How To Pose For A Wedding Photographer

A Posing Guide For You And Your Photographer

From the day you knew you were getting married, you’ve probably been thinking about tons and tons of photo albums to fill about your journey from being a single woman to the wife of the man of your dreams. Guys, I know you’ve been thinking about this too, but just a little more discreetly than your bride. So that marks the beginning of the long and treacherous road towards finding the perfect Orange County wedding photographer for your wedding and for you both to becoming the perfect subjects of his works of art.

One important thing to remember when looking for a wedding photographer and for planning your wedding photo book is that there is more research involved than you’d expect. I know it feels like you’ve got it all figured out in your head and what you want is actually very simple if someone can just take a peek in that jumbled up brain of yours. Relax; you and your photographer will have plenty of time to iron things out. Just create a timetable that you’re both amenable to including brainstorming sessions for the pre-nuptial concept and the shot lists for the ceremony and reception as well. These tips will work regardless of which of the wedding venues in Orange County you’ve chosen.

To get you warmed up to the idea of being in front of the camera with your love, I’ve come up with a consolidated list of poses that your photographer might require from you during the shoot. Body language is a primary element in a wedding photograph, so you have to make sure you’re sending the right message. You can familiarize yourself with this guide so you’re sure to be ready when the shoot date comes. Here comes the bride (and groom of course)!

1. Look Into My Eyes

look into my eyes

Couple: The bride and the groom look into each other’s eyes either with their foreheads together, their hands stretched towards each other like in a dance position, or stretched out on sofas placed back to back. Probably the most flexible and basic pose of any wedding photograph, this will primarily differ depending on the personality and preferences of the couple. Keep these types of shots in mind when you’re searching among the voluminous racks of Wedding Dresses Orange County.

Photographer: This is a tricky shot for photographers depending on the pose that the couple will choose. If they have their foreheads together, he must be close enough to capture the moment, but not too close that the photo becomes intrusive and ruins it. Distance is also key in more the more playful shots as he must be able to expertly capture the emotions up close but not too much that he fails to showcase the location, thereby affecting photo composition.

2. Hold Me Close

hold me close

Couple: The groom stands behind the bride and wraps his arms around her. The bride leans slightly back and snuggles into the embrace. The couple looks at a distance with smile or a laugh to create a playful vibe or wistfully, to create a serious, more solemn tone to the photo.

Photographer: This may be a close shot with the couple on the far left of the photo to capture the vast distance that they’re supposed to be looking at. He or she must be at a safe distance from the side of the couple so he or she can capture their closest eye. A long shot can give more emphasis to the couple’s surroundings, establishing the significance of the location to their personal story.

3. Looking Up to Brighter Days

looking up to brighter days

Couple: Bride can sit cross-legged on the ground with her dress fanning around her in an elegant pool or chiffon and lace. Groom can do second pose with his head to the side of the bride and the couple looks up with wide smiles on their faces. If this is shot on the coast, the choice of beach wedding dresses may be a factor.

Photographer: The Orange County wedding photographer gets high up on a balcony, tree branch or a crane (whichever is available and if he or she has no fear of heights) to take an aerial shot of the two. The subjects may be placed in the center of the photo, looking up, or from a certain angle to add a little drama given the distance. Depending on his creativity, he can shoot them from the back or the side if he wants to play with some silhoutte or directly facing the camera for a head-on and spunky shot.

4. Jump Up and Celebrate

jump up and celebrate

Couple: With your hands in the air or holding each other, jump as high as you can and enjoy the freedom of being the camera’s apple of the eye. Celebrate a life of love, happiness and more crazy antics by doing pirouettes, splits or cheer poses in the air. The bride has to be barefoot however to prevent sprained ankles or injury.

Photographer: This shot is more about the succession of photos rather than angle or distance. While the latter two are inherently important in photographs, being able to take as many shots as possible with seconds of each other will help you capture the most accurate moment of the jump and won’t require the subjects to jump over and over again.

There really is no such thing as the standard or perfect wedding pose. Depending on the concept of your shoot or your preferences as a couple, you can come up with so many more interesting ways to depict your life of love. The good thing about getting familiar with wedding poses is that you’ll know what to expect when you get to the shoot and will spend less time getting warmed up to the idea of being a model or subject.

This emphasizes the importance of getting to know your Orange County wedding photographer and creating a bond with him before the shoot. If you’re unsure of a pose or a creative idea, make sure you let your photographer know. Your wedding photos must chronicle your romantic journey and showcase your wedding bliss. The cameras can detect discomfort and nobody wants an unhappy bride.

You call the shots and he’ll have to make it work. A good working relationship however will help you have more fun even with the long photo sessions. Just imagine, it’s another experience for you and your love for the books!

by Kerry Johnson – Follow Kerry on G+!

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