Strike a Pose: The Best Poses for Every Couple
Wedding photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s an art, a responsibility, and an incredible privilege. From the moment the bride steps into her dress to the final dance of the evening, we as wedding photographers are there to document the love and joy of one of the most significant days in a couple’s life.
One of the most beautiful aspects of being a wedding photographer is witnessing raw, unfiltered emotions. Weddings are a melting pot of love, laughter, happy tears, and heartfelt moments. From the groom tearing up as his bride walks down the aisle to the laughter shared during heartfelt toasts, each moment is unique and powerful. Capturing these emotions is not just fulfilling—it’s inspiring. It reminds us of the beauty of human connection and the significance of the bonds we all share.
Capturing these emotions is not just fulfilling—it’s inspiring.
It reminds us of the beauty of human connection and the significance of the bonds we all share.
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, love, and unforgettable moments. It's a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and naturally, you want the photographs to be just as memorable as the day itself. Whether you're a bride, groom, broom, gride, or part of the wedding party, knowing how to prepare for and navigate the photo-taking process can make a world of difference. Here are seven essential tips to help you shine in your wedding photos.
Wedding photos are more than just pictures; they are treasured keepsakes that tell the story of your special day. Long after the cake is eaten, the flowers have wilted, and the dress is tucked away, your photos will remain as a vivid reminder of the love and joy you experienced.
But getting those perfect shots doesn’t just depend on us! We bring the expertise and the skill, but your preparation and awareness can make a huge difference.
Here are seven detailed tips and tricks to make sure your wedding photos are exactly as spectacular as you envision:
1. Relax: The Key to Natural Beauty
Your wedding day might feel like the culmination of months or even years of planning, but when it comes to photos, stress is the enemy. A tense expression, clenched hands, or stiff posture can show up in the pictures, no matter how expertly composed they are. The secret to great photos is to relax.
Think of the most beautiful wedding photos you’ve ever seen. Chances are, the couple in them isn’t just smiling; they’re glowing with joy and serenity. That glow comes from being genuinely present in the moment.
How to Relax on Your Wedding Day:
Take deep breaths: Whenever you feel overwhelmed, pause and take a few slow, deep breaths. This can help calm your nerves and refocus your energy.
Trust your photographer: We know how to work with lighting, angles, and timing to make you look your best. Let us guide you and trust our expertise – we want you to look your best too!
Focus on your partner: When you start feeling self-conscious, shift your attention to your partner. Remember, the day is about your love and connection, not about being picture-perfect.
We, as wedding photographers, want to help you look your best on your big day, and if we all work together we’ll be able to capture memories that are as unique and special as you are. Remember, the most captivating wedding photos are the ones where genuine emotions shine through. Laughter, a subtle smile, or even happy tears—these authentic moments make the most lasting impressions.
3. Empty Your Pockets, Leave the Hair Ties at Home
Small details can have a big impact on how polished your photos look. If you’re wearing a suit or outfit with pockets, make sure they’re empty. Bulging pockets from a phone, keys, or wallet can distract from an otherwise sleek look.
Hair ties on wrists are another common culprit. These small bands might seem harmless, but they can be a glaring distraction in photos, especially close-ups. The same goes for chunky watches or accessories that don’t match the wedding’s aesthetic.
What to Do Instead:
Plan ahead: Create a “wedding day essentials” bag and assign someone to carry it for you. This can include your phone, lipstick, tissues, and anything else you might need.
Simplify your look: Choose accessories that complement your outfit rather than competing with it. Less is often more when it comes to wedding photos.
Your goal is to keep the focus on the things that matter—your face, your outfit, and the emotion of the moment—not the contents of your pockets or an errant scrunchie.
6. Don’t Try to Pose
This might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to look amazing in wedding photos is to avoid overthinking your poses. While it’s tempting to replicate pictures you’ve seen on Pinterest or Instagram, trying to force a pose can make you look unnatural or stiff.
Instead, focus on being present in the moment. We know how to capture candid moments wrapped in poses that reflect your personality and love story. If you’re unsure what to do with your hands, consider holding your partner, bouquet, or even a drink. These small actions keep you engaged and create a natural, effortless look.
How to Avoid That ‘Posed’ Look:
Keep it simple: If you’re not sure what to do, just stand naturally and let your hands fall to your sides. Sometimes, less is more.
Stay engaged: Interact with your partner, laugh with your bridal party, or simply take in the scenery. These organic moments often make for the most stunning photos.
Trust your instincts: If a pose doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your comfort is key to looking your best.
7. Let Your Personality Show: Make It Uniquely Yours
Your wedding photos should reflect you. Whether you’re goofy, romantic, adventurous, or reserved, don’t be afraid to let your true self shine.
If you and your partner share a unique hobby or inside joke, let us know and we’ll make sure to incorporate it into your photos. Do you love dancing? Bust a move on the dancefloor and let us capture the movement. Did you have custom wedding crocs made? Make sure you and your bridal party show them off while getting ready. Are you passionate about Dragon Ball? Get your gang together and strike a Ginyu force pose.
Ways to Infuse Personality into Your Photos
Incorporate personal touches: If you and your partner share a hobby or passion, find ways to include it. For example, if you’re book lovers, bring a stack of your favourite novels and we can incorporate them into your detail shots. If you love the outdoors, take a few shots in a scenic natural setting.
Embrace candid moments: Some of the most cherished photos are the ones that weren’t planned—like a spontaneous laugh, a stolen kiss, or a playful exchange with your partner.
Stay true to yourself: If you’re not someone who enjoys grand romantic gestures, don’t feel pressured to fake them for the camera – we’d rather you be yourself too! Authenticity always shines through.
Capturing all the quirks and hobbies that brought you together as a couple are a huge part of what we love as wedding photographers. These personal touches make your wedding photos stand out and serve as a genuine representation of your relationship. Years down the line, these photos will remind you not just of your wedding but of who you were as a couple on that special day.
Bringing It All Together
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and the unique bond you share with your partner and the pictures we take on the day are as much about the people in them as it is about the framing or lighting. We don’t just want to work with you and your S.O., we want to get to know your personalities, and those of your families, friends, and loved ones. Being a wedding photographer means stepping into your world on one of the happiest days of their life. We meet people from different walks of life and witness the unique traditions, cultures, and dynamics that make each wedding special. Building rapport with your clients and their guests adds a personal dimension to the job, making it more than just a profession—it becomes a celebration we’re part of, and capturing the uniqueness of each couple is our passion.
Every wedding and couple has its own story, and as the photographers, we get to be the storytellers. Through our lenses, we can capture the narrative of the day, from the quiet moments of anticipation before the ceremony to the wild celebrations on the dance floor. Piecing together these moments into a cohesive story is both challenging and rewarding. It requires us to anticipate key events, be in the right place at the right time, and think creatively about how to frame each shot. But delivering a beautifully curated album to you, our future clients, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.
Feeling relaxed and confident in your wedding photos starts with embracing the joy and meaning of the day. Your wedding is a celebration of love, not a staged performance, and your photos should reflect your authentic happiness. Let go of the idea of perfection and focus on the genuine emotions that make your day special—these are what truly shine through in your photos.
A great way to ease any pre-photo jitters is to build a connection with your photographer. Meeting them beforehand or having an engagement shoot can help you feel more at ease in front of the camera. On your wedding day, treat your photographer like an old friend capturing candid moments rather than someone scrutinizing your every move. Their job is to guide you, make you feel comfortable, and bring out your natural beauty.
Preparation also plays a big role in feeling confident. Choose clothing and accessories that make you feel your best and ensure you have enough time to get ready without rushing. Practice standing tall with your shoulders back, and take deep breaths throughout the day to keep calm. Simple habits like these can subtly boost your confidence and help you feel poised.
Most importantly, stay in the moment. The best wedding photos happen when couples are genuinely enjoying themselves—laughing with loved ones, stealing glances at each other, or soaking in the atmosphere. Let your emotions flow naturally, whether that’s joy, excitement, or even a happy tear or two. When you’re fully present, your expressions will look authentic and radiant.
Don’t overthink it. Poses and perfect smiles aren’t necessary for great photos. Focus on your connection with your partner, and trust that your love will take center stage. If you feel self-conscious, look at your partner instead of the camera. Their familiar presence can calm your nerves and help you relax.
By keeping these seven tips in mind, you can ensure your wedding photos truly capture the magic of the day:
Relax and let your genuine emotions shine through.
Maintain a confident and elegant posture with shoulders back and chins forward.
Avoid distractions by emptying your pockets and removing unnecessary accessories.
Keep your look natural and relaxed by knowing when to unbutton your jacket.
Embrace intimacy and connection by getting close(r) to your loved ones.
Focus on the moment rather than forcing a pose—don’t try to pose.
Most importantly, let your personality show to create photos that are uniquely yours.
With these pointers, you’ll feel confident, look your best, and create memories you’ll treasure forever. We as photographers are there to guide you, but the je ne sais quoi comes from you. So smile, laugh, and savor every moment—because those are the memories that make the best photographs.
