Franklin Dean
Wedding photographs are a source of anxiety for many, but there are numerous ways to ensure you look and feel fabulous in front of the camera. From finding the right photographer and researching poses to embracing the light and focusing on genuine emotions, there's plenty to consider when preparing for your wedding photoshoot. A good photographer will guide you through the process, but building rapport and understanding their style beforehand can help you feel more comfortable and confident on the day. Whether it's a traditional or documentary-style shoot, embracing candid moments and authentic expressions of joy will ensure your wedding photographs capture the magic of the moment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Comfortable with the photographer | Choose a photographer whose work you love and someone you have a good rapport with. |
| Comfortable with the camera | Book an engagement shoot to get comfortable in front of the camera. |
| Natural | Ignore the camera and focus on your partner and the moment. |
| Intimacy | Be yourselves and let your emotions shine through. |
| Authenticity | Be comfortable in your own skin and don't worry about the tiny imperfections. |
| Location | Discuss portrait session locations with your photographer. |
| Makeup | Keep your makeup topped up throughout the day and go a shade lighter with fake tan. |
| Lighting | Make the most of the golden hour and the pockets of warm sunlight. |
| Perspective | Experiment with different viewpoints, angles, and lighting. |
| Poses | Try different poses to find what works for you. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a photographer you're comfortable with
Choosing a wedding photographer with whom you feel comfortable is crucial, as they will be capturing some of the most intimate moments of your life. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
Start by searching for photographers whose work you admire. Instagram, Google, and photography websites are great places to start. You can also get referrals from married friends and family members, who can share their experiences with particular photographers. When you find a photographer whose work you love, take the time to read their "About Me" section and their social media posts to get a sense of their personality and values.
Once you've found a few potential candidates, reach out to them via email or phone to ask about their availability and rates. This initial contact is also a great opportunity to gauge whether you feel comfortable with them and whether your personalities click. It's important to be open and share your thoughts and feelings about your wedding day and what's important to you. A good photographer will want to understand your vision and ensure that you are both on the same page.
Consider booking an engagement shoot with your wedding photographer or a photographer you're considering. This will give you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a rapport with the photographer. It will also allow you to see how they work and give you an idea of what to expect on your wedding day.
Remember, communication is key. Don't be afraid to express what you want from your wedding photos. For example, if there are certain moments you don't want photographed or specific shots that are important to you, let the photographer know. By developing a relationship with your photographer, you'll feel more at ease, and they will be better equipped to tell your unique love story through their lens.
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Opt for natural lighting
Natural lighting is key to achieving beautiful wedding photographs. Daylight from windows is the most flattering light for getting-ready photos, so consider choosing a room in your home or a hotel room with plenty of natural light and space.
If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, avoid harsh sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm, which can cast unflattering shadows and cause squinting. Instead, opt for a ceremony time before 10 am or after 3 pm, preferably during the "Golden Hour" just before sunset, which offers warm and beautiful lighting. If you're unable to choose a different ceremony time, position yourself with your back to the sun to avoid squinting and blowing out details on your outfit.
For indoor weddings, Italian string lights can add a pretty Bokeh effect to backdrops, and hanging chandeliers, candles, and neutral-coloured uplighting can provide flattering illumination. The more light sources at your reception, the better, as this helps photographers capture the true atmosphere of the celebration without relying heavily on flash photography.
Natural light photographers aim to use existing light to create authentic images, only incorporating flash during the reception after the sun goes down. By opting for natural lighting, you can capture elegant, creative, and candid photographs that document the real moments and emotions of your wedding day.
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Ignore the camera
It's only natural to feel nervous about your wedding photographs. After all, you're paying a lot of money for pictures you'll want to cherish forever. However, one of the best things you can do is ignore the camera completely. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Get to know your photographer
A good way to feel more comfortable in front of the camera is to get to know your photographer before the big day. You can book an engagement shoot or a pre-wedding shoot with your chosen photographer to build a rapport and get used to their style. This will help you feel more relaxed and natural in front of the camera when the day comes.
Choose the right photographer
It's important to choose a photographer whose work you love, but it's also crucial to select someone you feel comfortable with. Imagine yourself having a good rapport with them. Look for a photographer who will give you subtle direction and help you look your best, rather than someone who will make you feel invaded or uncomfortable.
Focus on your partner
Instead of worrying about the camera, focus on your partner. Create as many points of contact as possible, such as joining hands or putting your arm around each other. The more connected you are, the more in love you'll look.
Relax and be yourself
Remember, the best wedding photographs capture genuine interactions and unique moments between the couple. Don't worry too much about posing or following instructions to the letter. Allow yourself to feel good and express yourself naturally, and the photos will reflect that.
Plan ahead
Discuss prospective portrait session locations with your photographer before the wedding. Choose spots that resonate with you and make you feel comfortable. Also, consider the lighting and whether there are any flattering backdrops that will make your photographs stand out.
By following these tips, you can learn to ignore the camera and focus on enjoying your special day, resulting in natural and beautiful wedding photographs that truly capture the joy and love between you and your partner.
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Avoid fake tan
While some people opt for a spray tan before their wedding, it is generally recommended that you avoid fake tan. Cameras pick up red and orange more than the human eye, so when a bride has a spray tan, it rarely looks like a natural skin tone in the final images. Even if the tan looks nice in person, it will be obvious in photos that it isn't natural.
Fake tan can also be difficult to achieve a natural look with, as it is hard to replicate the effects of the sun, which naturally darkens some parts of your face more than others. When applied all over, fake tan may give a flat, unnatural look. It can also be hard to get an even tan on your face, as facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body. It can lead to a patchy appearance, especially as factors like sweat and facial oils can break down the tanning solution.
If you do decide to get a spray tan, it is recommended to have a trial run first. This will give you the opportunity to try out different shades to find the one that suits your complexion and outfit. It is also a good idea to time your trial with any events you have coming up, like a hen party or bridal shower. You can also have a tan trial before your wedding makeup trial, so your makeup artist can colour match your foundation to your skin tone.
If you are set on having a tan for your wedding, consider using a bronzer, blush, or a lightly tinted moisturiser instead.
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Practise posing
While it's the photographer's job to get great photos, there are some things you can do to prepare for your wedding photoshoot. It's important to remember that you don't need to know how to pose, stand or act, but there are some tips and tricks you can try to ensure you feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera.
Firstly, it's a good idea to schedule an engagement photo session with your photographer before the big day. This will help you get used to being in front of the camera and give you an idea of what types of photos you do and don't like.
Good posture is also crucial for looking your best in photos. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin forward. This will make you appear slimmer and taller. However, it's important not to hold any tension in your body as you pose, so keep your joints loose.
You can also try some classic red-carpet poses, such as standing with your hips rotated 45 degrees away from the camera, putting your weight on your back foot, and elongating your other leg in front of you.
If you're feeling nervous, it can be helpful to practise some of these poses in front of a mirror. However, it's important not to over-prepare, as this can make you look unnatural in your photos. Instead, focus on relaxing and enjoying the experience. Genuine laughter and fun will shine through in your photographs, so don't be afraid to be yourself and let your personality show.
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Frequently asked questions
Look at potential photographers’ portfolios – do they have a range of couples with different looks, shapes and sizes? Do you like how they photograph their couples? You can also book an engagement shoot with them to build rapport and get comfortable in front of the camera.
A good wedding gallery is a mixture of candid and more staged photographs. Ignore the camera and stay focused on your partner and the moment you’re creating with them. Try to create as much space as possible between the front of your shoulders and the back of your jaw to avoid a double chin.
If you plan on applying fake tan, go a shade lighter than you ordinarily would. Your skin might look darker than expected when photographed alongside your partner and the wedding party. Spend time researching your hairstylist and makeup artist, paying attention to photographs of real brides and grooms on their websites and social channels.
