In high school I was lucky enough to find a local photographer willing to take me on as an assistant. I always tell people that he paid me for ruining his film and paper. Thanks, Kent. Through those years, almost every Saturday I was at a wedding, loading Hasselblad film backs, carrying gear and holding lights. After that, I swore I'd never shoot a wedding again.

Fast forward thirty years, and "photojournalism-style" weddings are all the rage. In fact a good friend of mine, Michael Schwarz of Atlanta, founded a company back then called The Wedding Bureau that helped couples find photographers to do just that. And the more I saw of that kind of photography, the more I thought that shooting a wedding again might not be so bad. So when my niece Ceana announced her wedding this summer, I offered to shoot it for her and Frank.

Two things I'll say right now: I don't normally recommend shooting a family member's wedding (what if you screw up?), and I also don't recommend doing someone's wedding if you're not sure you can do a good job on it. In this case I figured I was safe on both counts, and made the offer.

Bottom line? I had a great time doing it. Of course, it wasn't exactly the toughest of situations. Beautiful bride, handsome groom, great location. The wedding was held outdoors in the early evening in the mountains of North Carolina. The light was great, making it easier for me to do a good job. I also had an inside track, knowing all the key figures. Plus I was there a couple of days early, so photographed the raft trip we all did on the Natanhala River as well as the rehearsal and dinner the evening before.

If you're going to shoot a wedding, let me offer up a couple of tips. Use lights. Yes, photojournalism style is all about "the moment," but a well exposed moment is always better. That doesn't mean you have to light everything, but add a little fill flash when needed (the outdoor group shots for me) and add a lot of light when it gets dark. In my case, that meant adding two portable strobes to the indoor area where the cake was going to be cut. And get a list of what group shots they want BEFORE the wedding day. That way you can just call out names and get the shots done.

Let me finish by saying that shooting weddings isn't for everyone. It's a big responsibility, and you owe it to the couple to do a good job on what will be one of the most important days of their lives. If you're attending as a guest, bring your camera along and have fun. The official photographer can't be everywhere, and it's a great little gift to send some nice shots along to the couple later. Just stay out of that photographer's way, so they can do their job.

As for me? Right now I'm busy editing the stuff I shot, getting a web gallery up, a DVD with music, then a book and prints. After that, though, I'm looking for my next wedding to shoot. It was a blast.