http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122140

I posted something similar, that thread is the tips I got. Hope it helps

Be sure to have an idea of what the family wants out of the pictures. For a lot of people all they want to get are the simple family shots / man wife shots etc. If they want something more creative then go for it ! Also if you can help it I would use rapid shot during important moments you cant re-create. It would suck to have someone blinking and ruining that great moment.

I have done a few weddings, (and doing another on 1 Nov), though of all the photography that I have done or currently do, it is my least favorite. It is definitely a niche. It can be lucrative ... but I have noticed that many wedding photogs base their whole system around what they do because that's how they make their money. It is stressful for sure because people usually expect their pics to be perf so there is a lot on your shoulders. That said, here is my suggestion.

Get a list of the shots you should be taking .... these are what most people expect from a wedding photographer such as all the group shots with family, wife's family, groom's family, the flower toss, etc etc etc ... if you can't find it lmk and I will email you mine. Next and preferably you have a second photographer because you want to get candids. Candids are great esp when people look their best. You want candids because these fill in the portfolio (prints) between all the formal shots.

In regards to gear I would suggest you have an external flash by then and a stroboframe as well as the best low f/stop lens you an afford. Some of the shots you will want beautiful DOF. Also you may need an external battery for the flash too but at minimum you want to have extra batteries for both the camera and the flash. I have the camera grip on my camera which I find useful for portrait, wedding and fashion stuff. I usually have it on 24/7.

In regards to PP of the wedding pics I would suggest Aperture if you use a MAC or Lightroom if you have a PC. I use LR.

Shoot RAW btw and get high enough capacity cards to take 800-1000 shots because that's what you will end up taking.

My two pennies.

This post was edited by Solarves on Oct 19 2008 01:25pm

i dont know but good luck anyways

Hey bro. wow this greatly helped me. Becuz i am only 18, just bought a 450d kit. And your post gave so much ideas and things to spot of. Thanks mate.

P.S i am also goin to help friend take his wedding. Dunno how is it going to be like. And step by steps instructions? I am with 0 experiance on weddings.

portraits are usually best if you get the people capture them in a natural pose. It will probably help seen as you know most of them fairly well i'm guessing.

oh and yea most people will probably tell you this but anyway, make sure u have enough battery power take spare batteries too in case. ask who needs photographing in what groups, and that you have enough memory card space. As im guessing you'll be taking quite a lot of images.