Wedding photography tips

I'm getting started shooting weddings and would like to get more information from the pro's and second shooters out there. Just hands on wedding shooting tips. Anything you can share would be appreciated.

Thank you

A quick google came up with these, and hundreds more......
www.photopoly.net/wedding-photography-tips/
www.christophermaxwell.com/wedding-photography-tips.htm
www.digital-photography-school.com/weddi...edding-photographers

One thing to always remember, no matter how much you disagree, the client is always right. If the bride said, she told you to shoot from the church roof (although she didn't) you agree that is what she said, then tell her you are not going to shoot from the church's roof. lol

Have back-ups of all necessary gear. Bodies and lenses are obvious, but anything you need to get the job done needs a back-up: flashes, batteries, cords, etc...

Bounce on-camera flash when possible.

A rotating flash bracket is very handy.

Sit down with the couple a few weeks before the wedding and make a plan/schedule.

Use CTO gel to match flash color to indoor, tungsten lighting color.

Eat a banana before and/or after the wedding to avoid leg cramps. Drink lots of water.

For outdoor portraits position people so they aren't looking into something bright (sky, white building, etc...). If they are looking into something bright they will be squinting.

The minute you get your hands covered in BBQ sauce the most photogenic thing is going to happen, so only one photog eats at a time.

Keep extra batteries handy for body and flash. Have an extra memory card in your pocket.

Have a plan for filled memory cards. Keep them separate from empty mem cards. Put them someplace secure. Always take a quick look at what's on the card before formatting. Do not reuse cards until everything is thoroughly backed up.

Don't leave gear behind. Try to put things back in the case, and always give a last look over of any shooting location before leaving.

Don't worry about changing lenses or other gear a lot. Just work with the lens that's on your camera, and keep your eyes on the action.

Show up early.

Use gear and techniques you are used to. Don't buy new gear, and expect to learn it on the job. Get it early, and practice.

Be extra nice to the pastor, church lady, florist, caterer, event location staff, etc... You may never see the B & G again, but you'll probably be working with these folks next weekend.

Turn off camera beeps.

Wear shoes that are appropriate for a long day of standing and walking.

More people = slower. If possible try to get away from people who are not involved with the photography. An audience while taking posed photos will result in a lot more shots with people talking and looking away. People seem to think that the camera won't notice that they aren't looking at it or that they are talking out of the side of their mouth, but it does. Very clearly.

Err on the side of too much DOF with groups of people. A back row that looks sharp on the LCD could be pretty soft in an 8"x10".

Shoot raw for easy wb adjustment.

Get paid in advance.

Have a contract. The primary shooter should have a contract with the couple even if it's friends or family or being shot for free. People always make assumptions. Putting everything in writing before the wedding makes it all clear what is going on, what is being delivered, etc... People get more worked up when they find out their assumptions are wrong after the fact than they do when it's discussed ahead of time. The second shooter should have a contract with the primary photographer as to who controls and can use the photos, payment, job description, etc...

Carry a lint roller, safety pins, small knife or scissors, other things to deal with wardrobe malfunctions. Make sure you have any tools that might be required to tighten screws or fix gear. For instance I've gotten a flash cord stuck on an umbrella holder, and I found a pair of pliers very handy. My flash bracket is old, and the allen screws occasionally need tightening. Duct tape can be handy in emergencies.

Be extra careful around the cake table. I've seen cakes collapse just from people walking by. You don't want to be blamed for a flimsy cake or shaky table. Don't walk backwards. It's too easy to run into people and stuff or fall in a fountain, etc...

Warn the groom not to pull on the veil when they put their arm around the bride.

Whole page of wedding tips: www.photographytalk.com/wedding-photography-tips