As a professional advertising photographer, my friends figured I would be the perfect photographer for taking their wedding photos. I joked that it seemed like a better option than buying a gift. However, little did I know what I was getting into. 

Wedding photography is a challenge but really is the best gift that you can give your friends.  Here are a few tips which should help you take captivating wedding photos based on years of experience taking photos for friends:

Tip #1 - Know Your Focal Point

Your focal point is the bride and the groom.  If you are a friend of the bride and groom, you will have an advantage over the official wedding photographer.  You can capture special relaxed moments between the bride and groom with their family and friends. 

You will have an insider’s view.  People will have a tendency to be more open when they know you are a guest.  Smiles will be more natural.

Tip #2 - Watch the Flower Girls

Walking the aisle is always covered by the wedding photographer so target the groom and the flower girls. Why the flower girls? Years of wedding photography have shown that the flower girls provide excellent candid moments.

Flower girls have a tendency to squirm and do crazy things.  Capture the flower girls making faces or shredding the flower baskets. You never know what they will do but usually there are ample Kodak moments.

Tip #3 - Take Interesting Background Shots

If it’s your first time at the church or wedding location, take pictures of every nook and cranny. Add to your collection photos of candles, flowers, buildings, church pews, table settings, signs, invitations, dressing rooms and gift boxes.

Practice taking photos at different angles.  Don’t be afraid to experiment because you may just discover an interesting shot that will be an excellent background photo for a wedding book or a video.

You may regret too few photos but you will never regret taking too many photos.  Weddings are a once in a lifetime event.

Tip #4 - Focus on Scenes Not Being Photographed

Let the wedding photographer get the traditional shots like walking the aisle, the first dance and the couple leaving for their honeymoon.  Instead train your camera on the surroundings.

Sometimes you will see a mother carrying her daughter or son.  These are nice candid shots.  Especially when the mother and child are relatives of the newlyweds.

Bridesmaids helping a niece with her hair, or touching up her make-up. Sometimes these are the money shots that the newlyweds will treasure more.

Tip #5 - Know the Limitations of Your Subjects

One friend always closes her eyes when the shot is taken.  I have learned to take her photos on the count of 2.

Even though I cautioned the wedding photographer, he refused to take this problem into account when photographing the bride. She is still talking about Hades and the photographer in one breath. 

As a friend of the bride, you will know her quirks.  You may be the only photographer taking photos that will be treasured.

Tip #6 - Photograph in Auto Mode

Let the wedding photographers waste their time with lens changes, focusing and all their gadgets.  Always use a camera with a fast trigger and automode. 

Why? You never know the second you will need to capture without warning. 

When it is time for the newlyweds to go out of the church with the traditional throwing of flowers, rice or bird seed, the best photos are always captured with fast trigger fingers.  No time for reviewing your photos in the midst of all the action. 

You will never know when you got a perfect shot of the graffiti raining down on the bride and groom.   Keep on shooting photo after photo.

Tip #7 - Candid Shots Rule

Be a hero.  See the events that the couple would have missed if it weren’t for your camera. 

Always, always remember that posed shots are not the most memorable to the couple.  Those little moments that are candidly captured will be treasured by the wedding couple forever.