Besides, it's not like you can't use the extra film later. If you're fortunate enough to be using a medium-format camera and have more than one film carrier, enlist an assistant to load the spare film carriers while you shoot. It will save time when you've finished a roll and need to reload.

If you're using a digital camera, make sure to have extra media of whatever kind the camera takes, (i.e. SD card, Memory Stick, CDR, whatever). Again, it's better to have too much than not enough. You never know when one of those cards or CDs is going to be corrupt. You don't want to be stuck without extras. Gary tells me he goes through six CompactFlash cards per wedding. Connected Photographer recommends you have at least 2GB of on-hand media before you even consider wedding coverage.

The same goes for batteries. Make sure you put fresh batteries in your camera before you leave and have at least one set of brand new extras. Your camera's flash is something else that will need batteries. Flash equipment can eat up batteries pretty quick, so make sure you have plenty on hand. Connected Photographer recommends you bring at least four sets of fully charged batteries to the event.

Preparation 202
Preparation is one thing that can't be stressed enough. Check your equipment before you leave the house. Test it and check it again. This includes cleaning the lenses, mirrors, focusing screens, and penta-prisms if appropriate.

Make sure all your contacts are clean, that your flashes fire and cycle appropriately, and that any slave flashes are working. If you use any type of remote shutter release, such as a bulb activator or an IR remote, make sure they're functioning properly (and also have spare batteries, if necessary).

Take everything you think you might possibly need. None of us like to lug around unnecessary equipment, but when you're in the trenches you don't want to realize you need something you don't have. After you've shot a few weddings, if you choose to continue doing them, you'll know what you need and what you don't.

Believe it or not, an inexpensive tripod will go a long way to improving the shots that don't have to be hand held. I know I can't hold a camera steady even if my life depended on it. I rely on my tripod as a necessary extension of the camera.

Gary suggests investing in a good external flash. He says an on-camera flash is only good for about 15 ft., whereas an external one will extend that range to 30 to 40 feet. "It's all in the lighting," he says. When you get to the wedding site, check your equipment again.

So far, all of these tips would apply to basically any shoot that you would be doing and are not wedding specific. I think they're a good refresher because sometimes we can overlook the simplest things in trying to prepare for every eventuality.

Recon
When you get to the wedding site, be it church, park, someone's house or back yard, thoroughly check out the entire location for possibilities. There are the standard shots that will be taken at the altar, but not everything has to be done there.