Not every wedding officiator will allow flash photography during the ceremony. If not, you'll have to use available light. The straight-on shot is kind of a given, but if you can get shots from the far left and far right, you may be able to catch the bride and groom's faces during the exchange of vows.

It all depends on how they're positioned. You have to get the exchange of rings like Figure B.

FIGURE B


A shot of the ring exchange is a must. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Of course, an official photo of the kiss as in Figure C. Since this is the end of the actual ceremony, the officiator will present the couple and the party will exit the chapel. Make sure to capture all of this. This is essentially the reverse of the entry, so handle it the same way and catch everyone in the party as they exit.

FIGURE C


Of course, the kiss is a mandatory picture. Roll over picture for a larger image.

The receiving line generally comes next. I don't personally recall ever seeing a photographer covering the receiving line, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. You'll have to discuss this with the couple beforehand.

After the receiving line, you will need to finish up any of the formal shots that couldn't be done prior to the ceremony and then get the departing shots of the couple with the tossing of the birdseed, rice, confetti, streamers, bubbles or whatever they have chosen to use.

One special tip: this is a good time to be sure you have lens cleaner. Sometimes all that stuff being tossed can get on your lens. A quick clean can make all the difference!

If you don't have to cover the receiving line, this would be a good time to set your equipment back up if you still have formals to do. Sometimes, if you still have a lot of shots to take before the reception, you'll have to do the departing shots, like the one shown in Figure D, first so the guests can leave, then finish your formal shots.

FIGURE D


How many members of the wedding party can you fit into a limousine? Roll over picture for a larger image.

The reception
Perk up! If you've made it this far you're almost done. Fortunately, you won't have to stay for the entire reception. At some point the formality will devolve and things will begin to get silly. You'll want to hang around long enough to catch a little silliness on film, then you can call it a night. If you're a friend of the family and you want to stay for the full run of festivities, store your camera gear away somewhere safe, and make sure you've got a designated driver.

You'll want to capture the bridal party as they arrive at and enter the reception. Then, generally the feeding frenzy will begin. Seeing as how you're most likely a friend or family member, which is how you got roped into this gig in the first place, you should be entitled to a little feed too. But first, get some shots of the cake, like the one shown in Figure E, and get table settings while they're still pristine.

FIGURE E


Preserve the cake with a picture. Roll over picture for a larger image.

After everyone has pretty well stuffed their gullets, it will be time for the toasts. Be sure to get shots of all the toasts and the reaction of the wedding couple like the shot shown Figure F, and then it's cake-cutting time.