Allen McDonald Loc: Atlanta, GA

If he has asked you to be THE photographer for his wedding DO NOT do it. Wedding photos are special. Only one chance to get it right. Your nephew may have seen you with a camera and just assumed that you're capable of shooting a wedding. Even if your nephew doesn't care as much, I guarantee other people DO care such as the bride, family of the bride, other members of the wedding party, etc. If he can't afford a photographer then a GREAT gift would be to take up a collection and pay an experienced photographer to do it. On the other hand, if he already has a photog lined up and just wants you to shoot some behind the scenes shots then go for it!

ssohl Loc: NJ

Definitely the family. Wedding photos don't often get the extended family...any older relatives that may not be around for the next wedding. You know the family so try to get som casuals. I got some hysterical ones at a cousin's wedding just watching the real photographer try to line up the family when there were children involved. Have fun...that's my favorite time to take pictures.

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

Check out Pinterest,they have all kinds of ideas for you!

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

[quote=Rathyatra][quote=edie59]i am going to take some pictures of my nephew wedding i was wondering what i shouild be taqking pictures of[/quote

Perhaps a close up of the weedkiller lol![/quote]

Ha Ha. ILMAO.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Take pictures of everything. Nobody looks at them very much anyway.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

I presume they are also having a Professional Wedding photographer shooting?? If not, it doesn't seem like you are really ready for this critical event; remember if you screw up a needed picture, there is generally no "do over", and little sympathetic understanding for a missed or not clear shot.

I have shot at several friends and relatives weddings. The first rule I practice is to introduce myself to The Wedding Photographer, tell him who you are and that you will stay out of his/her/their way AND DO IT! They are used to having other 'picture takers' around and can deal with it, but not if you get between them and the subject. I have read on UHH of one Pro that had in the contract that he was to be the only one allowed to take pictures. I think that's very unusual and probably should have been stricken from the contract before signing, but to save everyone involved a lot of unpleasantness at what should be a happy time, check with the Bride and Groom, and the bride's mother who probably made the arrangements.

I've found that the Pro's know what formal pictures to take, so you should concentrate on the more informal shots that they mostly won't take because they know the shoot is expensive enough without adding more shots that probably won't be purchased. This is not to say you can't take pictures of the ceremony or other activities, but try to do it from your seat or other out of the way place.

Good Luck!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Allen, Although I provided some helpful resources in another post, I agree completely. I have about 50 weddings to my credit, and I am painfully aware of the photographic and logistical challenges involved. Amateur family members who take on this responsibility don't realize that bad results are not only embarrassing, but can negatively affect their future relationships with their relatives. I suggested that he hire an experienced assistant or second shooter to work with him for the duration and guide him thru the process. At least that gives him a fighting chance. >Alan

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Yeah introduce you self to your Nephew,Ha Ha

Bobbee

The reading is a good idea, But............what do they say..........."Experience is something you don't get until after you need it" or

Reading about sex is NOTHING like doing it!!!!

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

No, not to the groom, but to the photographer. On that day the groom has enough to worry about and probably doesn't give a damn who is, or isn't, taking pictures.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Rongnongno, you never disappoint. You and Donrant should get together. Cheers.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Be sure to have large supply of Roundup. Weed begone ,or Black Flaag.

Bobbee

So two things off this note.

People generally are under the comprehension the Professional Photographers take perfect pictures every time. Well maybe if your in a studio in a controlled environment. this certainly does not pertain to weddings where anything goes. But this does bring up an important fact. You have to know your equipment better than you DON'T know your wife. (Little reverse comparison there.) I certainly have taken my fair share of crappy pictures. But you do know how to control the situation and ALWAYS take 2 or three shots. changing things. Also taking with another camera. this bring up a second point. Secondary and third backup systems are a must. God forbid your single camera fails. Which happened at a wedding I was crashing in Florida some years back. I happen to have my camera and thus became the wedding photographer on a second. BTW, the other guy, was lynched SOUTHERN STYLE!!!. LOL

Lupin Loc: West Sussex, U.K.

Equipment has not been mentioned so far, but make sure that you know your own camera inside out. Its no good having to flip through camera menus when fleeting key moments are passing by. Smiles fade very quickly if the photographer has to fiddle about with his camera.
Its worth going to the wedding venue in advance if possible, and working out where and how to get the most interesting shots and what exposure/flash settings you're going to need. Always shoot RAW so that you have some latitude to correct exposure problems in PP. A couple of shots taken of a color calibration card (or at least a calibrated grey card) immediately before or after shooting at planned sites will enable you to get the colors bang-on in PP for printing.
Don't be afraid to take control of the situation with conventionally posed wedding photographs. Instruct people in no uncertain terms where you want them to stand in order to get the best shots. Remember there will be lots of guests with smart phones pushing in front of you to get their own photos. In fact professional wedding photographers often use the trick of getting their assistant to stand prominently in the field of view (pretending to arrange the bride's train or similar) until the last moment, as a "spoiler" to frustrate wedding guests own photos!
Lastly, if you're making prints (or having prints made for you) get them done quickly. Hundreds of guests' blurry smart-phone shots will be out on Facebook before the wedding's even finished. Interest in even beautifully taken professional shots will have waned somewhat after a couple of weeks!