It’s finally your wedding day, and while there are 734 things you’re currently stressing about (the best man is MIA, the flowers are late and, not to mention, the weather forecast isn’t looking great), you do not want that anxiety to bubble to the surface in your beautiful wedding photos. To help banish any nerves you might have over posing in front of the camera all day, we asked three veteran wedding photographers to share their easiest and most effective pro tricks for looking like a million bucks no matter what (yep, even if it rains).
8 Genius Tips for Looking and Feeling Great in Wedding Pictures from the Photographers Who Take Them
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Published Apr 4, 2019
Courtesy of Sunshower Photography
Point Your Feet Toward Your Partner
“When posing close together with your partner, point your feet toward each other instead of toward the camera. This helps to remove the camera from the equation and makes it come across like a genuine moment between the two of you."
- Amy Kolodziej of Sunshower Photography
Courtesy of Mike B. Photography
Master 'the S'
“Never have your body face squarely toward your photographer—this makes you look wider than you are. (Pro tip: Whatever body part is closest to the camera lens will appear larger than it actually is.) To look your best, turn your body at a slight angle to the photographer (about a quarter turn). Now, straighten and place all of your weight on your back leg and keep it there. Next, take the front leg (the one closest to the photographer) and step forward six inches while bending the knee slightly inward and pointing it at the camera. This shifts your hips back, shows off your side profile and drops your body into a flattering ‘S’ curve.”
- Mike Busada of Mike B. Photography
Courtesy of Sunshower Photography
Play With 'props'
“Use your hair, jewelry or clothing to help you feel more natural on camera. If your hair is loose around your face, allow your partner to reposition it for you! Or maybe pose with your dress’s skirting. This movement will really kick your photos up a notch.”
- Amy Kolodziej of Sunshower Photography
Courtesy of Classic Photographers
Angle Your Chin Up
“When posing, it’s important to keep your chin slightly lifted, which will elongate your neck and point your nose toward the light. This will feel a little bit awkward at first—but it means you’re doing it right!"
- Keith Phillips of Classic Photographers
Courtesy of Classic Photographers
Float Your Arms
“Make your limbs look extra toned by leaving some room between your body and your arms. One trick is to place your hands gently against your hips and point your elbows out to the sides. Instant gym arms!”
- Keith Phillips of Classic Photographers
Courtesy of Sunshower Photography
Never Hold Your Breath
“This common reflex shows tension and yields a tight smile instead of a comfortable-looking expression. Breathing also helps to lower the natural anxiety and nerves that many people feel at the beginning of a photo session."
- Amy Kolodziej of Sunshower Photography
Courtesy of Classic Photographers
Keep Your Posture Proper
“Remember to maintain good posture: to keep your shoulders pulled back while standing up straight. This will help you look longer and leaner in every shot.”
- Keith Phillips of Classic Photographers
Courtesy of Mike B. Photography
Have A Pro Do Your Makeup
“Some brides do their own makeup or have a ‘friend who is good with makeup’ do it for them, but this rarely works out. Why? Shine. A professional makeup artist will apply oil absorbing foundation and other matte finish makeup to ensure you look your best after what can be many hours of running around.”
- Mike Busada of Mike B. Photography
