Your wedding photos are more than just pictures. They’re lasting memories that capture the emotion and joy of your special day.
But if the thought of standing stiffly in front of a camera makes you uneasy, you’re not alone. The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional model to look great in your wedding photos.
With a few practical tips and a little preparation, you can learn how to pose for wedding photos and feel confident on the big day.
Why Practise Helps Make Perfect
Let’s face it – most people aren’t used to being in front of a camera for hours at a time. This is why it could be worth putting in a little practice time, so you feel more comfortable having your photo taken.
Before the big day, spend some time getting familiar with how you look in different poses. Consider booking a practice pre-wedding shoot with your photographer or even just asking a friend to take a few snaps of you and your partner together. You could even consider watching a few videos beforehand for extra insight and inspiration, such as this one from Adorama:
These practice sessions help you see which angles flatter you most, how you interact naturally with your partner and where you might feel awkward. More importantly, they help build your confidence so you’re not worrying about your posture or smile when you should be enjoying the moment.
1. Relax and Keep It Natural
It’s easy for nerves to get the better of you when the camera starts clicking. You may feel hyper-aware of the camera, which may result in stiff, uncomfortable-looking photos.
Remember though that the best wedding photos are those where the happy couple are relaxed, focused on each other and almost forgetting that the camera is there. You don’t really need to do anything but enjoy your day, smile and be yourself.
Focus on Your Partner, Not the Camera
One of the best ways to ease camera jitters is to focus on your partner. After all, this day is about the two of you.
Instead of looking into the lens, interact with your partner, whether it’s making them laugh with a whispered in-joke, leaning in for a kiss on the cheek or just holding hands. These candid, in-between moments often make for the most genuinely heartwarming photos.
When you’re wrapped up in each other, the camera fades into the background. That’s when the magic happens.
Let Your Photographer Guide You
Before the wedding, it’s worth taking the time to meet a few photographers and choose one you trust and feel comfortable with. This will help you both feel much more relaxed when it comes to the big day.
It’s also important to remember that your photographer does this for a living. They know how to position you, where the light hits best and how to get the most natural results. A great wedding photographer will direct you subtly, helping you look your best without making you feel posed or stiff.
So, trust their guidance and be open to their suggestions, and you’ll be delighted at the results.
2. Know Your Best Angles (and Use Them!)
You don’t need to know every modelling trick in the book to look great in your wedding photos. However, a little insight into what works for you can boost your confidence and make posing feel far more natural.
Stand Tall and Confident
Posture can completely transform a photo. You should aim to stand tall, with your shoulders back and chest up, conveying confidence and self-assurance. As an added bonus, great posture will also make your wedding suit look amazing.
A simple shift like keeping your chin slightly lifted and avoiding pressing your arms flat against your body can make a big difference in how relaxed you appear.
Practice in Front of a Mirror
You might feel silly at first, but practising in front of a mirror (or even recording yourself on your phone) can help you see the effect of different poses. Try turning slightly to one side, placing your hands in your pockets or shifting your weight to one leg. Small adjustments can make all the difference.
Once you’re happy, you’ll have a handful of go-to poses you can hit whenever you see the photographer approaching.
You can also use these sessions to test out your smile too. Find the expression that feels most comfortable, aiming for a relaxed, genuine smile. You shouldn’t find it too difficult on the day – as you’ll likely be beaming from ear to ear when you see your partner at the altar.
3. Don’t Forget the Details
While spending a little time learning how to pose for wedding photos can make you feel more prepared, you’ll also need to make sure you have the details of your outfit nailed down ready for the big day.
Looking Sharp in Every Shot
Your outfit plays a huge role in your overall look. A perfectly fitting wedding suit doesn’t just make you feel more confident, it also photographs beautifully.
It’s crucial to pay attention to the small details. Wrinkled or sagging fabric, mismatched accessories and wonky ties can all detract from even the most perfectly composed shot.
At Groom Hire, we recommend opting for a bespoke tailored fit, freshly pressed garments and coordinated accessories.
Here’s a quick on-the-day checklist to run through:
- Ensure buttons are aligned
- Check that ties or cravats are properly adjusted
- Make sure boutonnieres are securely fastened
These small touches might seem minor, but they elevate your entire look and make a noticeable difference in photographs.
Choosing The Right Outfit To Feel Confident
You’ll look best in your wedding photos if you feel good about yourself. That starts with wearing something that fits well, is flattering and reflects your personal style. Whether you’re going for timeless elegance or a more modern, trend-focused look, choosing an outfit that makes you feel confident is key.A suit specialist like Groom Hire can walk you through selecting the right style, fit and accessories so you look and feel your best when it matters most. After all, confidence is the most photogenic thing you can wear.
