Okay, now for the good stuff. For those of you that are just now joining us, Karen Rusten of Brown Mouse Photography in San Francisco, is partnering up with some of the world’s best photographers to find out exactly what couples can do to ensure that they take the most amazing pictures on their wedding day. Let’s get right to it…here’s Karen!
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Photographers are a tight knit group –and what we love most is gabbing about getting hot, rockin’ images, and what makes or breaks a shoot. After having been through the ins and outs of countless wedding days, we photographers have so much to share with brides and grooms, not only to help them get amazing photographs, but also to fully enjoy their wedding celebration.
I asked eight of my favorite wedding photographers to spell out some of their best advice on getting the images you always dreamed of. Follow this advice, and your wedding day joy will shine in every shot:
1. PUT US ON TRIAL

photograph via Jose Villa
“Take some time at the first meeting with the photographer and do an engagement session so that you can all practice working together. Treat it like a trial run, and be sure to tell your photographer what you loved and didn’t love from that session. This will help to produce the best photos possible for your most important day…your wedding” -Jose Villa
2. KICK UP YOUR HEELS!

photo via Karen Wise
“The pictures always look better when the couple is truly having fun! The couple should be playful with each other -tickle, hug, kiss, talk… this always looks really nice in the shots instead of a face-forward grin.” -Karen Wise karenwise.com
3. TRUST ME

A wedding photographer is intimately involved with most aspects of the day. It’s crucial that a couple feel at ease & trust in their photographer’s ability to capture the nuances of the day.” -Elizabeth Messina
4. SPICE IT UP!

via Tanja Lippert
“Throw out the traditions and have a celebration that is about YOU!!!! This will ensure that photos are unique, beautiful and individual.” -Tanja Lippert
The next four tips are on their way in just a bit!
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These tips are so helpful to any bride and groom! I think some of the most important tips are number 2 and number 3. It is important to have fun on your wedding day and trust your photographer. Wonderful post!
What great tips!
Loving getting an inside peek at what photographers want their clients most to know.
I just got married and can't wait to see the photos! Hopefully the pictures turn out ok!
-jack
Great wedding photography tips and beautiful images from Jose Villa to illustrate your ideas. Thanks.
These tips are perfect! I think the engagement session is critical to getting great photos on the wedding - it totally builds the relationship between the couple & the photographer, and builds trust in the photographer as well. I've made them "mandatory" for all my brides!
Many thanks for having communicated your encouraging ideas with us. There is nothing greater than finding out that others can associate. I am sure others will agree with you.
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