Shot List

• There is no bigger disappointment than discovering missing friends or family from your wedding photos. Prepare a list of all the different poses you want taken on your wedding day. Include a list of all family members and friends who you want included in the formal pictures. In addition to photos with your wedding party, there should be family photos of the bride's family, the groom's family and combined photos of the immediate families. Plan a time line for picture taking, such as formal photos during cocktail hour, cake cutting, first dance and tossing of the bouquet. Preparing a list prior to the big day eliminates the chance of missed shots.
  
  

Location

• Scout the location to find the best shots.wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  The photographer should visit the wedding venue prior to the actual wedding day. By scouting the site, the photographer can determine the best locations for shooting photos. She should also meet with the on-site wedding coordinator to discuss any rules or guidelines they may have for taking photos. The coordinator may also suggest the perfect locations based on other weddings that have been held at the location. Try to make the site visit around the same time of day that the wedding will take place to assess lighting conditions.
  
  

Backup Plans

• Anything can go wrong on the big day, but it won't be a problem if you are prepared for the unexpected. There should be a backup camera in case equipment malfunctions. Extra batteries, lenses, flashes and any other accessories should also be on hand. Prepare a list of alternate wedding shot locations in the event of inclement weather. Determine appropriate indoor locations at the venue that provide nice backdrops should the weather drive you inside. Be prepared for deviations in the photography time line to accommodate unexpected changes. If you are relying on friends or family, have more than one person taking photographs. Then you can choose the best shots from each person's selection of photos.
  
  

Candid Shots

• Though the staged shots of your wedding hold importance, the candid photos often capture even more meaningful memories. Your photographer should be on hand during the bulk of the reception to shoot as many candids as possible. You may also want to place disposable cameras on each table and encourage your guests to take pictures throughout the event. It is wiser to have too many photos taken as opposed to missing photo opportunities that can never be recaptured.
  
  

Offbeat

• Many wedding couples choose to stage some offbeat photo shoots in addition to the wedding day. Brides who have no desire to save their wedding dress are opting for "trash the dress" shoots. Diving into a pool, sliding in mud, or visiting an amusement park are just some of the possibilities.