Posing Techniques for Wedding Photos

Getting great pictures doesn’t just entail having a skilled photographer with a high-end camera. It’s just as important that you, as the subject, are able to strike poses that convey your emotions and show your best side. The following tips will guide you on how to pose and act for the camera, and other tricks you can do to help you look great in your wedding photos and have a good time shooting them.

Photo by My Dream Wedding

For Solo Portrait

• Aim to flatter. When taking formal portraits, stand partially facing sideways, not straight on to the camera. Bring one foot in front of the other and point it to the camera, and shift your weight to the back foot. Pull your head slightly forward tilt it a bit to avoid the appearance of a double chin. Women generally look slimmer and comelier when photographed from above, so ask your photographer to take some shots from an elevated point. You can either be sitting with your photographer standing over you, or have him shoot from a stepladder or chair. • Keep a good company. You can have your maid of honor or one of your bridesmaids accompany you during the pre-wedding photo shoot so that you have a girl friend to talk to and make you feel relaxed. On your wedding day, have your closest friends close to you – and the funnier they are, the better. There’s no photo lovelier than one where the subjects are genuinely having fun.

Photo by AndroidsinBoots

Couple Shots

• Share a time alone. At some point during the shoot, ask your photographer to give you and your partner some time by yourselves. You can use this time to relax a bit and check how the two of you feel about the shoot so far. Keep in mind though that your photographer may take this opportunity to photograph you from a distance to get a genuine interaction between you and your fiancé. • Walk around. Staying close together, hold hands and set off on a walk, even if it’s just across a street or lawn. Let your gown sway as you walk and your hair move in the air as these details will give energy to your pictures. Don’t be afraid to play around or make gestures of affection – shots of these moments may actually look far more beautiful and romantic than the typical posed shots. • Kiss your partner. We Singaporeans generally don’t like being affectionate in public, but you should make an exception for your wedding photoshoot. However, don’t go for a passionate French kiss, but do more than just a peck: an ideal kiss should have your mouths locked or close together, eyes closed, and a faint smile dancing on your lips. • Have fun with props. You can bring your favorite items with you to serve as props, or ask your photographer to bring his stock props for you (unless he’s new to the business, he should have some sitting in his studio). Also, make use of any cool object you find on your venue.

Photo by Z Wedding Design

The Wedding Party

• Choose a background ahead of time. Before your wedding day, scout for places near your home where you can have the group shot with your bridal party after the gatecrash ceremony. This is so that you don’t have to waste time looking for a suitable background on the day of the shoot. • Move around and get into action. Standing in a line is good, even necessary for formal portraits. But you need to liven it up if you want truly memorable photos. Some ideas you might try are walking arm in arm on the road, walking in line (think the Beatles’ Abbey Road cover), pretending to be chased by a monster, and even a groupie shot. • Make the most of what you have. Can’t find a unique spot for your backdrop. Don’t fret – even a plain wall will serve well as long as you have good lighting. (If you’re shooting outdoors, all you really need is sunny weather.) Other places or items that could give you cool unique photos include a stairs, a classic sofa, the balcony, or a large tree or pillar.

Most Popular Wedding Photo Poses

1. The Basic Pose – A wedding photography must-have, this involves simply standing close together, with no space between your bodies and your hands on each other. Typically, your groom will put his hands on your waist while yours will be on his arms or resting on his chest. You may or may not hold your bouquet. You may look and smile at the camera, simply share a loving look, or go right in for the kiss.

Photo by White Link

2. Hugging His Arm – This is typically the pose you take when you’re walking together on a good night out. Just hug one of your groom’s arms, pressing it close to your body, while you lean on to him. 3. Forehead to Forehead – This is an intimate pose that has a touch of innocence. Touch your foreheads together while keeping your eyes closed so that you don’t look like you’re staring each other down. Let a faint smile play on your lips. If your groom is a lot taller than you, he may kiss your forehead instead. 4. Meeting Halfway – This one’s best if you and you’re groom are about the same height. Stand one to two feet away and facing each other and, keeping your back straight, bend your body at the waist to meet for a kiss. Put your hands on your back so they don’t dangle awkwardly on the sides. 5. The Dip – This is a classic wedding pose and perhaps the most romantic one. Standing close together, have your groom support you as you bend backwards, and then you share a passionate kiss. Make sure that your groom is standing firmly, with feet wide apart, and that he can support you. You can put one hand on the base of his neck to support yourself while he holds you up on your waist or, if you’re feeling frisky, on your thighs.

Photo by Avior Pictures

As mentioned, these tips and posing ideas are just a starting point for your wedding photography. From these items, you can do small improvisations to make your wedding photos look more personal and standout.