frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

The same thing happened to me. I took the photos and everyone loved them (even me). Just remember to take LOTS of them. and remember the important one of the bride and groom...ie coming down the isle, get several shots of the vow exchange at different angles, cutting the cake, etc......You will do fine if you normally take good quality photos. And as was mentioned, get a statement typed up that you both understand you are not a pro and will just do your best to get photos, and a description of any poses in particular they may want, and as was stated before, look at several books to get ideas, get a second body if you can...changes lenses takes a lot of time in this case. I didn't use a tripod for the same reason (during the ceremony) you will be moving around quite a bit. Mono maybe, its easier to move around with. for the portraits after, then maybe a tripod. You will be very busy and will not have time to really enjoy the ceremony like the guests. And as Gene said, RAW......Good luck!! enjoy, it really is fun!

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Pick up a couple of "Brides" magazines (if they are still being published). They will have a checklist of images to be taken. Ask the bride and groom what poses THEY would like. I'm sure they have some in mind.
I think this is a great opportunity for you. Everyone knows you are not a professional photographer so expectations should not be at that level- I don't see any need to have a written disclaimer. You have great equipment. Whatever you provide is more than they would have had otherwise considering they opted not to hire a photographer.
Take a backup camera and lots of extra batteries. And shoot in Jpeg/Raw. And- have fun :)

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Since your friend has expressed confidence in your work and style, you are ready for a wedding. If you were to buy a second lens the 24-105, you would be good. If you are renting would go for the 24-70/2.8. Since it is informal, your Mk IV is enough. Would not worry about a back up DSLR unless you have one already, but it is always a good idea. You can always throw a P&S in your bag just in case. Flash? one on camera flash will work in most cases. Just use bounce, or learn to use FEC. I would immerse myself into youtube. There are tons of great videos on weddings. Can't beat the price. Main thing to remember is that you are the storyteller. Simplify it -
Chapter 1 - prepare gear- Camera(s), lenses, extra batteries, charger, flashes, extra memory card(s), extra batteries for flashes, possibly a tripod for formal shots or if shooting from back of church or do you need one?
Chapter 2 - meet with B&G, gather notes of as many details that you think you need, how will wedding flow and from and to different locations if applicable. At his point you need a "shot sheet" (many versions are downloadable free on the net). Besides some of the standard shots, what do B&G have in mind? This may expose some limitations as a first time photographer. Deal with it. If you want to do the best you can, you overcome the obstacles. If you cannot, let them know at this point and maybe perform as a second shooter to a pro, but you can do this. Shoot everyone at the event. Easier to delete too many than to explain ones you missed afterwards.
Chapter 3. - Get ready shots - B&G - This is the brides day - groom is just a figurehead, but you know this. lol
Chapter 4. Arrival at church, the ceremony, any formal shots either before or after ceremony, the exit of B&G from church. (modify as needed)
Chapter 5, The reception - B&G entry, toasts, first dance, Father/Mother dances with B&G - maybe grandparents - shoot them all. Throwing of bouquet,and removing garter, dancing by guests, Table shots of guests, lots of candid shots, B&G leaving reception.
Chapter 6 - Post-processing. Send a few shots to the phones of the B&G as soon as possible. Editing - Suggest shooting everything in RAW. Go through shots and delete any you are not happy with. Decide how many final shots you want to retouch. Generally 100-150 is a good place to go. You may want to convert rest to Jpegs and put on a separate flash drive or DVD for your friend. Are you planning for prints and an album or are you just giving images to B&G and let them decide which ones if any they want printed. Maybe you would like to work on this with them?
Final chapter - pour yourself a tall glass of your favorite refreshment, kick off your shoes and rejoice in your first effort, you deserve it!

Although not inclusive, hopefully this will get you started. There is a ton of free info out there on weddings. Take advantage of it. Maybe take B&G out for an informal shoot a couple of weeks before the wedding. Shoot in the sun, in the shade,and indoors. Get creative on this. Get comfortable doing what you do. Have fun.
You got this!!

GaryU Loc: Bellingham WA

I stopped shooting them due to the hassle of the families jumping in with there little flash cameras. Also I had a lot of drunk relatives make right proper pains of themselves . Try to get the wedding party together in the chapel between the service and the reception. Much easier to stage the shots then. Be sure to find out from the minister if it is ok to use flash during the service. Those are a few of the things I learned. Good luck and enjoy the shoot.

Mark1948

Looks like we've collectively shot a lot of weddings. As you know it is a big responsibility. Suggesting that they hire a pro is your best bet. If they insist, plan ahead, look for a shot list & decide what's important. Try to schedule time before the ceremony or immediately after, but before the reception for bride & groom portraits, wedding party & family groups. One time I let that timeline slide & bride & groom, both wearing white, ended up having a food fight with the chocolate wedding cake. Take lots of semi & fully candid pics at the reception. You never know when you might be taking the last pic of a beloved family member.

poem9leti Loc: North San Diego county, CA

Hi there! I'm new to the site but have been perusing posts and wanted to send some encouragement your way. I'm not a professional photographer by any means - more of an extreme hobbyist - but have been asked to shoot events, including a few weddings over the years. I always take photos at the reunions and family events but only because I enjoy it; and, I feel like this experience helped me when doing the weddings. Some of the very best shots I capture are candid shots and they always seems to really lend a feel for the mood. People are relaxed and genuine and that comes through in the photos.
You mentioned that this is a casual affair so I would imagine that a lot of your shots will be similar to taking photos at family gatherings. I would suggest getting a shot list from the bride and groom so you know what their "must-have" shots are, and also make sure you have a solid grasp on the schedule so you will be ready to get the absolute must-haves that they want. It wouldn't hurt to have your niece send you a couple of wedding shots that she & her beau-to-be really like (there are thousands upon thousands online via google search or check out her pinterest if she has one!) so you can see what style really catches their eye, too.
After getting all of their must-have shots, you can just drift through the party shooting great moments between fam/friends - there will be a lot of hugs, a lot of laughter, and a lot of happy to capture!
Attending their rehearsal will be super helpful so you can see where they will stand, which direction they will face, etc. Plus, it will be helpful for you to see the house/property where they are getting married beforehand, even if it's the day before, so that you can make a note of any spots that you see that will be great for photos. Be sure to look around and take test shots at the same time that they'll be having the ceremony so you can be ready to deal with the harsh lighting & shadows the day of. Then you'll have a better idea settings-wise of what to expect and can spend more time looking for the photo opportunities vs. the back of the camera.
I would bring both lenses, the flash just in case, & definitely a tripod. If it's tough to travel w/a tripod then maybe another guest wouldn't mind bringing one for you to borrow. As always, bring extra batteries for your flash (I was surprise with how fast my flash burned through batteries at one wedding and was left scrambling to get more), extra camera batteries, and extra memory cards. Oh! A circular polarizer is a must-have of mine and I never shoot anything without one. It will reduce glare and help make the colors pop.
The best part is that if your niece is already a fan of your work then she already likes your style and the photos that you take. They're going to be thrilled to have you be a part of their day.
Apologies for a long (first!) post but I hope that this was helpful and put you a little more at ease and confident that you are in fact the perfect photographer for them.

imp by mike Loc: Minnesota/Wisconsin/North Carolina

Get a large flash bracket for your speed lite & the proper cable to connect flash-to-body, to keep TTL control. The bracket will let you keep the flash above the camera plus give you a little more separation from the lens. Then get a few friends & practice some shots outside & in, so you can do balanced fill flash without worry.
GOOD LUCK!

tresap23 Loc: Texas

Thank you!

tresap23 Loc: Texas

Thanks, yes I will get lots of pics and shoot in raw as well as jpeg. I will make sure I get plenty of back up files and also upload on my dropbox account. great advice, and thanks for the well wishes!! :)

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The young woman who shot my daughter's wedding used a shoulder battery pack for her flash. I've looked them up and they can provide you with many more flashes than the batteries that come with the camera. I would suggest picking one up. Also, make sure that your flash is sufficient for the job. If not, rent or buy one that is. Also, get a difuser. If it costs you $500 in equipment to do the wedding, I would tell your family member that you need $500 for equipment costs. Or, not, and bear the cost yourself and keep the equipment for another photo shoot. However, if you're shooting the reception as well as the wedding, I think you'll be glad to have the extra battery power. As far as lenses go I think your 24-105 will cover just about everything.

Before the wedding, get a list of post-wedding group photos that the bride and groom want. As I look back on our wedding photos I am missing photos with my parents and I wish I had them. In the end, making a historical record of the most important people and groups is the most important thing....not the kitschy shots.

Note: Be cognizant of the background. Some of the things in the background in my daughter's shots (lit candelabras) affected the quality of the shots.

tresap23 Loc: Texas

Thanks for the words of encouragement!! I appreciate everyone who has offered advice to me, And will definitely get with my niece and her groom , and get all the details worked out ahead of time. Plus I will get pics the day before at the same time of day as the ceremony. Some good practice shoots. And yes, I will read, read, read!!!

tresap23 Loc: Texas

Thank you for the great advice!! I do have 3 batteries and 2 battery chargers, but I might look into getting the big one. Plenty of card readers and batteries is a must. But I am trying to keep my load down to a minimum. Probably put all my gear into one carry-on, so that will limit me as far as how much I can take with me. I travel a lot, and have learned to be a pretty good packer, so I think I can pull it off. If not, looks like I might check a second bag. My toiletries of course. I want check my camera LOL!!

tresap23 Loc: Texas

Thanks!! Yep, this will be a learning experience for sure.

Kissel vonKeister Loc: Georgia

Best advice: bribe a hospital official to admit you to an isolation unit from Friday until the following Monday. Wedding photography is a grim undertaking.

tresap23 Loc: Texas

Thanks, I do have a 70D that I will take. Hate going from that to the 5D Mark IV because some of the buttons are in different places. I get used to one, then have to get used to the other. Might throw me off a bit. But, I plan to take them both on some excursions and practice going between the two.