Outdoor Wedding Venues, Trends, and Decorations
TIPS TO TAKING BETTER, MORE NATURAL PHOTOGRAPHS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
All Images by Kelly J Photography
One of the most common concerns I hear from brides (& grooms!) is how to take good photographs? Think back to the last time you had a photo taken. Let’s be honest, it was probably on a night out, with friends somewhere, you had had a few too many and your first thought was, ‘I hope they don’t share that on Facebook?’ So is it any wonder that we all think that we can’t take a good photo? When it comes to taking professional photographs, I promise you it is soooo different. It is actually the most enjoyable experience and you will have so much fun, but for those of you still not totally convinced, we have invited photographer Kelly J to share her top tips for taking better, more natural photographs so that in the lead up to your wedding, you can feel more confident that you and your other half will know how to rock it on the day.
1. Trust your photographer.
Having pictures taken can be the part of weddings that some couples really dread. If the only kind of pictures you’re used to having taken are the “Smile. Say cheese. Oh wait the flash didn’t go off. Smile again” kind of photos, then no wonder it feels unnatural and stiff.
Having your photo taken professionally shouldn’t be like this. So take a deep breath, relax and trust that this will be a different type of picture taking experience. It also really helps if you’re photographer is someone you click with (pun totally intended) as the more comfortable you are with this person, the more natural the photographs will be.
2. Interact with each other.
The wedding photos should reflect you as a couple. How do you hug your fiancé when you come home from work? Do you have any inside jokes? How do you stand together when you’re waiting for a taxi, do you hold hands, link arms? Just be yourself when you’re together and don’t be afraid to laugh together if you feel silly, or take a moment just to hold each other.
3. Posing.
There are always a couple of things you can do to make yourself look your very best in your photographs; Stand tall and be careful not to slouch. Lift your chin slightly and bring it forward to elongate your neck and avoid double chin catastrophes. Give your limbs and body some space in between them for shape.
When it comes to posing however, listen to your photographers directions and move fluidly between the different poses. Your photographer captures everything between your poses and that’s where the natural images actually happen, so it’s best to move smoothly and take it slow rather than stop what you’re doing to get into the next pose.
4. Forget the camera.
Sometimes your photographer might ask you to look at the camera but when they want you to look away it’s hard to know where to know where to look without feeling silly.
Try looking at something a few inches off the photographer’s shoulder and when you have your eyes fixed on it, take a second to soak in the day. Look around you at different things, keep your eyes moving and it will feel and look a lot more natural.
5. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
If you blinked or did something unflattering or even sneezed while the shutter was being pressed – don’t worry about it. If you’ve booked a good photographer only the best images will see the light of day.
Try not to stress too much about your dress getting dirty. It will get dirty regardless and if you want fabulous photographs you don’t have to limit yourself to what you can take. After all, your pictures, your ring and your marriage will be the only lasting things from the day.
Just have fun, be yourselves no matter how weird you are and trust your photographer and you will be well on your way to having amazing natural wedding pictures.
If you are still looking for a photographer for your wedding, check out Kelly J!
Hope this helps xxx
The more natural you going to be the better picture you going to get 🙂
Ah this is brilliant, couldn’t have said it better myself!!