Weddings. Just the mere mention of the word strikes terror in the hearts of many photographers. It isn’t that they’re difficult to do, it’s the fact that a wedding is the most important day of a couple’s life, and to be charged with recording it is a responsibility almost on a par with being asked to deliver their first-born.

To be sure, wedding photography isn't for everyone. But assuming your technical skills are up to scratch (and if they aren’t, you shouldn’t even consider letting yourself loose on someone’s big day) your problems are mainly about time and crowd management.  

As every boy scout knows, the key is to be prepared. Meet the couple in advance to discuss their needs. Make a list of who you need to photograph. Although the candid reportage approach is fashionable, take some posed shots too, to be sure of securing at least one flattering, in-focus shot of all the key players.

If you can, visit the venues in advance. Look for good backgrounds. Work out where the light is going to be when you’ll be shooting and factor that in. If, say, the wedding venue is an ugly registry office, perhaps you could do the pictures at the reception.

Check whether pictures are allowed during the service itself, and on any caveats that may apply (such as no flash).

1 Wedding Photography - What you need

Here are a few of the things you’ll need, in order to photograph a wedding

SPARE SLR BODY
It’s assumed you’ll be using a digital SLR, but if you’re the official photographer it’s essential to take more than one body, even though you’re unlikely to use it. Otherwise, what if your camera breaks down during the big day? Few photographers have the luxury of two DSLR bodies,  so chances are you’ll have to borrow one from a mate or take an old film SLR body.

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS
Take twice as many media cards as you think you’ll need. Make sure you have at least one spare battery, even if it’s the expensive Li-Ion kind. Battery failure is not an option.
Some photographers take a flash for subtle fill-light, others take a folding reflector (though you’d need an assistant to hold that).

TRIPOD
Though not essential for most shots (and a real hindrance for candids), a tripod can be useful for some of the posed shots, especially the big groups, where you can leave the camera set up and talk to your group directly, rather than barking directions from behind the camera. It’s also handy for posed shots of the bride and groom, as it leaves you free to adjust the bride’s dress etc without moving the camera.

2 Wedding photography - Forward planning

If you can, visit the venues in advance to see where the sun will be, and scout for locations for the posed photos. Seek places away from direct sun and with undistracting (but not ugly) backgrounds. Make a list of the shots you need to take (exchanging rings, cutting the cake etc). Find out if there are any restrictions on photography. Check your equipment beforehand to ensure that everything is working, batteries are charged and you have spares. Pack a back-up camera, just in case. Check all your settings too.