Shooting a wedding for the first time is an exciting and rewarding experience. Perhaps you've always enjoyed photography and the bridal couple admires your work. Or, maybe the budget is tight and you're the only one in the family with a good camera. Being the main photographer at a wedding brings you to a new level of experience.

The type of equipment you have will determine not just the film you use, but where the best shots will be created. Use only the tools you are familiar with and know how to use. A 35mm or digital SLR with a lens encompassing 28mm to 105mm is sufficient. Having a back-up camera and flash available, which you may not use, is highly recommended.

After your camera, the most important piece of equipment is your flash. A powerful and reliable flash is critical, since the majority of your shots require it. To illuminate the bridal couple and small groups, some photographers use a single large flash with wide coverage mounted on a bracket above the camera. To help soften shadows, try using a Lumiquest Softbox or any kind of diffuser in front of your flash.

For larger groups it is recommended to use a studio lighting set-up. To achieve this, use two flashes, perhaps AC-powered units, mounted on stands, aimed slightly towards the outer edges of the posing area so the coverage will be even.

Proper lighting for the formal group shots is important, since the light level must be consistent over the entire area where people will be posed. A larger lighting setup will help assure that an ornate altar or staircase is properly lit. If this type of lighting is new to you, set up your equipment and shoot some test shots several weeks before the wedding to make sure you have the equipment you need and confidence in your techniques. NEVER, NEVER use new or otherwise unfamiliar equipment on the day of the wedding. The use of a light meter is critical in assuring consistent illumination throughout the area where the wedding party will be standing.

If you don't have a powerful flash, consider moving your portrait session outdoors. Many beautiful images of bridal couples are created in less formal surroundings. Scout around the area before the day to locate any scenic areas where the couple may stand. Perhaps an evergreen shrub or other foliage, a railing or a stone bench will add to the charm of your portraits.

Besides your photographic equipment, make sure you have plenty of batteries for camera and flash and more film than you know you will shoot. If you are using AC-powered lights, have some long extension cords. If you are shooting digital, have more memory than you know you will need and have a spare memory card available in case you encounter card error. Also, for every power cord or sync cord you use, have a spare along with you.

On the day of the wedding, if possible, arrive earlier than the bride. This will allow you time to set up your equipment, check it out, collect yourself and mentally prepare yourself for the task. As photographer, you may be called on to be an impromptu hair designer, floral arranger, negotiator or psychologist to help diffuse any situation which arises. A photographer needs to be a source of calmness, not to add to the tension of the day.
After the formal shots are done and the wedding is underway, make sure you find a place to tuck yourself into to catch the processional. After the bride walks down the aisle, go to the back of the church to set up your camera for a few timed exposures. A balcony is a great vantage point for capturing a panoramic view of the ceremony. Of course, you donít want to use your flash on these, so before the wedding starts, check your ambient light for proper exposure settings. Set your tripod up before the wedding to ìreserve your space.

After the couple has walked down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, be ready to capture as much of the emotion and hugs and kisses as you can. This is a good time to stay right by the couple because that is where the action is. After that, start to venture out.

You may have already talked with the bride about what photos she may want, but have your own list and try to get as many different people photographed as possible. Make sure you photograph the grandparents and other family members who may not be in the limelight but are very precious to the couple. Try to catch people in casual settings being themselves.

In the end, memories fade, but you and your camera have captured the day for eternity. What you are able to give to the bridal couple will be one of their most prized possessions for many years to come. That's a good feeling and the reason why many photographers keep shooting weddings.