Nervous about having your wedding photos taken? Here are 12 top tips to help you look your absolute best in your wedding photos.
BOOK THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
We think this is pretty important. Try and pick a photographer that you can get on with. There are loads of photographers out there with a photography style that you may love, but you might not click with them as people.
If you can’t get a good read on a photographer’s personality from their website (or sarky FAQ section), it’s a good idea to get a chat with them before booking. You don’t need to be soulmates, but having a bit of a connection is a bonus when it comes to being comfortable in your portraits.
Book an engagement/pre-wedding shoot.
Practice makes perfect! An engagement shoot is a great way of getting used to the camera before your wedding. Every couple who has booked an engagement shoot with us has said they’re less nervous on their wedding day as a result. It gives you a chance to practice a few poses and find what you’re comfortable doing (and what you think looks good). You also get a collection of great photos that you can incorporate into your wedding day.
Stay relaxed.
A good photographer should make you feel relaxed. Try to think of your portraits as a time away together from the hustle and bustle of your wedding. It could end up being the most chilled and relaxed part of the whole day. And the inside pockets of a suit jacket are the perfect size for a hip flask of whiskey… just sayin.
Don’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
Your photographer should photograph who you are rather than force you into doing something which makes you feel uncomfortable. Some people like to have really close and intimate shots, while others will prefer to just hold hands and look at the camera.
It’s important to let your photographer know what you feel comfortable with. If you feel relaxed, you’ll look relaxed. If you feel awkward, well...
Know your best side.
There’s no such thing as a completely symmetrical human. Some people will have a so-called best side which they prefer to be photographed from. If you have a preference for a particular side, either let your photographer know or stand so that your preferred side is to the camera.
Make sure your clothes are comfortable
We love to see movement in our photographs and think it’s vital that you’re free to move in your wedding clothes. Heavy dresses and long veils can frustrate brides over the course of a long wedding day. And when you choose your shoes, remember that you’ll be on your feet for a dozen hours. Find the balance between comfort and style and we guarantee you’ll enjoy your wedding more.
Think happy thoughts
We like our couples to talk to each other during the portrait session, it makes for relaxed photos and sets them at ease. However, the topic of conversation is important. Talk about how great the day has gone, how amazing each of you looks, how great it is to see so many of your loved ones together.
Try to avoid giving out about Uncle Mick showing up late or how the priest got your name wrong (yup, it happens).
Be Brave and adventurous
Ok, there are degrees of bravery and adventurousness. We’ve done photographs where the couple were having axes thrown over their heads. We’ve had couples balancing on walls overlooking the sea, boating on a lake, and climbing over fences and through brambles. This is at the extreme end of things and you’ll rarely have to do such things.
What we would say, though, is don’t be put off by things like a little rain or wind. Don’t be afraid to step into long grass or an unkempt field. Let your dress trail along the ground and get dirty at the bottom if it means a gorgeous shot - trust us, it’ll get much dirtier later on the dance floor. With a bit of dry-cleaning, it’ll clean right up afterwards.
Go easy on tan and make up
The intent of heavy foundation and fake tan may be to make you look better in photographs, but the opposite can end up happening. Even if your tan looks great in person, it can make your skin look unnatural and orange in photographs. Our advice is to stay as close to your natural colour as possible and keep your makeup simple.
Stay in the moment
Try and absorb the moment – this unique and magical bit of time on your wedding day when you’re relatively alone. Don’t worry about the time or getting back to your reception. Don’t think about what is going to happen later… just think about each other and the photo session will fly by and you’ll be back with your guests before you know it.
Practice some poses at home.
You’ll feel silly, but it’ll help (and you’ll have a good laugh doing it). Have a look at how some other couples posed. Pick any poses that you liked and try to practice them in front of a mirror at home. This game is best enjoyed with a wee drink or ten.
Trust your photographer
You’ve seen our portfolio and you know what we can do, so trust us to do our job. Our single goal is to make you look as cool as f**k in your wedding portraits and we want to avoid it feeling like a chore. Your trust is not only a massive compliment to a photographer, but it’s a sure-fire way to get the best photos.
