Wedding Day Posing Tips

With the rise of photojournalistic and candid wedding photography, posing has become something that couples aren’t focusing on in their wedding photograph search, but the truth is you absolutely should!

How you look in your wedding photographs is your photographer’s responsibility, and their approach makes a huge difference in your final images. How natural, comfortable, and candid you look is in their hands.

The goal is for your images is show connection and affection while you both look amazing. It’s my responsibility to place you in the right light, with the right background, and in a pose that makes you look your best. Though it sounds counterintuitive, once we’re there, I want the pose broken! I encourage a laugh, a tickle, a shared secret, or a look. THAT is the image. That is the “I love your work but can’t really explain why” that I get all the time.

It’s a little bit candid, yes also posed, but still authentically you.

So before we break the pose, before the magic happens, what am I looking for in order for you to look your best?

10 Posing tips for beautiful wedding day photographs

Here are the things I’m really looking for, and asking of you, as I create poses to make everyone look their best. This is kind of like a “help me help you” list! You do not have to remember all of these - or any of them - I’ll keep an eye out for everything. Yes, all day!

1: Connection

My first rule is to have as many points of contact as possible between the two of you. Hands, shoulders, hips.. .there are lots of ways to connect and with wedding couples, the more the better! I'll give you prompts to see how you organically approach each other, but am ready to make suggestions to enhance your natural stance if needed.

2: If it bends, break it!

There should not be any part of your body “locked”. Soften your knees, elbows & wrists. Even your hips should be in a natural stance, not square to the ground or your body.

3: Hands

Use them to say something. Hands on hands, hips, shoulders, back, neck - so many options to show sweet affection and connection. Just don’t leave able hands dangling by your side. Sometimes hands in pockets works for certain poses, but most often I ask for hands to actively participate in the pose.

4: Eyes

Eyes say so much. I appreciate your attention but I really want your attention on your fiancé! Look at them in the eyes, adore the outfit, look at their hands… eyes are a huge part of connection. Closed eyes don't get overlooked as they often hold so much energy in an image.

We will take traditional photos looking at the camera, too, but for the most part I want you adoring your person in photos.

5: Feet

Together in a natural stance. This one is harder for people to be aware of (especially if we are on a beach or rocky area), but I’m on it. I will let you know if those feet need to be adjusted and will give tips when it comes time for photos while walking.

6: Bouquet

In the brides hands. Always. If it’s not designed for you, you should not be holding it in your official wedding photos (a candid of you helping the other person, say walking on rocks near the ocean is very sweet so there are a few exceptions). The bride should hold the bouquet in one hand, close to the base of the flowers. Bouquet on a slight angle with flower heads towards the camera. Too many things going on? I’ll show you how to handle the train, bouquet, and hold hands too!

7: Elbows

Away from the body - all day long! Arms that are straight break rule #2 above, but also just don’t flatter anyone. The elbow should be bent and away from your body. For females especially, giving a little space between the arm and body accentuates your natural shape and feels much more natural than having it squished to your side (which will make anyone look wider than they naturally are). This rule goes for that upside-down locked-elbow pose you see over and over (except in my work!). There are so many more flattering ways to do that photo, which we will do instead.

8: Kissing

Sweet in the right circumstances, but we don’t want to be lip-locked for every photo. I’d much rather have one person kiss the other on the forehead/neck/shoulder/hand/etc., because it allows the camera to see at least one person’s facial expression.

*If I do ask to see a kiss, it’s the closeness before and after I’m really looking for and often will throw out the actual kissing image because it is not as interesting.

9: Movement

Movement adds so much to portraits (especially with a long veil and a little wind!) but the real reason that movement adds so much is the spontaneity that it allows from each person. I find that men especially respond well to getting to move around during portraits.

10: Privacy

I know your friends and family are excited, but leaving them out of the couples portrait part of the wedding day is a good idea. To get into the moment, feel connected with your new (or soon-to-be) spouse, stepping away from your guests is a good idea. Especially if you are a little shy or nervous, having a quiet moment to create these images of just the two of you can be so helpful! If you are having images done in a more public spot, like the Boston Common or a beach, strangers walking by are less likely to make you nervous than your nearest and dearest.

The absolute best way to get images you love on your wedding day?

An engagement session!

Not with just anyone, but with the photographer who will be there on your wedding day.