| Having a family member take photos as well as a | | | | would like shots of the flowers, table, the cake, |
| professional photographer can be flirting with | | | | and everything else that a professional might only |
| disaster. However, it can also be a blessing in | | | | take a few shots of. |
| disguise as it will not only keep the pros on their | | | | Discretion is the key to amateur photography. |
| toes but you never know where that one great | | | | You simply do not want to see shots of uncle |
| shot is going to come from. The trick is to make | | | | Thaddeus picking his nose at the table or the |
| sure to have a reliable and responsible member of | | | | groom checking out the bridesmaid's legs as she |
| your family taking the extra photos and to have | | | | passes by. Emphasize that pictures of the children |
| a candid conversation of what you expect from | | | | all decked out in their Sunday go to meeting best |
| their behavior. Most families have a natural or | | | | is a great idea. Nothing makes a great album like |
| someone who just seems to take great pictures. | | | | children being children. |
| Make sure your amateur family member | | | | You may want to purchase or rent a really good |
| photographer has plenty of film and a firm | | | | camera with many features a few weeks in |
| understanding that they are not to compete with | | | | advance and let your chosen photographer run |
| or get in the way of the professionals for which | | | | wild with it. Have them practice with different |
| you paid top dollar. Ask them to be as discreet as | | | | lighting shots and continuous shooting. Having |
| possible and let everyone know that they can | | | | access to the wedding site with the camera a |
| cooperate with your Jr. P man so that it is easier | | | | few weeks before with a live subject will greatly |
| for them to get that lucky shot. | | | | enhance their confidence and ability to take great |
| Have your amateur visit the wedding scene a | | | | shots without too much trepidation. The best |
| few days in advance so that they can get the | | | | amateur photographers are the fearless ones |
| layout of the chapel or wedding hall in their minds | | | | who have the courage and foresight to take the |
| and get and idea of what shot he could take and | | | | shot regardless of the light angle or willingness of |
| from where. Knowing the lighting and layout will be | | | | the subject. |
| a great help for advanced planning. Make a list of | | | | The last and most important tip is the first one |
| the types of shot you have in mind but be careful | | | | we listed. It is vital that your family member |
| not to limit their natural creativity and insight. | | | | photographer stays out of the professional's way. |
| Have your family photographer shoot small details | | | | Introduce them and let the paid shooter know |
| and things that a professional might miss. Pictures | | | | that you have Cousin Harry taking some extra |
| of guests holding their spring wedding favors or | | | | shots. Who knows, he might be able to pick up |
| garden wedding favors are always nice. Getting | | | | some pointers from the photographer who does |
| shots of individuals as the enter or as the watch | | | | it for a living. If it works out, let Harry know that |
| the ceremony from a distance is a great way to | | | | there might be a few bucks in it for him and then |
| get candid and unexpectedly great shots of your | | | | follow through. He or she could be very useful for |
| loved ones and family that you do not get to see | | | | the next big function in your life. Do I hear a baby |
| that often. Also, make sure that they know you | | | | crying? |