Wedding photography is synonymous with photographer stress. How to survive this most perilous of assignments? Follow these simple rules.

The Shot List

Prior to your worrying about your equipment, you have to ascertain precisely what photos are required. Some brides will already have this worked out. Other brides may just expect you to know instinctively what is needed. If she says anything like that be ready to flee – or have a list of your own prepared. You’ll be much better off if you ask for and receive a list of the needed photos.

A shooting list is best broken down into three general categories:

1. Prior to the Ceremony
2. The Ceremony
3. Subsequent to the Ceremony

Prior to the Ceremony

These shots can take in the following:

* The bride getting dressed
* The bride together with her friends
* The bride with her parents
* The groom with his friends
* The groom and parents
* The wedding dress
* Getting into the limo
* Sitting in the limo
* Arriving at the church

A few of these can be candid photos. Some work better if you pose them.

The Ceremony

These photos depend on the venue and if you are allowed to shoot the actual exchange of vows, etc. Ask the bride to find out if you can shoot during the ceremony. If possible, place yourself on the groom’s side so you can frame the bride’s face. Remember, always concentrate on getting good shots of the bride.

These photos should include:

* shots of the bride and groom showing their outfits and celebrant.
* Take medium distance photos of the bride and groom.
* Three quarter length to full length of the entire bridal party including the maids and groomsmen.
* Semi-close-ups (head and upper torso) of the bride and the groom together.
* The ring (close-up on the hands if you can zoom in fast otherwise go for the semi-close-up)
* The kiss (semi close-up)

Lighting plays a big part in the ceremony shots. Flash is too harsh and intrusive so do your best with the available lighting – it’s probably adequate. If there is a rehearsal, ask if you can come along and get an idea of how well or poorly lit the scene will be on the big day. Make sure you use a tripod.

Turn your camera’s shutter sound off. Do that so you can shoot many frames without disturbing the event. The more the better. Set the camera to multiple frames and hold the shutter down at the important moments. Nothing else known to man has spoiled more photos than the frozen blink. The solution is to take lots of frames.

Be ready to move fast so you can take the new couple as they leave the altar. Now this is an important wedding photography tip: Take advantage of the rehearsal to see where you can move so you can stay ahead of the action.  Flash can be used when the couple face the congregation and leave the alter. You can see more about this under the heading ‘Equipment’.

Following the Ceremony

Once more some of these could be candid and some should be posed. These should comprise:

* The bride and groom outside the church/venue with well-wishers
* The confetti moment (just hold the shutter down!)
* The bouquet
* Groups of bride and groom and all parents
* Getting into the limo
* Sitting in the limo
* The limo itself if it has been tricked up with cans and graffiti etc.

After-After the Ceremony

These usually need to be planned ahead. Take the happy couple to a park, a beach, some location you have scouted out beforehand. The bride will definitely want some full length photos that show the dress to good effect, you should pose these. Time to relax and be natural – some great and touching photos can be captured here. Find an attractive location with soft lighting and shoot with your zoom, also do some semi-posed shots.

This includes the reception. Stay with the main action and resist being pulled away by enthusiastic guests who will probably never remember those shots they just had to have on the day.

Cutting the cake is one definite shot. You may have the bridal table on your list – if not just do a general coverage of the toasts. The most wanted and treasured pictures will probably be the ceremony so concentrate on that.

Group photos at the reception can get out of hand so request a helper to organize these.

The Completed Product

It is best to supply a Compact disk or DVD with the unusable edited out. Anything that makes you look bad is a dud. For added effect you can use video editing software to quickly make a slide show of the event in sequence. If an image will not print clear and sharp at A4 size it should be classed as a dud. Place a watermark on each picture if you are providing proofs and taking orders, otherwise simply include a finished CD of the best photos in your fee.