When in doubt turn to the experts. I have been asked to do a wedding shoot in two weeks. The person wants the pictures done with a digital. I have explained to them the problem with blowing up digital pictures and they are ok with it. Can any of you offer me some tips or suggestions in regards to wedding photo shoots. I have done some of the basic shots before like the crossed hands etc, but could use any tips that you can suggest.

I do not shoot weddings It is one of only two or three things that I will not shoot. This is a personal decision based on pain and suffering that people incur during the divorce process which occurs with over 80% of all marriages in the US. I apologize if anyone finds that upsetting or cold, but that is my own personal belief. With that out of the way I would recommend that you try and get the following shots: Before the ceremony: Bride with her Father Bride with her Mother Bride with both parents. Bride preparing (getting dressed) Bride Alone In the church or during a private moment as a non-traditional portrait Groom Alone Same as above. Groom with each parent and both parents (same as bride stuff) During the ceremony: (Check with priest, minister etc. as to what is acceptable) Brides maids, flower girls, ring bearers etc. coming down the aisle Bride coming down the aisle (on both of these try to position yourself so that you are not shooting all the people in the church, just the key players) Father giving daughter away Shot of entire wedding party on the alter. Shot of the You may kiss the bride part. Shots of the couple leaving the alter Shots of bridal party leaving the alter. Shots to be staged after the ceremony and before leaving the church: Hand shot of the rings being placed on each others hands Bride and groom on the alter facing each other. Groom lifting brides vale (if she is wearing one). Couple kneeling, praying, or having sex on the alter (oops scratch the last one). Shots after leaving the church and before the reception: (It is up to you to a suitable location. I would recommend that you find a park of some sort that is between the church and the reception place that offers a beautiful backdrop and allows you to shoot in open shade). Group Shots: Entire wedding party Bride with Brides maids Groom with best man and ushers Ring bearer and flower girl Ring Bearer and flower girl with coupleBride and Groom with both sets of parents Bride with her parents Bride with his parents Groom with his parents Groom with her parents Bride and Groom with both sets of parents Brides maids alone Best man and ushers alone. Brides maids and male counterparts without the couple At the reception: Couple arriving First dance Cake cutting ceremony Garter throwing Bouquet throwing A lot of candid shots of all the key players Any special requests. I have probably missed some shots, but I hope this helps

I have to agree with you Alpha on not doing weddings, if this were not a special request from a freind I would be staying a 100 miles away from a wedding shoot. I have done backup candids before for people but never as the primary photographer. The couple said that the have about 17 shots in mind, and most will be in the church. Sounds like mostly indoor shots *-( not a strong point for the digitals. Oh well maybe I will take a couple 35 mil cameras with me just in case. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have done one set of wedding photos -FOR MY BROTHER- who also does that sort of thing on the side. He seemed pleased with the results. As a person who has been married and received my own set of photos I agree with Alpha's list which was quite complete. Indoor photos witha digital is horrible. In fact indor photos with a 35mm can be a bit tough as well. You may want to bring additional lights for the posed - group shots. Also you may want to consider taking the posed group, minister, wedding party, ect pictures-BEFORE the wedding. It can avoid the later rush to vacate the premises and hustle and bustle which can occure before the reception. And everyone generally looks their best befor the ceremony anyway. However there may be a problem with the groom seeing the bride before the wedding. If so, no problem, just do everything else before and the bride and groom pictures after the wedding. Are you going to attempt to use a camcorder? If so. You may want to consider candid coment after the wedding or placing the camera at the entrance way to record people as they file in. Because you are the official photographer don't hesitate to stand infront of others inorder to get you picture. And behind or slightly over the minster is the best place to get the "first kiss". Just remember to ask the minister before climbing into the pulpit! Good luck with the bouqut toss. And the crossed hand with ring eposure. Bsteph

thanks bsteph

Just to throw my 2-pennies-worth in, I don't know about in the US, but over here one of the most common shots is of the couple signing the register in the church after the ceremony. If you do the 'signing' thing over there, it may be worth adding to the list. Ta. Mike (",)

Any tips and suggestions are welcome, thanks JordyArt

Good luck....... I don't really have any suggestions on the topic either. Just glad it's not me. I could never do weddings, no real moral issue, I just wouldn't want to be responsible for screwing up and not pleasing the couple. Thats just me though... I average like one good image a month...

Most of the wedding photos I've seen have been so..sentimental. But I guess there is no other way of doing it, I'm just not a big fan of the whole white church wedding thing. Actually there was a nice wedding photo of my cousin and her husband, they are sort of standing almost with their backs to the photographer, turning their heads around smiling, in the low light of the sunset. It's a nice shot, but kind of hard to pull off I think. My cousin is an ex model so I guess that makes the job sort of easier. Anyway just wanna say good luck, don't have much else to contribute with. I don't do much portraits at all. I'd like to but I can't find anyone to photograph.. heh. They all run away screaming.

If the bride is good looking, find out is she has a sister.

One other tip. When facing the congregation, or any group do not do as I did one day. The scene was good,but the camera did not fire the flash. My mouth made the words "S-O-B " very clearly to the entire 200+ people seated in the Cathedral Chapel. Fortunately it was the wedding of my college rommate and good friend. 40 years later we still meet for lunch every few months. Time exposure shots work well in churches and chapels.

I'm also due to do a wedding shoot for a friend, but this is going to be next year. It's a good thing she is also hiring another photographer, so no pressure on my part except that I'm the one who is supposed to take the b/w and sepia shots-- the artsy fartsy shots. I feel iffy about weddings myself, and I don't like taking the 1,2,3-click shots. Oh heck. I still have 10 months to dawdle.

Thanks for all the tips and good luck wishes from everyone.I think I will need them. I guess I will just have to take lots of shots and hope for the best.