My approach was to try and do things differently but remain true to the day. It is very easy to get very abstract and experimental, back in the early days I could get very excited about shooting and have to check myself so that the story and narrative of the day remained true.

The house was packed full of people so there was always an exciting buzz to the place, this was infectious; everywhere I turned there was always a great moment I needed to capture. It was important that I kept my distance so that I did not interfere with the day; this was actually quite difficult because the family was kindly fussing over me and making sure I was comforable in their home. It seemed the more I resisted the more they would fuss

Technically I was armed with a Nikon D3 with a 24-70mm F2.8 lens, and a D300 with a 70-200mm F2.8 attached. It was also very useful to have the Nexto Storage device; the D3 produces files that are 25 megabytes each!

More photos can be seen on this gallery.

As a good friend constantly reminds me, I’m the wrong side of 30. Most of my friends at my age have the 2.5 family household. Some of them don’t particularly like other people’s weddings. I love them!! It’s an absolute hoot. But not all wedding photographers are like me, so for potential bride and grooms here’s my top ten list for…

…You know you have a good Wedding Photographer when:

1. He turns up early and has already taken 100 shots of your house in every detail.
2. You realise that there is someone else going around busier than your bride’s maids & your parents.
3. He has a camera so big that is has it’s own gravitational pull
4. Nothing distracts him away from his equipment, not even the lure of beautiful bride’s maids
5. He walks with a limp because of sustained injury from carrying 2 cameras, 4 lenses, 3 battery packs, 2 flashes, 1 tripod and a hernia
6. He has a personality that can gather people together; from the rowdiest of guests to the most gentle of children
7. He is the only one who is not having anything to drink AND is taking “shots” on the dance floor
8. You see him seemingly looking at nothing, then realise he is actually lining up a great shot of your parents.
9. Children keep asking him why he needs a camera that big!
10. and finally, by the end of the evening he has a grin on his face because he has had so much fun capturing the greatest moments of the greatest day in your life so far!!!

Preparation is a key strategy. Unfortunately the was no running order; it was almost like a shotgun wedding because people were all over the place. There was a total of 50 people at the wedding so comparatively small, even so it was hard enough trying to sort out everyone’s photos.

I had people queuing up to get the families taken with me. There was even a scuffle in the line as some people were queue jumping, but in a friendly way. Due to lack of experience I wasn’t able to read what type of photos they wanted, and I should have been more assertive in getting the families to do what I wanted them to do. Many of them thought I would just take one, but I always shoot 3-4 frames as a minimum! Even so, I wasn’t testing their patience enough and each shoot under a minute. However, with more experience, I could adjust it so that they are more comfortable in front of a camera.

But there are lessons which I shall share because I’m generous like that

• The bride and groom aren’t always right when it comes to photographic decisions so it’s best to be a bit pushier than normal. They will thank you later when you get that winning shot
• Always bring more business cards than you think you’ll need
• Find a location where you can setup a ‘photo’ corner. That was crucial in getting some of the shots. In addition to that, get a plan B in case the first location isn’t up to the job of fitting everyone in.
• Always bring a backup of everything, spare camera, lens, batteries, tripods, flashes. Don’t take the risk in thinking your primary equipment will work without fail. It’s a huge gamble, if it fails you will miss crucial shots which the party expects you to get
• You’ll need a Flash, I have a Nikon SB-800 which is very good, so good in fact that I bought two!

In the ever changing conditions it was very exciting to juggle the right white balance, ISO, Aperture, focusing and framing in a split second. And if it isn’t right then you DAMN better know your equipment to make those crucial adjustments so you capture that moment. The clients will love you for it.