Tip #4 Use The Rule of Thirds!

A common mistake among photographers is centering the subjects in the middle of the frame. Instead, utilize The Rule of Thirds to make photos more dynamic and interesting. Just as it sounds, The Rule of Thirds composition divides a photo into thirds on a vertical and horizontal grid, then allows the most important elements in the photo to fall along the lines of that grid. If executed properly, the grid lines can also create natural paths for scissors when cutting extraneous people out of photos. A prime example of this type of composition, the photo above highlights the most important elements on the bride and the most vulnerable killing points on the groom. A quick horizontal cut could easily remove his head from the picture or slice gracefully through his genitals. Both of these can be equally rewarding, so it really doesn't matter which you choose, just have fun! Bonus Tip: Catch the Bride in Profile! By setting the bride's focus away from the camera in this picture, I was able to display her profile, exposing the striking angles of her body and catching just the right amount of shadow on the supple skin around her clavicles. The turn of her face highlights the perfect jaw structure and the brilliant white teeth, as she smiles a smile the photographer hasn't seen in a long time. The type of smile that feels like a destination. So, turning the bride slightly away from camera will…  I'm pretty sure she's lost weight too. Yeah. God, she looks good. She makes a beautiful bride. It shouldn't be that a*****e there, it should be me. I've changed, I'm a professional goddamn photographer now, I have ambition.

Tip #5 You Can't Cry Here!

C'mon man, get it together. Don't let her have this, this is exactly what she wants. Look, just stay calm, it's like any other day. The sun's out, there's a breeze. Anything could happen today. Hey, maybe you'll meet a great girl. Maybe the wind will topple the reception tent and crush everyone. Maybe the groom forgot to put on sunscreen and he'll get melanoma. Oh s**t, you forgot sunscreen this morning didn't you? Jesus, after you put it out and everything. You. You're just a giant child trying to function as an adult. You'll never be a doctor, you'll never be anything. You don't even know what you're doing with this camera. Your whole life is bullshit. You insufferable waste of space. You have to get out of here.

Tip #6 Know When to Leave!

A great wedding photographer always knows when to bow out and let the families celebrate the momentous occasion together. Remember that you are here to capture the story, not to live it with the guests. At a certain point the photographer's job is over, there is nothing more he can do. It can be a sad moment, but I find that locking myself in the car with my head on the steering wheel helps. Just experiment and you'll find your own way that works! If you choose, you can always leave disposable cameras for the wedding guests to take pictures in your absence. Or, you can leave your own camera, but always be certain to include a note so that the bride and groom can return it to you after the wedding! Here's a note I like to use: