As a Melbourne Wedding Photographer I focus on the natural moments between my couples and do everything I can to make them feel at ease in front of my camera. My style is editorial and relaxed, so I don’t overly pose my couples. Instead, I ask them to move into certain positions or look at each other – this helps them to feel comfortable and pose naturally which results in great photographs. If you’re the kind of person who likes to feel prepared, take a look at my top tips for achieving the best wedding photos on your big day!
Here are ten fabulous natural wedding photography posing tips to ace your wedding photo-shoot:
1.Relax
Easier said than done I know, but try to let your face and shoulders relax. If you tense up each time the camera points at you, it’ll show in every shot. Your photographer should be able to give you small directions to help you look and feel relaxed. An engagement shoot is a great way to practise this beforehand so that you feel more relaxed on your big day. An engagement shoot is also a brilliant way to get casual and natural shots of you both. I often recommend my couples use these for save the date cards or for their wedding guest book.
2.Touch one another
Always have at least one point of contact with your partner. Holding hands, touching shoulders or even interlinking fingers will add to the sense of connection in your photographs. And it feels good! Interacting with one another with plenty of eye contact helps you focus more on each other and less on your photographer.
3.Showcase your personality
A group photo shoot is always fun! So when you’re shooting with your tribe at the wedding, you are supposed to live it! The catch behind these pictures is a distinctive personality of each group. Almost each one of you has a character that is waiting for you to be free. So let loose what you are around your friends and join them in the excitement.
Give the photographer something with a personality that only belongs to all of you. Bring something of your own to the table; it is only then that you’ll have a photo book that is fun and real.
4. Almost kiss
The “almost kiss” is an awesome way to create a natural looking wedding pose. Move just close enough to one another to kiss without kissing – this creates a beautiful moment of tension (and the added bonus that once the photograph is taken you can move in for the full kiss!) which will become a beautiful photograph.
5.Don’t always look at the camera
The natural shots are more often than not most couple’s favourite images from their day. Your photographer will often guide you into a pose but really they’ll be paying attention to those magical in-between moments where you and your guests are joking and smiling naturally, or when you as a couple are sharing a real moment of love, or simply that “OMG we’re married!!!” realisation. These are the real gems of your wedding day and can’t be orchestrated, so just act as you normally would and your photographer will capture the magic.
6. Movement
If you’re feeling awkward in front of the camera, try this one – movement. This can be as simple as twirling in your dress, walking towards or away from the camera, or leaning into your partner for a kiss or a snuggle.
Your photographer will no doubt be able to guide you into most of these poses, but knowing upfront what to expect and what looks good will help create better and more natural looking photographs. This leaves you to focus on simply being in the moment and enjoying your wedding day – which will undoubtedly be one of the best days of your life!
7.Capitalize on The Golden Hour
Schedule your portrait sessions around the “golden hour” at sunset. Any good photographer should be able to take good images regardless of the lighting, but if you schedule the photo session when the light is best, you will end up with better pictures.
8.Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
If your photographer doesn’t have an assistant, ask a friend to lend a hand. They can help fluff your beautiful wedding dress and keep an eye out for stray hairs or smudged eyeliner. It’ll help streamline the images and allow for more variety within your designated time frame as the photographer will be able to focus on their craft
9.Play Fun, Upbeat Tunes to Put You at Ease
I have found Spotify to be a great resource because most clients already have the app downloaded on their phones, and they can stream songs from their favourite genre that they’ve selected. The more comfortable the bride feels, the better her images will turn out. Just make sure you can still hear the directions from the photographer
10.Be Fully Present
Too often, brides get so caught up in the details that they forget to relax and be fully present on their wedding day. You’ve planned, hired the vendors and assigned the tasks; now it’s time to relax and truly enjoy the moment. That said, most brides are self-conscious, and that’s okay. A good photographer will help you feel at ease and capture you in your most natural state
