There is nothing worse than looking at someone’s wedding album to find hundreds of shots of them looking stiff, awkward and like they’d rather be anywhere else. It’s such a shame, knowing that they’ve likely paid a lot of money to have their special memories captured and instead of enjoying just-married bliss they look like they’re mentally organising their sock collection. If you want your wedding album to slay and give those stunningly effortless, happy vibes then follow my top tips below.
Preparation is key
This is where a pre-wedding shoot really comes into its own. If you’ve taken advantage of an engagement photography session, then you’ll have a good idea of how you came across on camera and what worked really well. You might have picked up a few natural posing tips, movements or backdrops that you really enjoyed. You’ll then be able to recreate this magic on your wedding day, safe in the knowledge that the photos will be beautiful. You might even want to recreate an exact photo so you can do a little side by side. How fun!
Calling for comfort
Feeling comfortable is such a huge part of making sure you look relaxed and at ease in your photos. This means feeling comfortable in your clothes and accessories, in the location and with your photographer. So, pick a wedding outfit that expresses your personality and don’t try to be anything you’re not. If you are naturally more understated then don’t choose an extravagant gown that could be overpowering. On the other hand, if you tend to wear louder and bolder pieces then a plain suit might leave you feeling a bit drab. Wear what makes you feel like the best version of you, and co-ordinate your venue to also fit this vibe. Then, be sure to get to know your photographer so that there is a rapport and you feel easy around them on your special day. Your photos will thank you.
candid camera
I guarantee that some of your favourite photos from your wedding day will be the ones that you didn’t even know had been taken. Whether it’s having a giggle with your bridesmaids during the morning, a loving glance between the pair of you during the speeches, or a dancefloor snap that is pure joy and happiness, these sneaky shots are when you’re at your most natural, unposed and just being yourself. During the more unstructured parts of the day like your drinks and evening receptions, try not to always be looking for the camera. Instead, focus on celebrating your marriage with your loved ones and I promise you will love the extra surprise that the candid shots bring when they hit your inbox.
Love in motion
A lot of the stiffness in wedding portraits comes from the fact that you are standing in one position and holding a pose. Instead of clear cut poses, I like to encourage gentle movement which translates beautifully into photos and helps them to feel more alive. For example, a veil toss, a swish of a skirt or a swing of your hands on your first stroll as husband and wife all look stunning when committed to film. With less pressure on fixed poses and more emphasis on natural actions and affection between you and your spouse, your photos will feel like a peek into a private moment on your wedding day rather than photos for photos’ sake.
Set the Scene
No matter how natural and free the two of you are, the wrong backdrop can really detract from the chemistry and love between you. They can be too busy, too gloomy, clash with the wedding vibe that you’ve carefully curated, or just be a bit boring. Choose a venue or shooting location that provides plenty of natural light and backdrops for photos that let the two of you really shine. Gardens, beaches, landscapes, brick or woodwork all work as gorgeous backgrounds that add interest and complement your chosen wedding style without being too overwhelming.
relationships
One of my favourite things about photography is being able to capture the relationship between two people in a single picture. No words, no sound, just pure feeling and emotion. That’s how you know you’re doing it right. So take this as permission to be your silliest, most PDA-loving selves because the camera will love it. The same goes for photos with family and friends. Gimme those in-jokes, hugs and happy tears - I want them all!
Cut
Your couple portraits are all about the direction. When a photographer gives exact instructions for specific poses, it takes the fun out of the session and can dent your confidence, leading to lacklustre images. I prefer to take a much gentler approach to direction, with more general prompts to help to keep my couples feeling easy and confident. For example, we might take a walk together, give a playful push or I might even just ask you to have a catch up about your day so far or what you did the night before if you stayed separate. In doing so, I’ll be able to capture some really natural shots of the chemistry that you have and your love for one another without it feeling forced. Of course, if something’s just not working or I can see a way to get the shot then I’ll let you know, but for the most part just the two of you enjoying a quiet moment on your wedding day is enough for me to get everything I need.
From all of the above tips, the best advice that I can give you is to be yourself and not get too hung up on the camera. Enjoy the best day with the best people and your wedding album will just naturally fall into place. And if you’re really stressed and feel like you need some inspo, my portfolio is just one click away…
Love Danielle x
