Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer Pose Ideas

Sep 4

Knowing how to pose for wedding photos will help couples look picture-perfect in every shot, but the concept of posing may sound nerve-wracking. Brides and grooms already have enough to think about on their wedding day—now we’re adding posing to the mix?

Fear not: Wedding photographer Mikkel Woodruff says the trick to posing for wedding photos is to hardly pose at all. “The digital age allows us to take more images, which means we can encapsulate those candid moments in a beautiful way, more like photojournalism,” she says. “We want shots that aren’t forced, so I see myself as the art director of the day. I’ll gauge whether or not my couple needs more or less guidance.”

Tips for Posing Naturally

Throughout her wedding photography career, Woodruff has noticed a few areas her couples need help with when it comes to posing naturally. One of the most frequent issues? Ending a candid, natural moment too soon. “I tell my couples if they’re inclined to do something or move in a natural way, don’t stop,” she says. “So much of the time I have couples smiling and laughing perfectly, and then they remember I’m there and stop to make sure they’re in the right position. Just keep going! If you don’t look good, the photographer should tell you.”

Another question Woodruff gets asked all the time is “Where should I put my arms?” While acting natural is essential for wedding photography poses, Woodruff says there are some dos and don’ts for arm placement—and yet again, it all comes down to relaxing. “Don’t press your arms against your body,” she says. “If the bride wants to hold her bouquet, she should keep her arms relaxed and elongated. Pressing her elbows tightly into her body could make her arms less flattering.”

Wedding Pose Mistakes to Avoid

Most wedding pose mistakes come down to the couple acting stiff and unnatural. That’s why wedding photographers and videographers tell the couple to pretend they’re not there—but that’s easier said than done. So what are some easy fixes to pose naturally with cameras snapping?

Close-eyed kissing: Kissing with open eyes is hardly natural, but couples nervously adopt this style on the wedding day. The photographer should remind you about this, Woodruff says, but when in doubt kiss naturally.
Too much kissing: That said, it’s not a make-out session. “We want neat and clean kisses,” Woodruff says. “Also, turn your head enough so you’re not squishing your partner’s nose in. If it feels like you’re squishing, you probably are.”
Moving too fast: Walking photos look great for couples and the larger bridal party, but you need to tread slowly. “It’s not a race,” Woodruff says. “So many times the wedding party ends up walking way ahead. Just slow down and interact with each other.”
Practicing too much: Brides and grooms may want to perfect their smiles before the wedding day, but Woodruff recommends spending that time elsewhere. “Don’t practice smiling because then you’ll overthink it,” she says. “I can tell when couples have tried to practice their smiles, and they end up looking too self-conscious.”
Not telling the photographer your preferences: If you have any insecurities or you have a side you prefer, tell the photographers. “It could be a height difference, a particular side you like photographed, or insecurities about, say, your arms or your stomach,” Woodruff says. “Be vocal about this with your photographer beforehand, then you both can be more successful with the final product.”

Ahead, we've highlighted popular wedding photo poses to consider for your big day.

Admiring the Dress

Brides spend months and years (some even a lifetime!) waiting to wear that perfect dress. That’s why photographers love capturing her admiring the wedding gown moments before putting it on.

Finishing the Vows

While there are plenty of must-have getting-ready shots to capture, we find photos of the to-be-weds finishing up their vows particularly sentimental. Plus, they're a great way to snap the getting-ready outfit without being too obvious.

Putting On Earrings with your Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer

When the big day finally arrives, you won't want to miss a single detail. This particular pose is a creative action shot that focuses on the major accessories whether that's the earrings and engagement ring or heirloom bracelets and intricate bridal henna.

Slipping On the Shoes

Who amongst us doesn't believe a single pair of shoes can change their lives? (We can thank Cinderella for that one.) While you may not think a shot of you putting on your shoes is particularly noteworthy, photographers employ this angle to capture the footwear and get a fresh perspective of the dress details.

Buttoning Up the Suit

The quintessential buttoning-of-the-jacket pose is everywhere from red carpets to wedding aisles. And for good reason, the motion showcases the watch and cufflinks without getting too granular.

Tying the Bow Tie

When it comes to the groom, photographers love capturing key moments during wedding prep like tying the tie. Similar shots include lacing shoes and fastening the watch.

Looking Down at the Bouquet

Reverently peering down at the bridal bouquet is a pose you'll surely want to bookmark. Not only is it a beautiful moment, but it also shows off the eye makeup while appearing to be entirely candid.

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Capturing the Train

PHOTO BY SYDNEY NOELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you sprung for the dramatic train, you'll definitely want to show it off. Instead of completely turning your back to the camera, angle yourself with a demure glance over the shoulder to add dimension and highlight both the bouquet and your profile.

Showing Off the Veil

Similarly, a grandiose veil should never go unnoticed—or unphotographed. Position yourself just so, with the light filtering through the fine material (for glow) and your arms billowing it out for extra shape.

The First Look

The wedding-day first look is one of the most important photographs that you will shoot on a wedding day with your Baton Rouge Wedding Photographer, but couples shouldn’t even think about the photographer at all. Instead, let the moment unfold while truly embracing the emotions (tears and all) knowing the photographer will capture every detail along the way.

marc shaw