We’ve covered the importance of capturing images of symbolic and otherwise meaningful objects on the wedding day. But, of course, you’ll need to devote some time to photographing the people who have come to share in the big day. So, who should you keep an eye on? How many frames should you spend?
It is a good bet that the parents will play a big role in the day and mean a great deal to the bride and groom.
At most weddings, it is a good bet that the parents will play a big role in the day and mean a great deal to the bride and groom. This is not a guarantee, however. The first thing you need to do is a little probing. Find out if all of the parents are in attendance and identify them. Pay attention to how they interact with the bride. You will often encounter estranged relationships or some that are simply just not that close. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some relationships are very close. Know what you are dealing with in order to know whom to compose portraits of throughout the day.
For example, if the bride makes her mother the matron of honor, they obviously enjoy a close relationship and you will benefit from taking a lot of frames of the mother having a good time. You will also know to compose a lot of shots with the mother and daughter together, sharing moments. Alternately, if the bride does not ask her father to walk her down the aisle, or perhaps you overhear her talking about how much he upsets or annoys her, then you know the relationship does not warrant dozens of photojournalistic portraits.
Equipment: Canon EOS-1D Mark III with EF 100mm f/1.4L Macro IS USM lens. Exposure: f/2.8 at 
second and ISO 1600.
Your main goal is to produce images of the people, places, and things that serve as an emotional trigger . . .
If the parents are divorced, do not spend time composing a shot of the two of them together. On the other hand, if they have enjoyed a thirty-year marriage, make sure to try to get a shot of the two of them laughing together. It is a moment that both they and the bride will value—and composing a shot of the two of them makes it worth more than a shot of just one of them. Its perceived value is higher. No one ever wants to leave someone out. It is very important to cover the whole family at an event. Everyone who shares a close relationship with your clients should be equally represented.
It is important to spend your shots wisely. Don’t waste valuable time overshooting any single person, especially if you’ve learned that the couple isn’t likely to purchase an 8x10-inch print of that individual after the wedding. Remember, your main goal is to produce images of the people, places, and things that serve as an emotional trigger for the viewer. Make sure you never forget who you are selling to and the reason why he or she might purchase the photo you are creating. It is not an exact science in any way, but giving it some thought may just help boost your sales and result in some positive feedback.
Equipment: Canon EOS-1D Mark III with EF 50mm f/1.4L IS USM lens. Exposure: f/2.2 at 
second and ISO 1600.