When it comes to wedding photos, it’s the natural moments that often steal the show. The magic really happens when you forget about the camera and just be in the moment with your partner. Posed shots can feel stiff and awkward, but natural photos show the real you. They reflect who you are as a couple and the bond you share.
In this blog post, we’re going to share tips to help you look relaxed and natural in your wedding photos. Whether you’re camera-shy or just want to feel more at ease in front of the lens, these simple tricks will help you forget about posing and focus on what matters most: each other. Let’s make sure your wedding photos are unforgettable!
Relax Your Body
It’s easy to get tense on your big day. There’s a lot happening, and the camera can make you feel stiff or nervous. But here’s the truth: when your body is relaxed, your photos will look more candid and effortless. So, how do you relax when all eyes (and cameras) are on you?
Take Deep Breaths
First, take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale slowly, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale. This simple trick calms your nerves and releases tension in your body. Plus, it helps you feel more present, which shows in your expressions.
Shake It Out!
Before the photo session starts, shake out your arms and roll your shoulders. This loosens up your muscles and releases any tightness. You can even do a little dance with your partner to let go of the jitters. It is a good way to prepare for the moment!
Drop Your Shoulders
When we’re nervous, we tend to raise our shoulders without even realising it. Drop your shoulders down and back because this opens up your posture, making you look confident and relaxed. Remember to keep your head up and chest open. This small adjustment changes the entire feel of the photo.
Find Your Happy Place
Take a minute to close your eyes and picture somewhere or something that brings you peace. Whether it’s a quiet beach or a favourite moment with your partner, this can help you relax instantly. Let that calm feeling show in your body language when you open your eyes.
Lean Into Your Partner
When in doubt, lean on your partner. Let them be your anchor. When you lean into each other physically, your body relaxes naturally and you get that lovely connection that looks amazing in photos.
Move Together
Standing still and trying to hold a perfect pose can often make you feel awkward and stiff, but adding a little movement can help you relax and look more like yourselves.
Movement creates flow and energy in your photos. It gives you something to do and shifts your focus away from the camera. Instead of worrying about how you look, you’re enjoying the moment with your partner. This is when your real smiles and laughter come out, and that’s exactly what makes the photos unforgettable.
Easy Ideas for Moving Poses
- Walk Together: Take a stroll while holding hands. You can look at each other, share a quick kiss, or just chat like you normally would. This simple action captures natural chemistry.
- Twirl Around: Give the bride a little spin! It’s playful and fun, and it often leads to genuine laughter and joy.
- Slow Dance: Imagine you’re dancing together alone, even if there’s no music. A slow, gentle dance creates intimate and romantic photos.
- Pull Each Other Close: Try pulling your partner close for a tight hug or a forehead kiss. The small movement of leaning into each other feels real and sweet.
Use Your Hands Naturally
Hands can be tricky in photos, right? Many couples worry about looking awkward because they don’t know what to do with their hands. Let me show you some easy tips to make it work.
Hold Hands or Wrap Your Arm Around Your Partner
One of the simplest ways to look natural is to hold hands. Whether you’re standing side by side, walking, or sitting together, holding hands creates a sweet, connected moment. If you are feeling a little shy, slip your arm around your partner’s waist or place a hand on their back.
Play with Their Hair or Touch Their Face
Use your hands to softly touch your partner’s face or play with a strand of their hair. These small, loving gestures show intimacy and look incredible in photos. Plus, they help you focus on your partner instead of the camera.
Distract Your Hands with Accessories
If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, try using a prop! Hold your bouquet, fiddle with your wedding ring, or gently touch your dress. This gives your hands something natural to do and adds a little extra detail to the photos.
Avoid the ‘Dangling Hands’ Dilemma
The biggest mistake? Letting your hands just hang awkwardly by your sides. You can bring your hands together, hold onto your partner, or gently rest a hand on your hip. This keeps you looking natural and relaxed.
Get Close and Comfortable
When you keep too much space between you, it can look stiff and awkward. But when you’re close, your body language softens. Your arms naturally fall into a comfortable position. You can hold each other tight, rest your head on their shoulder, hug, give a gentle forehead kiss, or simply touch hands. The closer you are, the more connected you look, and that connection shines through in every shot.
Getting close also helps you feel more at ease, especially if you’re feeling a bit nervous. Whisper something sweet, share a little laugh, or just take a moment to breathe together. Being close helps bring out those natural and genuine smiles. So, don’t shy away from the touch. The more you lean into each other, the more natural and beautiful your photos will look.
Smile Genuinely
Everyone wants stunning wedding photos, but nothing looks more forced than a fake smile. You don’t need to smile all the time. A soft smile, a little laugh, or even a serious, loving gaze can be just as powerful. Let your emotions flow naturally.
A great tip is to interact with your partner during the shoot. Whisper something sweet or funny in their ear. It’s almost impossible not to smile genuinely when you share a little moment like that.
Look at Each Other, Not the Camera
Stop thinking about the camera and start focusing on each other. When you focus on your partner, everything around you fades away, and that’s when true emotions come to life. Whisper something sweet, share an inside joke, or simply enjoy the silence together. These are the moments when you look most natural because you’re not worrying about how you look.
When you’re constantly aware of the camera, it’s easy to feel stiff or pressured, making your smile look forced. But when you look into your partner’s eyes, you can let your guard down. Your smiles will be more genuine, your body language more relaxed and the overall vibe will feel real and not staged.
Angles Matter
Did you know that the right angle can make all the difference in your wedding photos? You might not realise it, but the way you angle your body and the way your photographer captures you can make your photos go from stiff to stunning. Here’s how you can use angles to look your best.
Find Your Best Side
Most people have a “good side” that feels more photogenic, and knowing it can help you feel more confident in your photos. If you know yours, tell your photographer so they can use it to your advantage. If you’re not sure, don’t stress because your photographer can help you.
Don’t Face Straight On
If you face the camera straight on, it can make you look stiff and flat. Instead, try angling your body slightly. A small turn of your shoulders or hips creates depth and makes your pose look more natural. It’s a simple trick, but it can make a huge difference!
Tilt Your Head for Softer Expressions
A slight tilt of your head can soften your expression and make your photos look more relaxed. Instead of holding your head stiffly, try gently leaning it toward your partner. It creates a connection and adds a romantic touch to your photos.
Look Up, Look Down, Look Away
You don’t have to always look straight at the camera! In fact, some of the most beautiful photos happen when you’re looking away, gazing into the distance or looking at your partner. Try looking up to catch the light in your eyes or look down for a sweet, serene moment.
Angles for Dynamic Photos
Angles create emotion and movement in your photos. A low angle can make a kiss look magical, while an overhead shot can capture a romantic moment from a unique perspective. By playing with different angles, your photographer can tell your love story in the most beautiful way.
Laugh and Have Fun
When it comes to looking natural in your wedding photos, sometimes the best thing you can do is simply let go and have fun. If you’re focused too much on looking perfect, your photos may end up feeling stiff. Some of the most beautiful and real photos happen when you’re laughing, being silly, and just enjoying each other’s company.
It’s those little and unexpected moments, maybe a soft laugh, a playful nudge, or a quick dance, that show the real connection between you and your partner. When you’re having fun, your body naturally relaxes, your smiles are genuine, and you forget about the camera.
Practice Before the Big Day
Most couples don’t spend a lot of time posing for photos in their everyday lives. When your wedding day comes, the pressure of the moment can make you feel stiff or nervous. A little practice before can make you feel at ease when the camera starts clicking. If you know what poses feel good, you’re less likely to feel awkward or worry about how you look.
How to Practice Simple Poses
Practicing doesn’t need to be a big production. Take an afternoon with your partner, put on a nice outfit, and try a few simple poses together. You can practice hugging, holding hands, walking together, or even a little spin if you’re feeling playful. These small moments can feel like second nature once you do them a couple of times.
Get Comfortable with Your Photographer
If you have an engagement photo session booked, use it as a chance to get to know your photographer’s style. This is a great time to try out different poses, see what feels comfortable, and get feedback from your photographer. It’s like a warm-up before the main event!
Trust Your Photographer
Your photographer knows how to capture the moments that matter. They’ve seen it all, since shy couples, camera-shy grooms to brides who are worried about every little detail. They know how to help you relax and guide you into flattering poses without making you feel stiff or awkward. When you relax and let your photographer lead, the photos will come out more real, genuine and full of emotion.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the secret to looking natural in your wedding photos is simple: just be yourself. Forget about the poses, forget about the camera! Focus on your partner instead, live those genuine moments and enjoy your big day. Trust your photographer to document the laughter, the happy tears and all that love you have for each other.
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