Customs and manners to conform to when visiting a mosque 4 first time ?

please no essays, just tell me the very basic but most important things one must do if he/she is to visit the mosque - 2 non muslim peers and I wish to visit a local mosque to familiarise ourselves and reaffirm our beliefs that the media does (and always has) talked rubbish about islam, its people and history.

I want to know what you do as you enter a mosque, right from the point where you approach it outside the gates and when you walk into the outer perimeter and then into the building.

remember, three of us have never been to a mosque before - im too lazy to find a book to consult and i figured i'd ask folk online who are hopefuly practicing muslims.

Also, what are the rules surrounding taking photos/filming with camera inside and outside a mosque ? totaly prohibited, varying mosque to mosque or solely dependent on if the mosque gives authorisation ?

There is no special rules or formalities you need to worry about. Most mosques have offices in them as well, so best thing to do is stop there first. Just tell them you came to check out the mosque and learn a bit about Islam, or whatever your reason maybe for going.

Dress wise, no shorts for both genders. Do not wear any tight clothes, or any that reveals too much skin (ladies). Normal jeans with a shirt or a t-shirt is fine.

Photos/filming, best to talk to the people in charge at the office before doing that inside. Doing that will be ok for most part so long as you get the permission. Doing that in women's area might not be ok as some don't want their privacy invaded.

Manner wise, try avoiding talking to the opposite gender too much, especially to the ladies.

Men-don't wear short. Woman-no sexy attire.(pants and polo shirt is fine)
Photos/Filming-Ask the Imam (mosque leader) first.

Manners: Don't make too much noise.