In a week, I will be stepping out into new territory - I'll be shooting a wedding for the very first time! Granted, I'm not the primary photographer (thank goodness!), but have been asked to come as the second shooter. I'll be doing the getting ready shots of the guys, the guys' formal shots, and second shooting everything else. This my first step in a direction I think I would love to go, and I am so excited! A tad nervous as well, but I'd be worried if I wasn't nervous.
Do any seasoned wedding photographers have any advice for me as I gear up for this? Tips, tricks, and wisdom? One of my biggest concerns is that people expect me to be 'the professional' when I'm shooting, and I am pretty timid when it comes to telling people what to do. Any advice on that?
i've only shot for a friend while she and her bridesmaids were getting ready because she had a male photographer and felt more comfortable with me doing these shots. I also shot some for my cousin and lucky I did because the photographer she hired took really disappointing photos. I've never really done the mens side of it but did see a super cute picture a friend of mine did at a wedding she shot where the groom and groomsmen were looking nervously at their watches....it was really cute...lol...not really much help...sorry
I'd say look up the photographer's website that you are second for and see if you can browse through any of the grooms shots. I'm assuming the photographer would have a style that he/she promotes as a part of his/her brand. Maybe asking what shots he/she wants. Then, look up all the shots you can find from other wedding photographers. Study the poses, including the size and arrangement of the individuals in the shot. Chances are they were composing some balance in those images as well as trying to capture the excitement of the day.
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Here is one that I like, but I'm sure you have some wedding photographers that you like as well. http://jason-g.com/portfolio/wedding-photography-portfolio/
Also http://digital-photography-school.com/preparing-for-a-wedding-the-day-before has a ton of advice on weddings and prep work.
Good luck and have fun!