Question About Shooting My First Wedding

[annli]

I'm shooting my first wedding in a couple weeks and I'm nervous about one thing mostly. That is being in the way! What is proper when shooting an outdoor wedding and how should I move about? Is it ok to stand in the middle isle or should I squat?

Yeeeaaah....

Good luck with that.

[annli]

Thanks a lot!

[OsmosisStudios]

Don't do it man! Don't do it!

*runs away screaming with arms flailing*

[RexK_Cozumel]

are you the primary shooter? If so then get your shots but remember that there are others there trying to see the ceremony. So that means if you have to stand up in the asile for a second while you snap a shot or two do it. but do not stand there in the asile chimping blocking everyone else from seeing what the hell is going on.

As a side note I will have to agree with Maxharvard and OsmosisStudios in saying that you should really not be shooting as the primary shooter if you have to ask that question.

[BEGM83]

You're mad.

Good luck!

[CaptainNH]

Check with the celebrant firstly, they might have some of their own rules as to where you can and can't shoot from (though it's generally the church weddings that you encounter this with).

I generally try to avoid placing myself between the b&g and their guests, which means that I make good use of the long end of my 70-200/2.8, shooting from the sides and rear. I'll generally only come forward into the aisle for the exchange of rings.

Good luck and, as I tell everyone who's shooting their first weddings, don't forget your backup bodies, lenses and flashes.

[Raoul Isidro]

I would assume you are not being paid for this, as this question should not be coming from someone who's offering this service for a fee...
Regardless, you should attend at least 3 or 4 weddings and watch intently at the pro photographers on how they do their thing. There is much more learning there than hours and hours on the internet.
If you are not the main photographer, the right of way belongs to the paid pro photographer.
The also rans have the right to the gleanings.

[doctorjames]

Im getting married in a few (10) weeks time. Im hoping that you are not working for a fee on this.

The photographer we have chosen is an old work colleague of my fiancee who went 'pro' about 4 years ago. She has already (several months ago) been to the church, reception venue and the house to scout. She has asked us what WE would be happy with, and also the vicar what HE would be happy with.

You are there to help capture the moment to 'film', and so shouldnt be in the way, but there always needs to be a compromise, as clearly you cant get shots from the back of the crowd!

Have you checked the venue?

Have you asked about flash (its often frowned upon in the UK)

Do you know the rules about the signing of the register (and if in the UK NOT being allowed to photograph it as it is being done)

From your original post you sound considerably less prepared than I would be to shoot a wedding, and I would only do it under one circumstance.... the photographer booked isnt there on the day and I would be a last resort. I would seriously push you to consider whether you are prepared for the RESPONSIBILITY (and litigation if you get it badly wrong) of screwing up what is a pretty major part of the wedding proceedings.

[annli]

Actually, yes I am getting paid to do this wedding and I am THE main shooter. I've recently started a photography business and this is my first wedding. I'm very confident that I will do just fine! It's an outdoor wedding. The bride and groom will be standing in a gazebo. I've already talked to the bride about the shots. Thanks for your feedback. Oh and btw, I'm going to assist a professional photographer at a wedding tomorrow, so I will be able to see how it's done. I was just concerned about standing in the isle. And someone already answered my question. Thanks.