wedding photography favorites?

[rikkersc]

My brother is getting married in 2 weeks and they asked me to take photos at their wedding and reception.
I am NOT the "official" photographer - they are hiring someone for that. (Thank goodness, I would hate to be responsible for making sure to get every critical shot!):eek:

Anyway, I am going to be more of a "supplemental" photographer. I asked if there was anything in particular they wanted and they are pretty laid back with no real ideas of what they want me to do. (Another good reason I am glad I am not responsible for the formal photos).

I read the other posts and stickies on wedding photography for ideas and did get quite a few. Here is what I am really wondering ... have any of you gotten a photograph from your wedding or one you have taken that you were really impressed with and just loved?

I am not going to be taking the formal shots, the "professional" will be doing those, but was wondering if there were any recommendations on other types of photos I could take that they might enjoy.
I am going to try to do the journalistic approach and get some "behind the scene" shots or maybe take some of the formal poses that the other photographer sets up but from a different angle (staying out of their way, of course).
I am glad that whatever I take will be a "bonus" since they are already getting professional shots as well.
Any hints, tips, or personal favorite photo ideas that I could try would be appreciated.

I will also be involved in some other aspects of the wedding and my husband (as wonderful as he is) will be helping me take photos if I am unavailable, so hopefully we will be able to get some good shots!

(I have a Canon 300d with a 18-55mm lens, a 70-300mm lens, and a super-wide .42x (fisheye) lens - I also have a corded and a cordless remote, a tripod, and many memory cards - don't want to run out!:D )

[JJthethird]

This is one that I've posted on another thread but as I said there, the bride said that she liked this shot more than her photographers and has it framed with pride of place in her living room. The point I'm trying to make is that some professional photographers dont seem to catch the more intimate moments that you may be able to. Good luck.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjthethird/468649533/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/468649533_d59098228a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hayley &amp; Alisha" /></a>

John.:)

[rikkersc]

Thanks JJthethird.
I know I won't know what to expect or what I'll be able to capture until it happens (that's life with spontaneous photography) but ideas on things to look for or keep my eyes open for are helpful.
That is a wonderful shot.

I am hoping I will be able to get a few that "capture the moment" as well.

[beezwax]

I dont have any advice, but I have to agree that some of the best wedding pics I have seen are the candid photos. Good luck and most importantly have fun!!

[Tiberius]

Run out to your local bookshop and get "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. It's got a bunch of wonderful tips about shooting weddings. It will make the day much easier for you.

[rikkersc]

Tiberius,
I already own that book ... it's wonderful!:D
I'll have to read through it again to refresh my memory before the "big day".

[Tiberius]

Tiberius,
I already own that book ... it's wonderful!:D
I'll have to read through it again to refresh my memory before the "big day".

And take the book with you on the day. :D

[embrownny]

A few years ago a friend asked me to be the "supplemental" photographer at her wedding. The photos I took were more of her family and friends (since I knew the people closest to her) enjoying day. I stayed out of the hired pro's way and got things that he didn't. I was still shooting film at the time.

Interestingly enough, all the photos that she ended up enlarging to frame are the shots that I took. So, I would suggest just to tell the story of the day in photos.

[Tiberius]

I agree with embrownny. The photojournalistic style of wedding photography seems to be very popular.

In the book I mentioned before, "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby, There's two pages in particular which should be useful. Page 43 (a list of how to shoot the formal group portraits) and page 52 (which has a list of suggested detail shots).

[nrares]

First time I acted as a second photograper at one of my best friends wedding. I love the picture of the bride.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nrares/481476539/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/481476539_18e54f6c2c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Raluca" /></a>

[Tiberius]

There's some highlights on her skin, kinda makes her look sweaty. Try the clone tool with the blend mode set to colour. And feel free to try other blending modes too. :)