4 Go to Poses for your Wedding Day
It’s your wedding day, and you’ve managed to wrangle family from all over the map to converge in one spot on one day. You have 15 different vendors, all nailing your brief. Your playlist is immaculate. You’ve curated a seemingly impossible seating plan. You did it. You pulled all that together. And yet, right now, after all that, you’ve forgotten how you usually stand. What is it about getting our photos taken that all of a sudden you’re questioning if you’re hugging right?
Rather than getting you to focus on the perfect angle to tilt your chin, it’s sometimes helpful, especially in the lead-up to your wedding, to find some familiar, safe positions to retreat to when you’re feeling a little lost.
Here are my four go-to stances for when you forget how to stand.
1. The Embrace
My unquestioned go-to. Yes, it’s time to practice hugging. Because, as my middle child says, there’s never a bad time for a hug. When you hold each other, bring your hips close together, look at each other and try not to look at the camera. To me, this is where the most natural interactions begin on your wedding day. If your photographer asks you to embrace, don’t fall into the trap of moving too fast. Stay put. Enjoy the moment. Take these as small moments to be together in an otherwise fast-paced day. Remember, if you feel comfortable, it will translate in camera, which I know sounds crazy, but trust me when I say, you can actually enjoy getting your photos taken.
2. The Hold
A slight variation of the embrace. This is where you find your personal, familiar way of holding each other. There are more ways to do this than you can count. Find what feels comfortable standing beside and behind your partner, taking into account height differences and preferences. Try find positions that you can rest your head on your partner and breathe. Like always, don’t rush the moment. Taking the photos can sometimes take time, so stay in your little love bubble.
3. The Walk and Talk
Well, really, it’s the walk and smile. But that doesn’t rhyme. These are always some of my favourite photos. We’re able to grab a lens full of your whole amazing wedding outfits and capture a little bit of movement. This is a great way to start to feel warmed up in front of the camera. If you’re feeling confident, you can throw in a little spin or pull each other in close for a kiss and continue walking. Movement is always great for your photographer.
4. The Kiss
Of course. Get used to this one. It’s a mainstay through the course of your wedding day. Isn’t that nice? A few tips on this one… not on how to kiss, but how to kiss in front of a camera. Kiss gently, oftentimes the most flattering photos are caught when your faces are only just touching. Don’t pull away from each other too quickly. Be there. You’re welcome. If you’re feeling a little exposed, softly touching your partner’s face can give you the privacy you’re looking for. To add some drama to your photos, a little dip with the kiss never went astray. Again, like everything, breathe! Being present with your partner is the key.
Conclusion
Remember, while poses are essential for creating stunning images, the magic lies in the genuine emotions you share. Allow yourselves to be in the moment, expressing your love and joy naturally. Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and your photographs should encapsulate the authenticity and beauty of that love. At the end of the day, your photographers will work their magic. Trust the process. And most of all, enjoy each other.