How to Pose for Wedding Photos

A Guide for Nervous Couples

Feeling nervous about posing for your wedding photos? You’re not alone! Many couples worry about looking stiff or awkward, especially when they’re not used to being in front of the camera. But don’t worry — with the help of a candid wedding photographer like myself and a few helpful tips, you can look natural and feel comfortable on your big day.

Here’s how to get those beautiful wedding photos without stressing about the poses.

1. Hire and work with a candid wedding photographer

Choosing a candid wedding photographer is a great first step. Candid photographers specialise in capturing real, unposed moments, which means you don’t have to worry about standing in stiff or uncomfortable poses all day. Instead, they’ll photograph you and your guests as the day unfolds naturally. This not only gives you gorgeous photos of you and your guests enjoying yourselves, but also captures little moments that you wouldn’t have noticed or remembered to look back on.

Don’t get me wrong, some photos will have to have some level of posing - like for the group photos and family photos. Even so, a candid photographer will make sure the photos feel relaxed and authentic.

The end goal for your candid wedding photographer is to capture the essence of your relationship — your natural chemistry and love for each other — not to force you into awkward, overly staged poses.

2. Do some photo research

Pinterest is your best friend. You probably already know this! As well as decor ideas and the little personal touches, take some time to research wedding photos that you like. You can browse through Instagram too, or wedding photography portfolios for inspiration. I don’t mean looking at big, elaborate shots — look for simple, natural-looking moments that make you feel something. Ask your photographer if they mind you sharing your favourite images with them so they can get a sense of your style and what makes you feel comfortable.

When you share your ideas, be open to your photographer’s feedback. They’ll know which poses work well with the light, setting, and time of day. They might also have tried the poses with other couples and found that they’re not as natural to capture as you might think.

The relationship with your photographer goes two ways. It’s a partnership and a collaboration, and your input is essential for making sure the photos reflect who you are as a couple. It helps knowing who your photographer is as a person beforehand, so you don’t feel awkward about asking for what you want. If they’re a nice person, they’ll appreciate your input and be open to discussing your wishes with you.

3. Talk to your photographer about comfort levels

While we’re on the topic, it’s important to discuss what your comfort levels are with your photographer. This conversation is key, especially if there are specific things you don’t feel comfortable doing. For instance, if you’re not a fan of dramatic dips or big, choreographed shots, let your photographer know upfront.

Your wedding photographer’s job is to make you feel at ease, not to pressure you into poses that don’t feel natural. So if there’s something that makes you uneasy, don’t hesitate to say so — even on the day. You can always say no to a pose if you’re not feeling it in the moment, and your photographer should quickly adapt to make sure you’re relaxed and happy.

It might be that there are some things you won’t feel comfortable doing in the run up to the big day, but on the day fancy giving them a go. It’s completely ok to communicate this with your photographer too.

4. Why pre-wedding shoots are important

This is my tried and tested way to help my couples overcome photo nerves. Also known as an engagement shoot, this session allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. You’ll learn what’s involved, what it’s like, what works for you and your partner, and your photographer will get a better sense of your dynamic. This is why I include a pre-wedding shoot in all of my packages.

Pre-wedding shoots are a great way to see how you look in photos, practice a few natural poses, and build trust with your photographer. By the time the wedding comes around, you’ll feel much more confident and prepared to enjoy the experience. All of my couples who’ve had a pre-wedding shoot have said so!

5. Say no when you need to

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to say no to your photographer. If they suggest a pose that doesn’t feel right, it’s important to speak up. We don’t ever want to make our couples feel uncomfortable or give them a bad experience, especially on the biggest day of their lives. You should never feel pressured into doing something uncomfortable, and a good photographer will respect your boundaries.

Being vocal about what makes you comfortable — or uncomfortable — will mean that you love the photos when you look back on them. These photos are a reflection of you, so they should feel true to who you are. You don’t want to look back and cringe at them!

6. Natural poses for beautiful portraits

If you’re worried about not knowing how to pose, don’t be. Easier said than done I know. Some of the best wedding photos come from simple, natural poses that feel like an extension of your normal interactions. Here are a few ideas that work beautifully for couples that I personally use all the time:

• Walking together: Strolling side by side, hand in hand, while the photographer captures the moment.

• Getting close: Stand close to each other, face to face, and have a quiet chat or share a laugh.

• Sitting together: Sit on a bench, a step, or even on the grass, and just enjoy each other’s company while the photographer works their magic.

• Leaning in for a kiss or a hug: Simple, affectionate moments can make for incredibly heartfelt photos.

• Look away from the camera: You don’t have to look directly at the camera — in fact I encourage it. Looking at each other or something in the distance feels more natural and intimate.

These poses create movement and emotion in the photos, showing off who you are as a couple and what comes naturally to you, which is what makes them feel authentic and candid.

7. Trust your photographer

Finally, trust your photographer’s expertise. They’ll know how to capture you in the best light, at the right angle, and during the most meaningful moments. Of course, let them know if you have a “best side” or anything else you’re conscious of, and they should do their best to accommodate this. This way, by the time your wedding day arrives, your photographer will have a good sense of your preferences and style, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the day.

Your photographer is there to help you look and feel your best — so even if you’re nervous, you’ll be in good hands.

Final thoughts

Posing for wedding photos doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, once you’re in the moment and have had a pre-wedding shoot, you’ll wonder why you were stressed in the first place.

With the right photographer, a little planning, and some open communication, you can relax and enjoy the experience. Remember, the best photos happen when you’re being yourself, so focus on having fun and soaking in the joy of your day. Essentially, try to ignore that your photographer is there! You’ll end up with images that capture the love and excitement of your wedding in the most authentic way possible.