5 Things to Do on Your Wedding Portraits for Better Results (for Couples)
Are you wondering what actual steps you can take to look GOOD in your wedding portraits? I’m talking about natural smiles, feeling happy and in love, and enjoying the best day of your life.
Let’s be real, wedding photography is an investment, and choosing the right photographer is crucial for having the perfect portraits. You want to be sure you’ve made the right choice of wedding photographer and you get the most out of the experience!
Or maybe you’re still considering whom to pick as your wedding photographer:
Read more: 5 Main Things to Consider Before Booking Your Wedding Photographer
But no matter who you choose or what your budget is, everyone wants the same thing: photos from your wedding day that paint you in the most gorgeous light possible.
It may surprise you to learn that 95% of the couples I speak to tell me they are nervous about their wedding photos.
‘We’re reeeally not photo-people!’
‘We don’t know how to pose’.
‘It’s our first time doing this and we’re worried we’ll mess it up’.
‘We’re very shy and it’s impossible to get pictures of us looking natural and normal’
I know it’s scary! But I’m here to tell you that a little preparation for those ‘candid’ moments goes a really long way. Let’s dive right in:
What you can do as the couple to help get those relaxed, non-awkward wedding photos
1. Let me know anything you’re self-conscious about
Open and honest communication with your photographer is key. I will make sure you’re in a safe, non-judgmental place, where you can share if there are things you’re self-conscious about with your appearance.
Posture, facial expressions, anything like that. If you have a better side, that’s so important to know! (I usually ask)
It is far better to be open about any insecurities around your appearance, even if it can feel awkward or vain to bring them up.
We both have the same goal - we want the wedding portraits to be epic, so any pointers you can give me to achieve this goal are a massive win.
2. Be in the moment
Don’t be afraid to laugh and giggle at how silly it might feel. I promise the photos will turn out okay.
This is the time to fully embrace and lean into each other – getting your wedding portraits taken is one of the rare occasions on your big day when you’ll have a moment for yourselves. Enjoy it and be present in the moment!
I'll guide you in posing and other aspects of the session to ensure that we get the dreamy photos you want.
Looking for extra tips on how to get non-awkward photos and feel confident in front of the camera? I have some special guides on that, linked below.
3. Give Thoughtful Feedback based on an Engagement Shoot
If you think you and your partner would benefit from a trial run, you can always book an engagement shoot like this one with your wedding photographer (or a photographer that you're considering booking)
Your engagement shoot will likely be your first experience of being photographed professionally as a couple (maybe ever).
This is your chance to get those nerves out of your system and see what it’s really like to be photographed, in a very relaxed way.
Not only that, but you can let me know what you liked based on how the photos turned out. If you’re surprised about any aspect, you can ask me how to address that.
4. Create Points of Contact
Try to create as many points of contact as possible between you and your partner. Usually, we’ll go for at least one point of contact, it could be as simple as holding hands.
The more points of contact, the more connected and romantic the portraits will look!
Also, you can think of placing an arm on their waist, back, hips, shoulder, caressing their cheek or neck – anywhere it naturally lands.
Don’t worry, I will observe the ways you naturally interact with each other, and bring out more of that so you’ll feel at ease.
5. Have a good time, keep interacting and moving around!
Think of posing as just the starting point. I like to call it a shortcut to get the real, genuine interactions between the two of you.
My ultimate goal is to make photos that truly feel like you, where you can feel the raw emotion. It’s what will be cherished the most in the long run, so don’t worry about following my guidance and “instructions” down to the dot.
What I’m trying to bring out more than anything else is this: photos that truly feel like you.
The poses are not the important part. If you feel good around each other, expressing it will lead to natural and beautiful photos. I want to figure out what makes you tick as a couple.
There’s absolutely no need to remain perfectly still during your wedding portraits. In fact, I always suggest my couples to keep moving, keep talking to each other.
Truly connect with each other, almost forgetting I’m there, and that ironically enough is how you’ll get the most amazing wedding photos.
What I will do as the photographer to help you relax
Your wedding photos are more than just photographs; they're a visual legacy of your love story. And capturing genuine emotion and connection requires building a genuine connection.
I’m here to make sure this experience feels like a breeze, to be your helper and friend, and to tell your story in photographs that make you gasp and cry (but just a little!)
Here's how we'll work together to create the wedding photos you’ve always dreamt of:
1.Building Connection
After reaching out to me, we will schedule an (e-)meeting where we'll get to know each other and discuss specifics, leaving no space for worry!
It's about building a relationship with you, understanding your unique bond, and translating that into your portraits.
Your wedding photos are 100% about you, that’s for sure. When you look back on the photos in the years to come, you might not remember me or what I said.
But the work I make reflects the relationship I’ve built with you. There is an intimacy to the portraits that simply can’t be manufactured.
2. Observing Your Natural Interactions
I’m paying close attention to the way you naturally interact with each other, and incorporating those small gestures to your poses.
Whether it's a gentle touch, a particular way of pulling your partner close or snuggling your nose into their neck, I'll observe these moments and use them to inspire natural and authentic poses.
Unique & Raw Wedding Couple Moments. A cinematic video of a tattooed wedding couple having their wedding portraits taken by the lake Ohrid.
3. I hold the energy for all of us
If you're thinking- I don't know how to pose, I don't know what I'm doing... Guess what? You're not supposed to. It's my job to direct, instruct, and guide you and our conversation the entire time.
Hi, this is me!
I will welcome you with a hug and help you be at ease. During the process of your wedding or engagement shoot, I’ll constantly interact with you to bring out your best and loosen the tension.
No need to worry, I will be the one holding the energy, so you don’t have to!
4. Giving you simple actions instead of stiff poses
My poses are very simple, natural and easy to get used to doing. There are few things you’ll always hear me say:
“Open your lips a little bit” - might feel a bit weird at first, but trust me, it relaxes the muscles on your face and makes the portrait feel more emotional.
“Turn and look at each other and pull your partner close”
“Get behind your partner and give them a squeeze from behind”
“Walk towards me, acting like you’re drunk!” - this magical sentence creates the funniest, most genuine portraits that you will cherish for a lifetime.
If you’re interested in my photography services, click the booking link here. I shoot weddings in Slovenia, and happily travel anywhere in the world to photograph your love story. Looking forward to hearing from you!
