Photos at Wedding Rehearsal?

I am shooting my FIRST paid wedding gig next weekend and a thought came to mind. I have shot weddings for friends and family and it was second nature for me to bring a camera to the rehearsal. Should I bring a camera to this rehearsal? I think I need to pay attention as to how the wedding is going to run so I can get a basic idea of where I need to stand and shoot the best photos.

In family rehearsals I also instructed the bridesmaids on where they needed to take a brief pause on the way down to the alter so I could snap a quick photo. I found this to be essential in taking the best photos. I remember my rehearsal, the photographer did not bring a camera. She asked a lot of questions during the first run through and then she left.

What do you all think?

Thanks!

I would bring the camera ... the more comfortable you are with shooting at that venue the better your shots will be...

Good point. I may bring just the bare essentials then. Camera, A Lens, & Flash.

I would play it cool, but checking out the people and letting them get comfortable with you being there with a camera might break the ice a bit. Don't worry about shooting too much, just get comfortable socially. Over time you should get comfortable with not needing them to pause as they come down the aisle, with a little practice you ought to be able to nail the shots without them thinking about stopping for you.

- trr

Better to have it and not need it. And like TRR said, it gives guests a chance to get used to recognizing you as the photographer and stop paying so much attention to you at the wrong times.

When I can I like to attend the rehearsal and check out the different locations that are available to me. Introduce my self and or second shooter to the officiant and take a couple of images so that the couples get used to me.It also adds a little to the slide show at the reception.

Galaxyfinder makes another good point. It gives you a chance to wander the rest of the property to see if there are any other worthwhile locations for some posed shots. I try to make a trip to the ceremony location if at all possible, but if you're at the reception location anyway, it's a great place to find some hidden gems (I once found a full on man made waterfall outside a hotel bar).

I would bring it, have fun with it, get some candids and show the bridal party and family you are so much fun they can't WAIT to get their pictures taken with you! Instead of dreading the entire thing like most people do.