One of the challenges of wedding photography is working with couples that might not be all that comfortable in front of the camera.
And when that happens, you end up with portraits that look stuffy and stiff.
In other words, if you don't take action to learn how to pose couples for wedding portraits, you could end up with a collection of photos on your hands that reminds the couple of how nervous they were on their big day instead of making them think of what a great couple they are!
With the following tips, you can learn how to loosen up your clients for much more natural-looking wedding portraits.
Editor's Tip: Your wedding photography deserves to be seen for the piece of art that it is. Find out how to turn your images into fine art.
Wedding Photography Tip: Give Them Something to Do
When it comes to how to pose couples, one of the easiest and most effective things you can do is to give them something to do.
And I don't mean have them work on a jigsaw puzzle...
Ask them to hold hands, to tell one another a joke, to look into one another's eyes, or to walk toward the camera.
Even very simple tasks like these will help ease their minds, loosen up those muscles, and help them focus less on you and your camera and more on one another.
In the image above, note how relaxed this couple looks, as though they're out for a romantic stroll with no one around.
That's the kind of look you should be striving for when you give your clients a task while taking their portraits.
This type of relaxed portrait can be much more meaningful and visually interesting than stuffy, heavily posed wedding portraits.
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How to Pose Couples: Show Them What to Do
Communication between photographer and their subjects is of the utmost importance when creating portraits.
But, sometimes it's hard for your clients to understand the vision you have in your head, even if you try to explain it really well.
That means that there will be occasions when you need to show them what to do.
If that means that you need to stand in for the bride or groom and show them exactly where to look, how to hold their shoulders, where to place their hands, and so forth, by all means, do it!
Of course, you need to ask permission first before moving your clients or otherwise touching them in any way.
But the clearer you are with your directions, the better the result will be.
Editor's Tip: Don't think that the process of creating a gorgeous wedding portrait ends with post-processing. Learn the value of getting high-quality prints.
Wedding Portrait Poses: Keep It Simple
Trust me when I say that the last thing you need to do on your clients' wedding day is to make them take part in elaborate portrait sessions.
By all means, go all out for the engagement session. But when their big day comes, allow the couple to simply be with one another.
As noted above, give them the direction they need so that you can get the photos on your shot list marked off. But you'll likely find that by letting things happen organically that you'll end up with some wonderfully candid photos that might end up being some of the best shots of the day!
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Seal the Deal With a High-Quality Print
You can learn how to pose couples for wedding portraits all you want, but in the end, if you don't take the time to have high-quality prints made, it won't matter how great the posing is.
Think about it...
You've spent all this time and effort into preparing for the day of the shoot. You've directed your clients to pose just how you want. You've capitalized on great light. You've composed an eye-catching shot. Why would you ruin all that by having a cheap print made?
It just doesn't make sense.
What does make sense is to have your wedding couples photography printed by CanvasHQ.
I cannot believe how easy it was to get my canvas from Canvas HQ! I submitted my photo on a Wednesday and my canvas was at my door on Saturday! And it was absolutely perfect! I will definitely order from Canvas HQ again! - Kara O., Manchester, IA
A finer canvas print you will not find - not here in California or anywhere else, for that matter.
I've spent a lot of money over the years on canvas prints, so I consider myself a bit of a canvas connoisseur. Let me tell you that CanvasHQ canvases are the best I've ever owned.
There's a lot to love about these canvases - the impeccable craftsmanship, the incredible colors, the hand-built frame to keep things nice and square...
But what I appreciate most about CanvasHQ is their commitment to making your memories (or those of your clients) as gorgeous as possible.
In that regard, you aren't just another order number to fill. Instead, you're a respected member of the CanvasHQ family, and the time, effort, and care that they put into your canvas shines through.
This was the first time having my pictures put on canvas...after contemplating about it for years. I love how they turned out! In fact, I am placing a re-order to share with my sons who took me to Italy. Thank you for adjusting the alignment and for the positive feedback. I would highly recommend your services. Barbara W., Roanoke Rapids, NC
On top of that, CanvasHQ is fast - depending on where you live, you might get your canvas in just a couple of days of placing your order.
That combination of features - unbelievable quality and fast turnaround times - is quite rare. Yet, these guys pull it off!
CanvasHQ won't break the bank, either. That means that you can give your clients a stunning canvas print that's befitting of their big day, and it won't cost an arm and a leg, either.
Now that's a great combination!
Learn More:
- Must-Have Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers
- These Wedding Photography Tips Will Totally Change Your Photos