jwn Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA

that's what "A" is for, it will also let you give advise to the next amateur that wants to shoot the family wedding.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

If you insist, start by getting a TTL-capable flash and watch the YouTube video by Lite Genius on how to make 95% of your flash shots successful. The video can be found here:
https://youtu.be/S3IQFayyyoU

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

The best setting is the one the contracted photographer is going to use. Sure you can take some through a prior agreement with the photographer. However, hire a photographer who is wedding experienced and has a good resume/portfolio. You, and she, won't regret it.
--Bob

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

I totally agree with this statement. My God, why would you not enjoy your daughters wedding...you won't if your taking the photographs. Wedding's are the most difficult things to shoot. Your constantly on the go - it's physically and mentally exhausting.

WILLARD98407 Loc: TACOMA, WA.

Sure she does. You're free.. be a good daddy and turn her down.

Please don't fall into the "Uncle Harry has a camera" trap.

The best setting I can recommend, as a wedding photographer for over 40 years, is to " set " your camera down and enjoy your daughter's day as the bride's dad.

Use some of her inheritance to hire a professional.

If Uncle Harry screws up the coverage, usually no one will say anything, but it will always be a "thing" . And just think how bad Uncle Harry would feel after messing up his favorite niece's memories.

Unless you have time to shadow a pro at some events, AND you are confident that you can produce 90percent "keepers" under the pressure of the moment, And you want to spend all of your time taking photographs instead of being in them and being your daughter's dad on her special day, if you were to take this on.......

PLEASE DON'T.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

I did a wedding for a friend of mine a few years ago as a backup photographer, and I was and still am an amateur. I did good got some great shots. I shot an aperture priority and adjusted ISO as needed, because of the constantly changing lighting conditions inside and outside one room another room. I had a ball I don't know that I would do it again it's very stressful, especially if you're not sure of yourself. The couple ended up taking bare minimum from the primary photographer and then used a lot of mine. since I was just backup I just gave him a CD after I edited the photos with all the good and acceptable photos.

As a Father of the Bride, I would say absolutely do not be the primary photographer, you cannot do two jobs at once. if you're the father who's going to take your picture walking down the aisle, father daughter dance etc. Even taking backup pictures when you're not involved will take away from your pleasure I was enjoying your daughter's wedding. I encourage you not to shoot at all do someone else's wedding that you're not involved in for practice or whatever but do not shoot your daughters.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The simple fact that you ask this question tells me you are totally unqualified to take your daughter's wedding photos!

For one, there is no "fool proof setting"! What's needed depends upon the situation and might change from one shot to the next. When it comes to accurate focus, it's a combination of factors.... the camera, the lens AND the photographer themselves each play a role in achieving a high percentage of properly focused images.



You COULD stop the lens down and have a lot of flexibility and forgiveness of minor focus errors. HOWEVER, that's the exact opposite of many of wedding photo styles.... Where shallow depth of field effects are used for a "dreamy/romantic" effect. PLUS, using a smaller lens aperture forces you to use slower shutter speeds and/or higher ISOs, both of which can cause other problems in images.

But there are also composition, exposure, white balance and much more to consider... There's far more to it than just getting accurate focus.

This is (presumably and hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime event. And there are no "do overs" with wedding photography. It's very challenging work with a lot of pressure on the photographer and demands on their gear. No experienced and reputable wedding photographer tackles a job without backup cameras, lenses and flashes... and reasonably high end gear at that. Large aperture lenses are needed to be able to make those dreamy/romantic shots, for example. A built-in flash and an EF-S 18-135mm ain't gonna cut it! An EF-S 18-55mm would be even worse!

Quite possibly the best wedding present you could give your daughter would be to hire a skilled, experienced wedding photographer who has the right gear and knows how to use it. DO NOT hire anyone off Craigslist. Shop around. Interview several photographers, look at their work, get references and follow up on them.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Now you tell us. If only someone had given us this advice during their teenage years.

Andy "I didn't really do it" H

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

So, let me make sure I understand this correctly....

You served as second-shooter for the person hired to shoot the wedding... Then you turned around and undercut the first photographer by giving the B&G all your work for free?!

And, you don't see anything wrong with that?

At least I know not to ever hire you as a second-shooter! In fact, I might have sued you if you'd done that to me.

I do agree with you though... in this case the original poster shouldn't take on shooting the photos. Weddings are one of the most stressful and demanding types of photography.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...yeah...what he said...the only reason I can think of to have the father of the bride as the wedding photographer is to keep you out of trouble or not have you in any of the pictures...? Only you can answer that...reach out to some of the UHH near you and have them do it...

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Please take this advice:

NOTHING IS FOOLPROOF in wedding photography. As a professional wedding shooter for over 50 years I can attest to the fact that MURPHY'S LAW PREVAILS! Even seasoned pros will tell you that MURPHY looms overhead like the Sword of Damocles.

Being father of the bride can bring on a nervous breakdown, and shooting the wedding too? Bad Idea!

Get a pro or someone who knows waht they are doing, enjoy the day, take casual snapshots if you like and GOOD LUCK!

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Lol Andy.......you caught that/me....I have to stop shooting and start photographing. Shooting people gets you in trouble

thephotoman Loc: Rochester, NY

Everyone is giving you sound advice. It will prevent bad feelings. When my daughter got married, she hired a pro. She knew I could do a great job, but she wanted me to have a great time. I had a wonderful time and the husband wife photo team did a magnificent job.
Follow her advice and plan, then if the photos are blown, it will be the fault of the photographer not you.
Quick question, how would you get shots of you walking her down the aisle or of the 2 of you dancing? Selfie sticks?

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

No no no Alan...... They hired the guy and they fulfilled the contract, and got what was contacted....... The guy they hired was a friend of the groom, and was not so sure if himself either...... Although they were friends, they did a contract. They, after finding out he was a beginner and not sure of himself, asked if I minded taking a few photos... The photographer was ok with it, I stayed out of his way......I was just a friend taking photos., And presented them with a CD as a gift.

Their hired photographer did a good job for his first time and they got some wonderful photos.... He did not offer a slide show in his contract, which is what I have them.

I don't think I did anything wrong. There are always friends at functions taking photos.....

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Thinking this may be a spoof? Wondering how any FOB does both physically? What am I missing?
Other than a smart phone on the end of a selfie stick as they walk down the aisle, I am a bit perplexed as to how this will work?
Assuming this may happen, camera not the problem but lens is more important in most cases.
With all due respect - unless you have some time to invest practicing at the venue, I would seek another option.