We here at Valen Studios decided to do some research and I came across this study that mentioned that close to 40% of brides had regrets when it came to their wedding photos. “Wow!” we thought to ourselves. We couldn’t believe that percentage was so high! We found the following statements from brides online.
“You know… I honestly didn’t know at the time… but really thinking about it, I just didn’t like the way our photographer posed me for the portraits. I just don’t think I look very flattering or beautiful in those poses at all.”
What a disappointment.
To have that one day in your life in the most beautiful dress, but to not be happy with the way you are posed in the portraits. From that day on, I made sure it was the mission of Valen Studios to be masters in the art of posing brides and couples. Sadly, a lot of photographers don’t understand that it’s not just about the the beautiful compositions, backdrops, and even moments. Although those are all important, it is an absolute necessity to be a master in the art of posing to ensure the bride and the groom look absolutely dazzling one of the most important days of their life.
We started digging deeper to really see the reasons why these brides were unhappy, and this is what we found…
1. “Our photographer got drunk, and you can see the photos in the gallery getting blurrier and blurrier as you scroll through.”
2. “He just really didn’t seem to know what he was doing! He didn’t guide us during the portrait session and we we’re just standing. there awkwardly!”
3. “Our photographer had no personality, which lead to no personal connection, this made the experience no fun at all.”
I take pride in my work, and after seeing almost half of the brides out there are extremely unhappy with the results they were getting from other so called “professional photographers”, I couldn’t help but be extremely proud of what every single one of my couples have said about me. Like Steph and Kyle who said, “As we look back at our pictures, we couldn’t help but laugh and cry again from reliving all the beautiful memories they vividly captured. We were able to see moments of the day from a whole new perspective. Valen Studios is worth every dime, Steve and his team put their combined creativity and passion into their photography as if it was their own wedding. We looked amazing in our pictures!”
Having said all that, I’m going to share with you as much value in my expertise in posing wedding couples so you can ensure you look your best and have no regrets for on special day.
BASIC TIPS FOR POSING THE BRIDE
When posing the Bride for the close up shot you always want their elbows off their body, make sure you accentuate the curve of her back, chin up, eyes off to the distance, head slightly turned to expose their neck lines. Delicately holding the bouquet with the flowers facing the camera gives their hands a natural looking position. You can also have them look at the camera as well, for a 2nd beautiful image.
Brides invest heavily in their wedding gown, a once in a lifetime garment that showcases their personality, When posing for this beautiful image, make sure the gown is not “balled up” and is laying properly. Slightly pulling your shoulders back about an inch and make sure you are standing tall. Be aware of the feminine curves and the small of the back, show it off, really accentuate it.
BASIC TIPS FOR POSING THE GROOM
Women are posed using the “S-curve” (Click here for S-curve tips blog). We pose men with the C-curve. You should turn slightly away from the camera, feet approximately shoulder width apart, lean into the hip that’s farthest away from the camera and put all the weight on the back leg. The C-curve makes men look more masculine, as apposed to straight on to the camera which looks like a mug shot. “What do I do with my hands?” (click here for tips on posing men)
Never shoot with the body straight on to the camera, always turn the body slightly to the right or left. Get a picture looking away as well as looking at the camera.
TIPS FOR POSING THE COUPLE TOGETHER
The biggest tip I can give you right away is, act like you like each other! 🙂 Engage! What does that mean? Come together, connect at the far hip, slightly open your bodies to the camera, create a slight “V” with your hips. Groom, put one hand on her hip and one on the small of her back.
Bride, put your hand on his arm, chest, muscles, whatever feels comfortable in the moment. Take a picture looking at the camera and one looking at each other. For more natural (not cheesy) looking pictures, click here!
Walking pictures are also very fun. Hold hands creating a slight V. look at each other, think happy thoughts, smile and laugh away!
If any of this is overwhelming to you, make sure you do an engagement session with your wedding photographer to practice these techniques, so on your wedding day you are way more prepared.
Valen Studios offers complimentary engagement sessions with every wedding package for this very reason.
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