You work so hard on ensuring that your dress, makeup, and hairstyle are all flawless on your wedding day. However, when it comes to posing for your wedding pictures, most people tend to be clueless. If you’re nervous about how to pose for your wedding pictures as well, here are a few tips that can make things easier.
1. Relax Your Face
Before learning how to pose for your wedding pictures, it is important to learn how to express yourself. Your instinct may be to have a full-faced grin in your wedding pictures. You want to look happy, after all! However, the truth is that you will be taking a lot of pictures on your wedding day. Smiling through each of them won't just get tiring, but it will also make your face feel stiff.
If you feel that happening, try to relax your face. An easy smile looks as good as a wide grin in pictures most of the time. It will also look more natural and candid as opposed to a forced grin. So make sure that your face feels relaxed as you pose for photos on your wedding day. At Petersen Photography, we guide our couples with facial expressions cues to make the transition easy. This helps you stay comfortable and relaxed and allows you to enjoy your big event.
2. Stand Straight
Whether you’re the bride or the groom, you are the center of attention. All eyes will be on you. In such a situation, it is easy to feel nervous and self-conscious. As a result, you may find yourself naturally slouching to make yourself appear smaller and not be the center of attention. This isn’t your fault; it’s an instinct for most people. However, it’s also something that you should avoid.
Making an effort to stand up straight can actually boost your confidence. In addition to that, it will make you appear better in the pictures. Don't forget to take deep breaths to keep your shoulders and neck relaxed. At Petersen Photography, we tell our clients to stand up nice and tall. If you still find it difficult to stand straight, imagine there's a string attached to the top of your like a puppet. Straighten your spine by thinking of the invisible string getting pulled upwards. You'll have no trouble fixing your posture for the photo with this unique technique.
3. Don't Squish Your Arms
If you’re wearing a sleeveless gown, oftentimes, women try to hold your arms as close to your side as possible with their flowers. In reality, doing this makes a person appear wider than they really are.
Instead, try to hold your arms a little to the side. Especially when you're standing up straight for your pictures, make sure to square your shoulders and bend your arms a little at the elbow. We suggest our brides and bridesmaids keep their arms in a way to allow air to flow between their arms and body. This will help everyone look more slender and relaxed.
4. Don't Be Scared To Add Props
While you want some traditional wedding photos in your wedding album, it is always fun to break the mold sometimes. Every picture doesn't have to be formal. Instead, you can throw in some fun props to spice things up.
If you have a wedding theme, it can be easier to get props that match it. But even without a theme, you can choose from hundreds of props. You could go for the gusto and rent a vintage car to pose in. If that seems too extreme, something as simple as sunglasses make for a fun photo. Some beautiful flowers are always an easy addition to wedding photographs. The possibilities are endless. Even if you don’t have any additional props, it's okay. At Petersen Photography, we check the venue and the décor present and find fun props and locations to add more character to your pictures.
5. Hire A Wedding Photographer
This is crucial. You want to hire an experienced wedding photographer to ensure that you get the best pictures for your wedding. A wedding photographer knows how to help you stay relaxed during photo sessions while also getting the best possible pictures. You can talk to various wedding photographers before hiring the one you feel comfortable with.
Have a thorough discussion with your photographer before the event. If you feel comfortable, create a list of poses and must-have shots in advance. This way, you won't be scrambling about at the last minute.
6. Have Fun
Lastly, but most importantly, don't stress too much about the pictures. You have already spent months preparing for your wedding day; now it is time to have some fun. Let the photographer do the work, and the wedding pictures will give you the perfect opportunity to do just that.
If you have a good wedding photographer, they’ll capture your candid side along with your posed pictures to create a fun and memorable wedding experience, and the portraits will yield in the most amazing wedding album you can imagine.
If you're looking for an experienced and professional wedding photographer, look no further. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation appointment today.