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Archive 2013 · Tea Ceremony Advice

  
 
tonyhart
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Tea Ceremony Advice


Hi all,

I'm shooting a wedding that involves a Chinese Tea Ceremony ahead of the legal part of the wedding. I've never shot one of these before. I've done some research and I understand the main elements of the ceremony, but the bride and groom aren't very familiar with the ceremony either so they didn't have any particular pointers for me, other than to make sure that the parents are as involved in the images as the bride and groom themselves.

I was wondering, can anyone who has experience of this give me any feedback? I'm not too concerned about it, because frankly I intend to shoot what I see, but any pitfalls or insights would be appreciated if coming from those more experienced with this part of a wedding.

Cheers guys!



Jun 18, 2013 at 11:44 AM
SloPhoto
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Tea Ceremony Advice


Key moments
-Groom's side holding the trays of food/gifts
-The exchange between the grooms side and the brides maids
-The couple passing the tea to each elder
-Each elder passing a red envelope or other gift to the couple

Sometimes they will want a "formal" shot with each elder/couple.



Jun 18, 2013 at 11:49 AM
Squirrely Eyed
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Tea Ceremony Advice


Don't forget all the bowing.

The couple will usually be standing adjacent and facing the elders directly, who are adjacent. You may need to work with them a little on positioning if you want side shots with everybody in.



Jun 18, 2013 at 12:05 PM
bwield
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Tea Ceremony Advice


I've usually worked at as two photos for each exchange (because of the positioning)
- Bride + groom receiving gift
- Parents / whom ever giving gift

By the third or fourth exchange you will have it down



Jun 18, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Jeff Simpson
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Tea Ceremony Advice


tony - here's one i did a few weeks ago. it's pretty cool and mostly straightforward. but hopefully yours is in a nicer and larger venue.

http://jeffsimpsonphoto.com/blog/rosslyn-va-china-garden-wedding-photography-noy-thomas/



Jun 18, 2013 at 12:10 PM
Nikon_14
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Tea Ceremony Advice


The door games before the groom gets in the bride's house to get to the tea ceremony are really cool.


Jun 18, 2013 at 12:34 PM
ai3x
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Tea Ceremony Advice


I've done quite a lot of these. Give me a call if you want to chat.


Jun 18, 2013 at 12:45 PM
tonyhart
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Tea Ceremony Advice


Cheers guys! Pretty much as I expected so think I should have it covered. They're getting married at a hotel with just a really small, intimate party so it should be quite straightforward I think. Thanks all!


Jun 18, 2013 at 02:36 PM
twenty4fps
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Tea Ceremony Advice


Are they having the tea ceremony at their house/parent's house? Many times, it is at the parent's house and things can be a little cramped. Just be prepared.
Are they changing outfits? Sometimes our couples will have multiple gowns for the tea ceremony.

Added a few things to what was said above (although each can be different depending on what traditions they want to incorporate):
-Groom's side holding the trays of food/gifts
+++ Family welcoming the Groom's side into the house
-The exchange between the grooms side and the brides maids
+++ Gifts to bride from parents (usually jewlery)
+++ Parents bowing to Ancestors
+++ Couple bowing to Ancestors
-The couple passing the tea to each elder
-Each elder passing a red envelope or other gift to the couple

True that usually people will take "formals" with each family after (or they will do this at the reception).



Jun 18, 2013 at 05:39 PM
Ian Boys
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Tea Ceremony Advice


28 speedlights and blitz it.


Jun 19, 2013 at 03:47 AM
Ghost
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Tea Ceremony Advice


Don't get too close. The last thing you want to cause spillage. That is bad luck.... instant body separation by horses. Not good for you.

Depending on the family, some may have some really neat detailed tea sets that might be worth photographing. Also the pouring of tea is an art form. Might be lost now in modern days. Just keep an eye.



Jun 19, 2013 at 10:35 AM





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