Most of us assume we know how to pose ourselves best for a portrait, but professional photography contains many nuances you may never even think to consider. This article evaluates my experience shooting weddings and preps you on what to expect and how to prepare yourselves for the big day.
Candid Means Candid - Forget the Camera
I think this is funny. 100% of my clients say they prefer candid photography, but on their wedding days some seek me out to smile directly at the camera. I've even had some ask if they should! True candidity is synonymous with photojournalism; in it's most authentic sense that means the photographer is invisible and events unfold emotionally and authentically. If you want truly candid photography, tune me out. Sounds rude, but it's true. When you see the lens up, try to pretend it's not there unless I'm directing you to look.
Makeup reminder: Make sure your ladies don't wear glitter or shimmer makeup. Under flash lighting, it looks like dandruff!
Not All That Glitters Is Candid
About 80% of a wedding is generally shot candidly. The other 20% is carefully posed (family formals, couple/bridal party portraits). You don't want to have everything candid because when you look at your images later you'll be scraping to find any shot where your two faces are looking straight at the camera. Thus the significance of posing. You'll be pleased with stylized posing rather than your standard shoulder-to-shoulder face front shot. Additionally, believe it or not, many couples don't seem to know how to candidly interact with each other romantically in front of a crowd or camera in order for those great shots to truly be candid. Some direction is required for a portion of your day.
Novel Idea - Pose Yourself
Nothing would make bridal posing go more smoothly than working with a super model. I'm not saying you have to be one or even look like one, but anyone can totally pose like one! Watch a red carpet awards show. Notice how many preset poses they have to display to the cameras. Celebrities have been trained to show their best angles on cue. Nab some tips from them, remember to strike those poses, and you too will look absolutely awesome in every single shot. Guaranteed. If you don't want to think about this too much, simply work on your posture. KEY TERM! Slouching in photos tends to communicate disregard or carelessness. Plus, standing or sitting up straight and confidant will shave 10 pounds off ya!
Simple Pose-Yourself-Awesome Tactics
Try them in front of a mirror when wearing your gown, and I guarantee not only will you look radiant, you will feel 100% confident too. These work for any body type:
Try them in front of a mirror when wearing your gown, and I guarantee not only will you look radiant, you will feel 100% confident too. These work for any body type:
- Straighten the back, slouching adds pounds (work on your posture!)
- Suck in the stomach, doing so regularly can tone your abs!
- Hand on the hip (arm away from body) slims the upper arm
- Weight on the back foot slims thighs and flatters curves
- Turn a slight shoulder toward the camera to slim the shoulders and minimize chest
- A chin to the shoulder creates a sleek, elegant neckline and playful flirtatiousness (see photo above)
I know you all are checking out those bridal fashion magazines... follow their lead!
Posture Posture Posture Posture!
Posture Posture Posture Posture!
Guys are often less gung ho about photos than ladies, but I have ways of peaking their interest. In these cases the goal is to make them forget about portraits and focus on their ladies. The candid look is more challenging for posed shots because moments often need to be created rather than truly being candid. Unposed direction still looks authentic. Creating interaction is my method of getting guys involved and captivated with their gals. It can involve jumping, running, dancing or simply looking at length into each others' eyes.
Make sure your groom grooms himself! Clean shave, trimmed fingernails and lint free!
What Is She Doing??
Photography is the creation of artistic media, and artists will often go to the nth degree to capture something they find impactful. If you see me hiding behind things, swiping items to put in shots, lying on the floor, lying on my back, seemingly spying on people or climbing on top of something, this is normal behavior. I stood on top of a DJ's amp system once for overhead dancing shots.
As always, I will adhere to your preferences as far as shooting and minding surroundings. Put your best foot forward and be shot with confidence! (Did I mention POSTURE?)
