark and dingy photos. Even if your venue is outside, once the sun sets, you'll need the flash.

Keep your expectations low:

Think you're going to get hundreds of fun shots of Aunt Mary tearin' it up on the dance floor or Grandma stuffing her face with cake? Think again. Sure, there might be a few good wedding reception shots within the rolls, but in most cases, they'll be few and far between. Many guests won't even use the camera because they brought their own. Disposable cameras at the reception tables are no substitute for a professional photographer. Don't expect much out of these photos and you won't be disappointed later.

Be mindful of the development costs:

These days, everyone's so used to using a digital camera that the failed shots of fingers blocking the viewfinder are deleted and never see the light of day. With disposable cameras, you do not know what's on the roll until you bring the developed shots back from the drugstore. If your 5-year-old niece gets a hold of the camera, you might end up paying for 50 snapshots of Uncle Bob's wingtips.

Lastly, think about ditching the disposable camera idea:

Most people are going to bring their digital camera anyway, and chances are, they'd be willing to send you digital copies of the photos via email or Facebook. Digital cameras take much clearer pictures than disposable cameras, and the cost of the single-use cameras adds up quickly!