If you are soon to be attending or participating in a wedding you'll probably be bringing your camera along with you. Here's some help from Ted, to assist you in taking great pictures, and preserving the memories of the bride and groom's happy day.

As most hired professional photographers concentrate their lenses on the ceremony and reception, you, as an attendant or guest, are presented with plenty of opportunities to capture on film, special moments from the wedding. You can take away your own unique record of the wedding celebrations. Share great photographic prints with the happy couple. Prints that professional photographer may have missed or was not asked to document.

Nowadays, many newlyweds no longer request that their professional photographer cover what are commonly known as "establishing shots"; those pictures of the wedding ceremony and reception location exteriors. Many no longer shoot images of guests at tables. These photos are rarely purchased by the bride and groom yet are often desired by the couple for their less formal wedding photo albums. Your photographic coverage is usually much apreciated in these areas.

Group table shots with a mixture of seated and standing guests are always popular. Try to capture this kind of action early on during the reception. Guests hovering over partly eaten meals can easily appear unsightly. Candid action, conversation and laughter make great momentos. Consider taking photos of the table decorations in the foreground with soft focus action behind. Whenever possible, fill the frame with your subjects. It is always a shame when the viewer has to search in the photo to identify what the photographer was trying to shoot.

In sacred places, and during the ceremony it is best to follow the lead of the professional photographer. If you wish to take photos at a church, chapel or other holy building and you see that the professional refrains from doing so, consider that there is probably good reason why no photos are being taken. Often the clergy or the couple themselves have requested that the photographer to keep the lens cap on during this time in respect of sanctity or of tradition.

Where photography is permitted, try to refrain from using flash photography. Use longer exposure times, faster film speeds and wider apertures to capture these moment. Remember that flash photography can cause distraction, can damage artworks and is a breach of some religious and social etiquettes.

Take a seat alongside the aisle for great shots of the procession and recession. Consider moving to the rear of the venue during the signing of the register when your movements will be less noticeable so as to more easily capture the couple exiting the ceremony

Finally, try to be respectful towards the professional wedding photographer and ultimately the bride and groom themselves. Give them the space they all need to achieve the results they need. Keep out of their way to avoid spoiling the photos they want. The couple have made their photography arrangements with the photographer, and whilst this does not diminish the role you can play with your camera, it is important to remember those for whom this day is so very special.