NEIL SENIOR – documentary wedding photographer
Why you shouldn’t pose for your wedding photos
As a documentary wedding photographer, I strive to capture the true essence of your special day to create those ever-lasting memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.
I honestly feel the best way to do that is by encouraging you to act natural, rather than posing for your wedding photos. Why, you ask? Because posing can often lead to stiff, unnatural-looking photos that don’t represent who you are as a couple. Instead, I like to portray candid moments that showcase your unique personalities and the love that you share. 10 years ago my style was very much posed, now it’s the opposite, I am far happier photographing weddings in this more natural and relaxed style.
With this in mind, I thought I’d share a few reasons why you should NOT pose for your wedding photos, and why simply acting natural can make for truly stunning and authentic images.
01. Posing can be uncomfortable
Let’s face it, posing for photos can be awkward and uncomfortable. Even the most photogenic couples can feel a little self-conscious when they’re asked to strike a pose. This can lead to forced smiles, tense body language, and overall stiffness in your photos.
02. Candid moments are more meaningful
While posed photos can certainly be beautiful, they tend to lack the emotional depth of candid shots. When you’re acting natural, you’re more likely to let your guard down and show your true feelings. This means you’ll get photos that are full of genuine smiles, laughter, and maybe even tears!
03. Authenticity is key
When it comes to wedding photography, authenticity is what it’s all about. After all, you want your wedding photos to be a reflection of who you are as a couple and not just a series of generic poses, right?
So, now we know why you shouldn’t pose, how can you ensure that your wedding photos capture these candid, natural moments? Here are a few tips:
01. Trust your photographer
Your wedding photographer is there to capture the special moments of your day, so trust them to guide you and capture your best selves. The best way to break the ice is to get to know your photographer, I find the best way to do this is to book in for a pre-wedding shoot.
02. Relax and enjoy the moment
Don’t worry too much about how you look or whether you’re posing correctly. Instead, focus on enjoying the moment and soaking in the joy of your wedding day. When you’re relaxed and happy, the photos will naturally reflect that. Remember, it’s the photographers job to capture the special moments so they needn’t be staged!
03. Have fun!
This one is important! Your wedding day is a celebration, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have fun. Whether it’s dancing with your partner, laughing with your bridal party, or enjoying a quiet moment together at sunset, these are the moments that will make for truly stunning and memorable photos.
In conclusion, when it comes to wedding photography, acting natural is by far the best way to go. By letting go of the need to pose, you can capture natural, authentic moments that truly reflect who you are as a couple.
Trust your photographer, relax, and have fun – and your wedding photos will be beautiful, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
Take a peek at my documentary style wedding gallery HERE and if you fancy having a chat about your wedding day plans please do get in touch!
