Admit it. You’ve seen those clickbait articles with the longest titles ever called something like, “Most awkward wedding photos ever – you have to see them!”

You might laugh at the photos, but secretly you’re hoping you never end up on the list. Right?

As a wedding photographer myself, I also hope your photographs never end up on that list. Not only would it probably cause you a lot of pain to get awkward wedding photos back, but it also means the wedding photographer didn’t do their job.

That’s right: It’s the job of the wedding photographer to help make you feel comfortable during your engagement and wedding photo sessions. With an experienced photographer behind the camera who you feel comfortable with, this should be pretty effortless.

But, a few tips can help! In this article, I’ll give you the inside scoop on how to pose so your engagement and wedding photo sessions feel a little less daunting. With these tips, you’ll feel much more at ease and your photographer will capture natural, beautiful moments between you and your partner.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Location

It all starts with the location you choose. Choose a location that holds significance or meaning to both of you. Whether it’s the place you first met or a spot you both love, a meaningful setting can make you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

If either of you are introverted or shy, chances are you won’t feel comfortable taking your photographs in the middle of a busy park or city street. Choose something more private and intimate where you won’t feel uncomfortable.

Check out these tips for choosing a location.

Tip #2: Choose Outfits You Feel Comfortable In

Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Ensure they complement each other without completely matching. Comfortable clothing can help you feel more at ease during the shoot.

If you’re only thinking about how you look in your outfit or you’re constantly trying to pull down a dress or adjust a shirt, you may not come across very relaxed and natural in your photos.

This article will help you choose your outfits.

Tip #3: Meet With Your Photographer Before the Session

Your photographer is your guide through this process. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, it might be hard to feel comfortable posing for them alongside your partner. Get to know your photographer and make sure your personalities match and you like them.

Talk to them about any concerns or ideas you have. They can offer suggestions and guidance based on their experience.

Don’t forget to ask your photographer these questions before you book.

Tip #4: Be Open to Your Photographer’s Ideas

It can be tempting to scour all the social media platforms like Pinterest for ideas – and you definitely should get some ideas for poses you like. But, if you’re only set on recreating the poses you see on Pinterest, it can start to feel like just that: Posed.

If you’re constantly trying to recreate something instead of going with the flow, you’re not really enjoying the moment, are you? It can also make the photographer’s job harder.

Be open to the poses your photographer suggests. They have a plethora of experience. After all, they’re the experts. Be willing to go with the flow and accept their suggestions.

Tip #5: Practice Posing

Before your session, practice posing together. Observe yourself in the mirror as you stand together, hold hands, and embrace. See what feels good, looks good, and feels natural to you.

Observe your facial expressions. Do you see yourself frowning a lot or furrowing your brows in concentration? Take note of that and practice relaxing your face.

Tip #6: Relax

Let’s all take a moment to take a deeeeeep breath.

Hold it for a few seconds.

Okay, now release, slowly.

Don’t you feel better already?

Before you go into your photography session, remember to relax. Tension can show up in your photographs. Take some of those deep breaths we just practiced together. Shake out that tension if you need to!

Posing in front of the camera might feel foreign and awkward for you and your partner, but ultimately it’s supposed to be fun. Try to be present in the moment with your partner and enjoy spending time with them where you two get to be the stars in the spotlight. If it helps, pretend like there’s no one else around and focus all your attention on them.

I like to take photographs of my couples interacting with each other just as they would together at home if I weren’t there. Tell each other jokes, have silly conversations, whisper in your partner’s ear – whatever you’d normally do is what you should do in front of the camera. These genuine interactions often lead to the best and most natural-looking photos.

Also think about movement. Do you like to dance together in the kitchen while making dinner? Playfully spin each other during your session! Don’t be afraid to move and have fun with it. This not only feels more natural but also creates lively, candid shots.

Tip #7: Hold Something

This tip primarily relates to your engagement photo sessions but it’s an important tip nonetheless.

You’ll probably be holding your partner with one hand/arm, but what do you do with the other hand? If you find yourself feeling awkward and having no clue what to do with your other hand, consider bringing along a prop to your session. It shouldn’t be random; instead, think about something that’s meaningful to you and your partner.

Maybe you met at a coffee shop and bonded during a series of coffee dates. Grab a cup or head to a cafe for a cozy engagement shoot. Maybe you both love books. A book or two could be a fun addition. Some couples even clink champagne glasses or bring their pets to their engagement shoots.

As of late, I’ve been photographing some of my couples grabbing ice cream. It shows the fun, playful nature of the relationship and it also gives the couple something to do with their hands. Get creative with your partner and your photographer to come up with some playful props that show off who you really are as a couple.

Tip #8: Live in the Moment

It’s not very often you get photographed or get married, so enjoy it! When you’re genuinely enjoying the moment and the time with your partner, it’ll show on camera.

This is a celebration of your love. Enjoy the moment, have fun, and let your joy shine through. The more relaxed and happy you are, the more authentic and beautiful your photos will turn out.

You do need to remember that someone is documenting your day, however, so while you do want to live in the moment, keep in mind that someone does have a camera lens on you. I’ve taken plenty of wedding photos where we’re doing a champagne pop or sparkler exit and someone didn’t smile at all.

That doesn’t mean you have to smile all day, but try to remember to smile for the big moments.

Create Timeless Memories

Your engagement and wedding photo sessions are moments to capture the genuine connection between you and your partner. By choosing the right location, comfortable outfits, and building a rapport with your photographer, you set the stage for natural, beautiful photos.

Being open to your photographer’s ideas, practicing poses, and relaxing into the moment allow for authentic interactions to shine through. Remember, it’s about cherishing the joy of your love story, letting your happiness radiate, and creating timeless memories that reflect your true selves.

Are you looking for more tips? Don’t forget to visit my blog for all the wedding photography tips and tricks!

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How to Pose for Wedding Photos [8 Tips to Feel More Comfortable]