It used to be a time when wedding photos were just a formality and were just done in studio.
Those photos were not creative; I was a formal posing. It was an necessity because extremely slow films, equally slow lenses, and a lack of artificial light sources necessitated long exposures. The poses looked unnatural and the face expressions were at best grim.
It is not until the 70s-80s that candid shots at wedding ceremony came to life capturing a more genuine emotions of the event and people.
If you plan to become a wedding photographer, here are some tips we give away to keep natural your wedding shots.
This tip could apply to family or engagement portraits.
Photos must show the intimate connection.
As a photographer, keep in mind to minimize the space between couple or groups.
Don’t hesitate to tell them “Get close, very close! Hold you hand, arm, show that you love each other !”
For instance, with the groomsmen, ask them to do silly things with the groom.
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Tell the bridesmaids to get closer and to lean forward. This pose gives a stronger physically connection with each other.
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This is an easy shot to get natural some candid moments. Before clicking the shutter, ensure you have the correct exposure and just ask the bride and groom to walk away.
After few shots, ask them to come back.
We love this natural shot because it is natural and relaxing for the couple.
Before they walk away, tell them to discuss things; it helps them to forget the camera and the photographer.
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Ask the broom to adjust his bowtie or tie will give you these masculine shots. You can also ask him to button or unbutton his jacket. Put his cufflinks can provide another natural posing moment.
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This is the money shot you should not miss. Having the groom’s father or best man to adjust something or help the groom to get ready. Again a natural moment that looks great.
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Just ask the bride to spin. This is an artistic way to capture the beauty and dimension of the wedding dress by giving it this spinning effect.
Now, as a photographer, if you want to get the photo sharp, ensure your shutter speed is high. But you can have fun by slowing dow (1/30sec) to provide this blurry effect as shown in the below photo.
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During the wedding party, try to get these shots between the bride and each bridesmaids separately. Same for the groom and each groomsmen. Tell them to do some silly things that can show their personality.
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This is a photographer choice. We believe the "Almost Kiss' gives a much more natural posing rather than an too intimate kiss.
Ask the bride and groom to get close and pretend a kiss. Fire few shots and ...well ok, "YOU CAN KISS NOW!!".
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Hope you enjoy reading our few wedding posing tips for more natural moments. Feel free to add your comment below and share your wedding posing ideas too.
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