My favorite poses for wedding portraits
Portrait photography is an art form that requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of how to make your subject look their best. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to capture countless wedding portraits, and I’ve learned that the right poses can make all the difference. In this blog post, I’m going to share my favorite poses for wedding portraits and why they work.
The most popular candid shots and poses for wedding portraits
There are many different poses that can be used to create stunning wedding portraits. Candid shots can capture the natural moments and emotions of the day, while posed images can create timeless and elegant portraits.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve found that these poses have worked particularly well for creating beautiful wedding portraits, but it’s important to remember that every couple is different, and what works for one couple may not work for another.
Candid shots
Candid shots are a popular choice for many couples, and for good reason. These types of shots capture the natural moments and emotions of the wedding day, making them a great addition to any wedding album.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I describe my day as 80% candid shots and 20% posed images. This doesn’t mean that I leave my couples clueless in front of my camera. I instruct people throughout the end, but I direct the session in a way that I get to have natural moments and capture that.
1- walk and talk pose
One of my favorite candid shots is the “walk and talk” pose. This pose involves having the couple walk together while engaged in conversation. This allows me to capture the couple’s natural interactions, resulting in an image that feels authentic and effortless. To make this pose even more effective, I’ll often have the couple walk toward the camera, which creates a sense of movement in the image.
2- look away pose
Another candid shot that I love is the “look away” pose. This pose involves having the couple look away from the camera while still being close to each other. This creates a feeling of intimacy and allows me to capture the couple’s connection without them feeling self-conscious.
3- The Laughing Shot
This involves capturing the couple laughing together, which can create a joyful and carefree image. To make this pose more effective, try to capture the couple’s genuine laughter by telling a joke or asking them to recall a funny moment from their relationship.
4- The Dancing Shot
This pose involves having the couple dance together while you capture the moment. This can be a fun and romantic way to capture the couple’s connection and can be particularly effective if the couple has a special song that they love.
5- The Whisper Shot
This pose involves having the couple whisper something to each other while you capture the moment. This can create an intimate and romantic image and can be a great way to capture the couple’s connection without them feeling self-conscious.
6- The Touching Shot
This pose involves having the couple touch each other in a natural way, such as holding hands or placing their arms around each other. This can create a sense of intimacy and connection in the image and can be particularly effective if the couple has a strong physical connection.
7- The Reflection Shot
This pose involves capturing the couple’s reflection in a mirror or other reflective surface. This can create a unique and interesting image and can be a great way to capture the couple’s connection in a creative way.
Posed Images
While candid shots are great for capturing the natural moments of the wedding day, posed images are important for creating timeless and elegant wedding portraits. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve found that certain poses work particularly well for creating these types of images.
1- Close up pose
One of my favorite posed images is the “close up” pose. This pose involves having the couple standing close to each other while looking directly at the camera.
To make this pose even more effective, I’ll often have the couple hold hands or embrace each other. This creates a feeling of intimacy and connection, making for a stunning portrait.
2- staggered pose
Another posed image that I love is the “staggered” pose. This pose involves having the couple stand at different heights, with one person standing slightly in front of the other.
This creates a sense of depth and dimension in the image and can be particularly effective when shot from a low angle.
Instructing the Couple to Pose Properly
While knowing the right poses is important, it’s equally important to know how to instruct the couple to pose properly. This involves giving clear and concise directions that make the couple feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
One of the most important things to remember when instructing the couple is to be specific. Instead of saying “stand close to each other,” for example, I’ll give specific instructions like “put your left hand on his shoulder and your right hand on his chest.” This helps to ensure that the couple knows exactly what they’re supposed to do, and can result in a more polished and professional image.
Another important aspect of instructing the couple is to make them feel comfortable. This involves creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment, and being patient and understanding if the couple needs a break or needs to adjust their pose. When the couple feels comfortable and relaxed, it shows in the final images.
By instructing the couple to pose properly and giving clear and concise directions, you can ensure that your images look polished and professional.
With a little bit of experimentation and a lot of practice, you can find the poses that work best for you.
Do you want to have the best poses for wedding portraits? contact me.
