by Kelly Sigler

Created on: June 23, 2008   Last Updated: July 02, 2008

The pressure is on. Today is the most important day of someone's life, and they've chosen you to capture every glorious memory. Wedding photography can be a little intimidating, but with a few helpful hints, we'll try to help you create beautiful photos that will be admired for years to come.

Some of the most basic tips are also the ones that will make your day run more smoothly. Suggest to the couple that they make a "shot list", which is exactly what it sounds like - a list of shots that they specifically want. It might be helpful to make your own list of the most popular poses, and give them the opportunity to choose the ones they want.

Preparation is of utmost importance when shooting a wedding, so it will be in your best interest to bring along everything but the kitchen sink. Actually, that could come in handy too. But seriously, being prepared will save you a lot of time later on. If possible, bring another photographer or at least another camera. Having a wide angle lens and a longer one can give you great dimension, and if you have another person taking pictures, you can each get more quality shots than one of you would alone.

Don't forget that candid shots can be some of the most treasured. A situation that seems like a catastrophe at the time can seem sweet and funny after the fact. For example, the flower girl gets frustrated and flops down right in the middle of the aisle, or the wedding party cracks up during a formal shoot because one of the bridesmaids has T.P. stuck to her shoe - those are the moments you have to be ready for.

One of the most important responsibilities for today's wedding photographers is to connect with a reputable photo retouching service. This is an integral part of the service photographers provide - to present their clients with high quality, blemish free pictures of the big day. These are photos that will be cherished by families for generations to come, and they are representative of your professionalism and talent. An obvious resource for finding retouching services is the internet, but don't underestimate your connections closer to home. A good recommendation from a trusted colleague is invaluable, and the yellow pages can be a gold mine (pun intended).

This is a lot to keep in mind when your head is swimming with poses, ISO settings, and trying to capture the bride's "good side", but if you can remember these tips, we guarantee that your day will run much more smoothly, and you will be able to relax and enjoy the day almost as much as the happy couple. Most importantly, the best way to get a smile on your clients' faces is to show them yours, so just get out there and love what you're doing!

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