So you’ve been asked to take the photos at your friend’s wedding. You’ve tried to persuade them to hire a professional, but they are happy with you. Don’t panic, they asked you because they like your style. Wedding digital photography is no different from other photography, but there are a few things you need to consider when planning for the big day.

The first thing is so simple you don’t even think of it. Simply, turn the sound off on your camera. It isn’t going to make anyone feel more comfortable hearing electronic beeps as the shot is framed or taken.

Take more photos. A perfect moment will only happen once so don’t stint on the number of photos you take, this is one of the occasions where doing less is definitely not wise. And don’t automatically discard shots you don’t think is good enough. Judicial cropping or editing may capture a moment you didn’t expect. The blurred shot of the flower girl may turn out to be an artistic photo. Stand back and objectively (or perhaps subjectively) evaluate each shot for its own merits.

Be prepared! Make sure you have spare batteries and multiple memory cards. Know the wedding venues and times. Check out places where you will be able to stand during the ceremony. Think about the shots the bride and groom will want of their big occasion and how you can move between them during the proceedings. The same applies to the reception venue. It is important to know where the speeches will be given and where the dancing will take place. When checking for locations for posed shots think about the background and places you can get good group shots of the entire wedding party.

Be totally comfortable with how your camera operates. One thing about shooting wedding digital photography is that it will be a busy day and people will be stressed. You will have few chances to get a second shot so make the first one count every time. One option for you is to have an assistant who can get people organized and positioned leaving you free to concentrate on the shots you want to take.

Think about using the continuous shooting mode if your digital camera has this capability. This will allow you to capture a second shot after the main shot has been taken. Sometimes you can just guarantee everyone will have their eyes open and be smiling one second after the shot is taken – don’t miss that opportunity.

Weddings are a celebration. Make sure you cover off the tips above and your contribution to the day will be priceless.

Read more about mastering digital wedding photography. Vince also shows you how to make money with photography