Do's and Dont's on wedding?

[vinunleaded]

Greeting,
Ive noticed a lot of beautiful first wedding posts on this side of the forums. I think it would be a great idea that these guy share their experience so the new guys can learn. If theres already a thread like this then please disregard. If not...post away!

[auroraskye]

I am sure this will get moved, these posts always get moved.

1) Know how to use your camera. Shoot in manual and in RAW unless you are a super expert in nailing your exposure, but even thing, I still think RAW wins.

2) Know what equipment to use and either OWN it or RENT it. This means fast lenses with wide maximum apertures. You should also have a backup camera or at the very least, a second shooter. Never shoot a wedding, even your first, without some means of backup in case your camera bites the dust or.. you trip and fall and smash it into 100 pieces.

3) Study, study, study. Never stop reading. Study poses for group photos particularly. But be creative. Make lists to help you remember important things, but don't adhere to it like a bible. And don't give it to the bride.

4) Be creative. Capture the day as it happens. Don't ask them to stop and strike a cheesy pose. That's so 1990s :P

5) Stay out of the way! Know where to stand during the ceremony, and don't get in people's way. They're there to see the B&G.. not you.

6) Take water bottles and snacks for yourself.

7) Wear comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately.

8) Duh.. take lots of memory cards and batteries.

There are soo many more.

[kennykodak]

have a good contract with a limit of liability clause.

[auroraskye]

have a good contract with a limit of liability clause.

+1

And be a member of the PPA.

[Philco]

You'll learn more second shooting for somebody else than you will from any forum or book, especially if the person you shoot with shoots in a style that you enjoy.

[Stocky]

You could try the wedding FAQ Sticky (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=255604).