Now I have to do a wedding...

Damn cheek really as one minute I was going as a witness/guest and then it's 'bring your camera', and now I'm doing the damn shoot! Feel obliged, 20 year friend and have that sprung on me...protested and explained but to no avail.

So, luckily it's only a small registry office job and they just want some 'snaps' for the day but I'd like to make it look ok and something for the mantlepiece. I have done a few weddings before years ago but then I realised how risky they were and being quite young I didn't have the confidence or more importantly the 'organisational ability and presence'.

It'll be the D300/SB600 and maybe the 18-70 to cope with most of it. Really they are looking for pics of them and maybe one or two with me included on a self timer! Unreal, but there you go...it's not my wedding (and they are bloomin' loaded too!)

Anyway, could do with some ideas and possibly links to the sort of stuff that is standard at registry office weddings, the typical poses they would expect and any ideas really. Haven't a clue on the setting until we get there, possibly a garden but is there usually a signing the register inside? Do we usually soften the flash with an add on reflector or diffuser? Is there a way we usually make 'women of a certain age' plus a bit more look about right? Shall I just worry about that in PP later?

Comments and advice all welcome...including 'don't do it!'

Good luck BC, I am sure you will be fine

Really admire the courage of you wedding taking people, frightens me to death, someones wedding is so, well so one off and I would be terrified. Done a fair bit of commercial work and that is not nearly so stressful, they know and accept exactly what you are going to do and they are either pleased or not, thank goodness never had a complaint but just imagine cocking up a wedding, I would never sleep.

Like any photography job, be prepared

I have two pieces of simple advice.

1. As the photographer, you are in control, so when you do the shots after the ceremony, take control and take the time YOU need to get the shots, don't let anyone rush you.

2. Go and scope out the registry office before the day, pick your spots, look at the lighting, they will most likely let you see the room so you can see what windows there are, where the desk and seats are etc.

Alan.

Well I guess the best bit with digital is you can see you have a result (or not) but you are right on principle I don't do weddings and am a bit annoyed to be asked and expected to do it. Actually have a feeling the whole thing was contrived and that's why was going as a witness to the wedding and then next step...'oh, can you bring your camera'...people underestimate the responsibility and the ability required to get good wedding photographs. Look at Radioheads work compared to the bloke who advertises in the newsagents window..(er, Radiohead, please don't tell me you advertise in the newsagents window! )

Don't really have much advice apart from pre-planning, and knowing what type of photos you want to get taken beforehand

Well would be handy to see what are the 'standard' shots expected at a registry office wedding...

The standard shots at a registry office are the same as at a church.

Would you like me to write a list of the main shots?

I could also write a ''things to remember'' list. .

If the answer to this comes back yes it cold take a while as im busy over the next few days but i will do it if needed.

Found this http://photo.net/learn/wedding/weddi...raphy-timeline

This is the list I stick to, or try to:
Wedding dress lying over a chair
___ Zipping up or buttoning the wedding dress
___ Mother of the bride fastening the bride's necklace
___ The bride's garter
___ The bride's veil
___ A close up of the bride's shoes peeking out from under the dress
___ Bride looking into a mirror
___ Bride looking out window
___ Bride and bridesmaids putting on makeup
___ Bride pinning corsage/boutonniere on mother/father
___ Bride hugging parents
___ Bride touching up make up
___ Bride and parents leaving for ceremony
___ Bride and parents leaving for ceremony
Outside of ceremony site
___ Guests walking into ceremony site
___ Bride and father entering ceremony site
___ Parents being seated
___ Grandparents being seated
___ Maid of honor walking down the aisle
___ Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
___ Flower girl and ring bearer walking down aisle
___ Groom waiting for bride
___ Ceremony musicians
___ Altar or canopy during ceremony
___ Close up of bride, just before she makes her entrance
___ Bride and father walking down aisle
___ Groom seeing bride for first time
___ The back of bride and father walking down the aisle – with the groom waiting in the distance
___ Bride's father and Bride hugging at end of aisle
___ Shot of the audience from the bride and groom's point of view
___ The unity ceremony
___ Close up of bride and groom saying the vows
___ Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows
___ Exchanging the rings
___ Close up of hands
___ The kiss
___ Bride & Groom walking up the aisle
___ Receiving line
___ Bride & Groom outside on steps
___ Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/birdseed
___ Bride & Groom hugging guests, laughing, getting congratulations
___ Bride & Groom getting in car
___ Bride & Groom in back seat
Posed Wedding Photography Before the Reception (These can also be taken before the ceremony)
___ Bride alone (full length)
___ Bride with Maid of Honor
___ Bride with bridesmaids
___ Groom with bridesmaids
___ Bride with parents
___ Bride & Groom together
___ Bride & Groom with parents
___ Bride & Groom with families
___ Bride & Groom with entire wedding party
___ Bride & Groom with flower girl and ringbearer
___ Groom with parents
___ Groom with best man
___ Groom with groomsmen
___ Bride with groomsmen
During the Reception
___ Outside of reception site
___ Bride & Groom arriving
___ Bride & Groom greeting guests
___ Table centerpieces
___ Table setting
___ Bride & Groom's table (head table)
___ Musicians or DJ
___ Guest book
___ Place card table
___ Closeup of bride and groom's place card
___ Wedding cake
___ Gift table
___ Decorations
___ A shot of bride & groom with guests at each table
___ The buffet or, if having table service, a dinner serving
___ Bride & Groom's first dance
___ Bride & Father dancing
___ Groom & Mother dancing
___ Guests dancing
___ Bride & Groom cutting the cake
___ Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
___ Toasts
___ Bride & Groom drinking champagne
___ Signing the marriage license
___ Bride throwing bouquet
___ Groom retrieving garter
___ Groom tossing garter
___ Garter/Bouquet dance
___ The getaway car
___ Bride & Groom leaving party
___ Bride & Groom driving away



and take 5 or 6 of each pose.