Will be secondary shooting sister's wedding - Hawaii on the beach, daytime

[InfamousDX]

Just looking for any tips. I just found out this week. They already hired a pro but she wants me to lurk around and try to get some good shots as well. I'll admit right now that I have NO experience with weddings but thanks to POTN and other resources, I've become very comfortable with my skills.

After brainstorming, I have a few things I'd like to figure out...
- position of sun with respect to bride + groom and other guests
- outdoor wedding shooting technique (there might not be a need for flash since it's during the day, depending on sun position)
- indoor tips as the reception will be indoors

I would LOVE any tips you guys could possibly have, however simple they may be. Thanks all... my gear is in my sig PLUS I'll be borrowing a 350D to use too. I'm thinking the 20d/tamron primarily and then the one of my other lenses on the 350d (suggestions?).

Seriously... thanks for everything you can spare as this is important to me since it's my sister's.

-Mike

[Jonny]

(there might not be a need for flash since it's during the day, depending on sun position)


I am no pro so i may be really wrong here but in my experience i have gotten some of my better beach shots by using flash in the bright sun.
Bright sun=shadows that need to be filled. The key is to get the balance between flash and the ambient light just right so they do not look flashed.

Sometimes i trust my flash more than i do my ability to get my positioning and exposure correct without it.

[ShootingStars]

This is right up my alley - or beach. Definitely use a flash on the beach during the day. It opens the shadows and defines the subject. One of the things that will set your photos off from the guests is the use of flash.

If the pro seems to be doing a lot of long lens shots go for the wide angle & vice versa. This will provide alternate views.

Do not be afraid to pump the flash up to +2 & +3. The background at the beach is way brighter than you think. While the hired pro (more on that later) is shooting the regular stuff look for interesting "side" elements. Flower girl, mom crying, hands, details of the dress etc. If it is a large wedding some of the guests that are not part of the immediate family are overlooked. Get couple shots and group shots of them.

At the reception, many of those locations have beautiful surroundings. Hey it's Hawaii. Take people out to the lanai (balcony) and get nice view shots. Push the ISO to 800 inside and bounce the flash for nice room fill.

I have always welcomed guests to shoot during my sessions. Just not over my shoulder. But remember that the pro is the one who is being paid to be there (& usually a lot) and many of them are the suffering artist types (please don't start another thread on that comment- you know what I mean) and can get very huffy about a serious second shooter imposing on their turf. So be gracious but keen eyed and your offerings will be much appreciated by the couple.

[InfamousDX]

Thanks for the tips from teh both of you. I'm def. goign to be aware of the pro doing the wedding so I'll be sure to stay out of his way... guess I'll have a chat with him before hand. Thanks again.
-Mike