POSING guide
For every shoot whether it be a couple’s engagement, anniversary, wedding, or even family session (in regards to the parents), I have a flow to my posing. Often times if I’m feeling anxious, I return to my “go-to” poses in order to relieve the pressure and create strong images!
These poses are my most practiced; the ones I turn to FIRST when I’m in a bind or wanting to ensure my clients get images they can use in print or display on social, announcements, etc! They’re easy for the couple and somewhat “traditional” in nature, so you know you’re covering your bases.
get past the anxiety with a few go-to poses for high pressure situations
I have done my best to show these five go-to poses and how I get into them quickly...
However, if you have any questions, comments, or even want to send over your own “go-to” pose, I’d love to hear from you!
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This is my "warm up photo." It's a way for me and for the couple to get comfortable.
I suggest doing this pose first because the pose is formal, and the couple is the MOST fresh at this time. This is the image they may want to frame or use in an announcement.
Make sure for this pose you encourage them to get really close! The closeness makes ALL the difference. Hand positioning is also important. Even in these images, you'll see slight changes within each that influence how formal or informal the image feels. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask them to make slight adjustments that will help them look most natural.
This is the first image I take at every shoot
pose #1
This is a fail proof option to start or end any session.
But be careful not to overuse this pose, as it'll make the gallery uninteresting for both the client and the viewer.
pose #2
The first thing I want to note about the second pose is you have to be ready for it! As soon as they look at each other, they're going to smile or laugh! I think it's the first time they're looking at each other during the session, and someone's photographing them spurs a cute reaction!
With that being said, you want to make sure their body positioning is ready for it. The biggest mistake I see with this pose is the couple is turned too far away from each other. You want to make sure they don't look like they are posing for high school prom!
I always love this pose because it's intimate without feeling too overdone.
Their connection comes through in this photo when they're looking into each other's eyes!
This is the type of image I envision the couple displaying at wedding showers, on the special day, and in their home.
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To signal for this image, I ask the groom to lean into the bride and tell her something in her ear. Typically, what he says will impact her reaction, but I occasionally do encourage her to respond in a certain way. For example: "When he leans in, I want you to smile softly with your eyes down or feel free to giggle if he whispers something sweet."
Most importantly, you want their faces to be turned toward each other for this image. If her face is too far from his, they look disconnected.
Hand placement is important here too because you want their hands to look relaxed and natural. In the second image, I put them under the veil and asked them to lean in as if they were about to kiss..but not kiss.
This image can be either light-hearted or serious
pose #3
This pose is great at adding just a bit of variety to the gallery without having to move the couple to a different location. Don't forget to shoot these images both close up and full length.
pose #4
Once the couple starts to loosen up, I get them moving! For this pose, I ask them to get really close (hip-to-hip) and walk toward me looking at each other.
The smiles come naturally because it's kind of funny to feel like you can't watch where you're walking!
Having the groom hold the bouquet is optional. If the bride isn't holding her bouquet, I would suggest having her hold her dress so she has something to do with her outside hand!
Take a series of images while they're walking because the slightest difference in the movement could make one image slightly better
than the other!
For additional images, move around to the bride's side and then the groom side. That's two extra frames!
These images are usually my absolute favorite! They're fun, look super natural, and provide just a hint of movement!
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It's easy to focus just on their faces, but don't forget to get shots of the couple from the back too. It's not a rare occurrence that the bride's favorite part of her dress is the back of it!
I usually begin by photographing the couple walking away from me looking at each other, and when they get just a few steps away, I ask the bride to look back at me.
The groom is left still looking at her. It's a lovely photo of the bride, and a natural feeling pose for the couple with movement!
Grab a few from the back as well
pose #5
Photographing them from different angles shows their full wedding look and gives a natural, modern feel to the images.
The couple will appreciate variety in their gallery when it comes to their portraits together!
remember these
go-to poses
Yes! Occasionally you're blessed with the luxury of slow-paced photos on a gorgeous day. But I think everyone comes into situations in their career that have them feeling stuck or frazzled. It could be bad weather, a timeline running late, a quickly setting sunset, a client ready to start their reception, etc.
As a photographer, you will absolutely have situations that fluster you. And trust me, everyone feels like they get in a rut! Having practiced, go-to poses are so helpful in making you feel ready to conquer your photography and create gorgeous images for your clients: Every. Single. Time.
next time you're feeling stressed, rushed or overwhelmed remember these five poses
Clients are looking for you to guide them into their poses during the portrait session.
It's necessary for you to be their mirror, making sure they look and feel their absolute best!
Hi! I'm Catherine. Your business and luxury wedding mentor.
My strength is helping you find your ideal client and create your ideal life.
Your ideal clients are out there waiting for you...as is your ideal life. I’ve spent approximately 15 years building a luxury wedding photography business that provides my clients with a stellar experience, treasured memories, and timeless, elegant images. My business is bringing in a multiple-six-figure revenue and the free time I need to live an abundant life on my own terms.
Teaching other photographers how to level up and finally have the business and life they’ve dreamt of is one of the most fulfilling parts of my career path today.
I’m honored to help you follow the clearly outlined path, implement the proven strategies, and step into your calling as a luxury wedding photographer. Let’s make things happen!
From community centers to luxury resorts, we've scaled the business from our first $1k booking to a $10k minimum over the past 15 years. Our business last year alone made close to 1/2 million dollars in revenue. And more importantly...it was all built doing something I absolutely love.
As an educator, I've spoken at the Hybrid Co, WPPI, and PPLA in addition to being featured on many podcasts such as Passion With Purpose, Bokeh Podcast and more. Most importantly, I have helped hundreds of photographers learn, grown and transform their businesses and their lives as a result.
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I have enjoyed learning from Cat and watching a seasoned professional work in the wedding photography industry!"
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