1st Wedding Shoot

I Have My 1st Wedding Shoot Coming Up In A Few Months. I'm Excited & Nervous At The Same Time. Does Anybody Have Any Suggestions On Preparations.

I am not a wedding photographer, but my first bit of homework would be to study lots and lots of wedding photography to see what people shoot so you can recognize a great shot when it's in front of you.

Moab Man offers good advice, you need to practice/study posing. I trust you already know camera mechanics, DOF, low light, stobes etc. Then, practice some patience, ability to accept suggestions and when necessary demonstrate who's boss when it comes to the pics and be tough enough (without creating hostility) to capture and control your space. When you get everyone set for a shot, that's when the peanut gallery with phones, cameras, camcorders will appear and diplomacy will be your best friend and companion. It can be fun if you can establish a good rapport with your clients and respect from the guest that mean well but interfere a lot. Good luck...

Well is this a hired shoot? If it is good luck, because this is a 1 shot deal where it is a make it or break it. If you have several months, I would suggest trying to hook up with an already established wedding photographer and see if you can work under them to see how this all goes. Not recommended for a beginner photographer trying to learn the ropes.
Keep in mind the amount of stress if things go wrong (If you do not have the proper equipment/failure to take amazing photos = lawsuit and unhappy married couple). You would want a light setup, access to spare cameras and lots and lots of memory cards/portable storage.

PS... Hope you have contracts signed as well... just in case.

Carry a lot of spares - batter, cards, flash and a body. Do not forget to carry a few lenses in case one of them acts up.

If it is a paid shoot, then have a contract signed
. Spelling out the time you will be available for.
. If any pre post wedding occasions are to be covered.
. What format will you be submitting the images in.
. If prints are required, the size and maximum numbers of the prints.

If you are going to use assistants and strobes, then get acquainted with them. If you are hiring strobes, sign a contract.

Get acquainted with client's requirements and expectations before finalizing the contract. A lot of clients will spell out little, but expect a lot, so it is one of your duties to think on your clients behalf and visualize (and explain) what may have been left out.

Thanks Everyone

Here are some shots taken on the dance floor with the 35mm F1.8 and the onboard flash.







I have cropped them, as there is a lot of interference from other dancers. The idea is to show what is possible with minimal equipment.

Talk to the bride ahead of time and make sure you know exactly what she expects. Does she want you to shoot the hair and make-up prep? Food tables? During the ceremony with flash? Etc.

Also watch these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmi9TPQ57Mo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2nNxaBA6ss

And just about every other Jerry Ghionis video on Youtube. You have enough time until the wedding...

Thanks for you all help

Also, find out from the bride&groom which guests are special/important, whose photographs have to be taken, come what may. You do not want to miss out the Mother in Law, do you?