Should you bring your camera if you go to a wedding (or other event) where you’re not the photographer? Sure, but follow some simple rules. Remember, the couple paid a professional to get the photos and it’s their job and responsibility to do that. So

Rule #1: Don’t get in their way!!!! This is the most important rule. They’ve got a lot to do and don’t need you trying to stand next to them while they are trying to do the group shots or having to do with you in the aisle while the members of the wedding party are going up or down.

Rule #2: Don’t try to get the attention of the group. If you are around while the group shots are going on, don’t try to get the group’s attention before or after the photographer is getting the shot. You’re just slowing things down.

Rule #3: Leave your Pocket Wizards at home. Why would you try to do complex lighting anyway? Leave your flash on your camera and don’t compete with the channels they are using. Do you need 4 lenses and 2 bodies? Extra flashes and light modifiers? Nope. One camera, a good zoom, and good speed light.

Rule #4: Get the shots that the photographer is not getting. The couple don’t need you to do the same shots they are paying someone to do. Go after the candid’s and the group shots that don’t involve the wedding party. That’s something they’ll appreciate.

The shot above is from an outdoor wedding I went to last year. I brought my 80-200mm f/2.8 and had lots of fun without ever getting in the way of the photographers. I got those shots that they didn’t and the father of the bride (my long-time friend) couldn’t thank me enough.

Exposure information: Nikon D7000, Tamron 28-200 f/2.8, 1/600s at f/2.8, ISO 100, 200mm