Wedding Rehearsal

I've been asked by a friend to take some photos at her wedding rehearsal.

Now... first things first... I'm not a wedding photographer, and I don't claim to be.

They have an actual wedding photographer, so I'm not worried about that... I'm really not even planning on bringing my camera to the actual ceremony....

I'll be doing this for free, but I just want to get them some good pictures...

What I'm looking for from the collective here is what to take photos of during the rehearsal. It's an outdoor wedding... and I'll be using my 7d with the lenses in my signature.. likely the Sigma 85 and 35L primarily... I have a Nissin flash that I'll be using, and plenty of backup batteries and whatnot... if you folks would give me ideas on what to shoot, and possibly some examples, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

Dont stress on it. Just be there and catch the moments. If you over prepare and try to approach it as the actual wedding you might miss more than you get.

Thanks Gonzo.... I'm not too stressed about it... I mainly shoot sports, and like to prepare before going to a shoot... also, I work for a newspaper, and always did a bit of research on the story before going to shoot it...

So... I guess this is just m way of doing research to see what others normally shoot for rehearsals...

I've been doing some reading at these places as well.
http://www.wedpix.com …ing-the-rehearsal-dinner/
http://www.kennykimblo​g.com …erWeddingPlanne​r_Ch05.pdf

Look at it also as a chance to scope the place out so there are no surprises at the wedding.

Thanks Jerry... Luckily, I don't have to worry about the wedding... As I'll be only shooting the rehearsal.... My only job on thenwedding day is to be a guest and stay out of the actual photog's way..as I said above... I likely won't even bring my camera on the wedding day...

Why would people want photos of the rehearsal? Tell her to concentrate on the rehearsal and forget about photos.

tim wrote in post #12385142
Why would people want photos of the rehearsal? Tell her to concentrate on the rehearsal and forget about photos.

Why wouldn't you want photos of the rehearsal??

well, not really so much about the rehearsal itself, that's not that interesting,
BUT, oftentimes the evening of the rehearsal is full of people reuniting
and the rehearsal dinner is often quite a detailed and fun atmosphere, with speeches, group photo ops, etc. etc.

sometimes here the marraige license is actually signed at the rehearsal, that's worth documenting if it happens.

now if there really isn't much to the rehearsal evening, then I agree its no big deal. but sometimes they are pretty big parties.

tim wrote in post #12385142
Why would people want photos of the rehearsal? Tell her to concentrate on the rehearsal and forget about photos.

Maybe it's just here in the States, but it's not unusual. I've been asked to do several rehearsals because they want casual pictures with family members that they haven't seen in a while.

Hey va_rider. Interesting question. My advice would be to cover your options... i.e. shoot wide to set the scene and then get some details to tell the story. Rehearsals are always light hearted casual events in my opinion. The last one I attended there were heaps of laughs from the priest and everyone involved so I'd suggest you should stay aware of what's happening up front and be ready for some great relaxed moments.
Being a rehearsal you've also got total freedom to move anywhere so you can get creative with your perspective.

Maybe it's an american or (northern hemisphere) thing... But - can't see there being much to take photos of at a rehearsal; nor have I ever been asked to shoot one. Ah well, at least there is no pressure to get "the" shot at a reception

PMCphotography wrote in post #12400860
Maybe it's an american or (northern hemisphere) thing... But - can't see there being much to take photos of at a rehearsal; nor have I ever been asked to shoot one. Ah well, at least there is no pressure to get "the" shot at a reception

haha, yeah no pressure at all

must be an american thing. i've only shot a couple,
but i've been to quite a few and most of them were worth a photographers time.

some though, not so much!

rehearsals really vary...
sometimes its just a bunch of people getting together for dinner
other times they actually rehearse, at the right location, or a separate location

but for the most part, it's a huge opportunity to meet the wedding principles (aside from B&G) without being rushed and having an extra 100+ pairs of eyes around...