Be a better wedding photographer

Weddings are packed with photo opportunities, here's how to make the most of them

Wedding photography is a job best left to the professionals. While the official photographer is busy taking time consuming group shots though, you've got the perfect opportunity to capture the more candid moments. Exactly the kind of images your bride & groom are bound to love.

Be snap happy Get into the habit of taking a few shots of each image, that way you won't be disappointed when someone has their eyes shut or is pulling an awkward expression in digital photo prints .

Wait for it It's important not to get in the professional photographer's way. Instead, wait until just after each formal photo shot has been taken and then take yours - you'll get a far more relaxed look.

Act on instinct Timing is everything. Some photos might not be quite how you'd like them but if you see something interesting just grab the moment. You can always re-crop an image at a later date but you can't re-enact spontaneity.

Focus on fun It's the funny little things that happen that make each wedding unique. With so much going it's often such moments that get missed - like young bridesmaids running riot, or the pageboy trying on a top hat that's far too big for him.

Use your advantage Remember the professional photographer won't know the people they're photographing. If you do then take couple shots and get little informal family groups together, this will give your photos more meaning.

Eye for detail A variety of close-up shots will add interest to your photos. Details such as flowers, favours and menus will all have been carefully chosen, making them worthy of photographing and popping in photo albums .

Mixture of monochrome Monochrome can be an effective way of disguising a dull day or a poorly lit venue. It's also a great of cutting out clashing colours and focusing attention on the emotion of the day - just what you want at a wedding.

Get in quick Many newlyweds have to wait weeks after their honeymoon to get a glimpse of their professional photos, and it might be months until their final photo album is ready. Get ahead of the game by uploading your photos as soon as the celebrating done, and share them online before the bride & groom even jet off.

The personal touch As an alternative to photo printing , why not turn one of your favourite photos of the day into a canvas or collage print? Far more personal than buying from the gift list and a guaranteed sure fire hit!

Get a great deal When ordering prints think who else might like a copy. Order an extra batch of photos for the couple and both sets of parents, along with some individual prints of any other couples you've photographed. By ordering all your photos at the same time you'll get a great discount on the price, so everyone will assume you've been far more generous than you really have - result!

A Stylebook is a great way to tell the story of the entire day, or how about a Photobook. A Canvas Print is certain to impress, or get creative with a Collage.