So you’ve established your Pinterest board full of gorgeous engagement and wedding photos. But now you’re left questioning: “how do I actually pose like that?”

If you’ve been deterred from booking your photographer because you don’t know how to pose, I have some good news: you don’t have to know!

Helping you get those dreamy pinterest-worthy wedding portraits is exactly why I’m there. I’ll guide and direct you the entire time ensuring you feel comfortable (while looking amazing!!) I’ve worked with everyone from models to those who’ve never been in front of a camera before, and either way, I promise our shoot will yield those beautiful portraits you’ve been envisioning.

Posing Versus Direction

First things first, there’s a very important distinction between posing and being directed. Posing implies very rigid and stiff postures when what we actually want are very natural snapshots. My goal is not to place you in fixed positions. Instead, I’ll explain things like where to stand, which way to look, and how to move. This creates a much more enjoyable experience and more natural photos. So, let me focus on how everything looks and you just worry about enjoying time with your person.

But… the title did promise some posing tips so I’ll let you in on a few secrets!

Think Movement Not Poses

Movement, movement, movement. One of the best ways to capture those effortless, candid-style photos. Movement transfers so well to the camera since it does a great job of making everything look natural.

Instead of holding one perfect position, we create multiple beautiful little moments.

Think:

• Walking together
• Holding hands
• Dancing
• Spinning
• Kissing
• Laughing

What Do I Do with My Hands?!

If you suddenly forget what hands are supposed to do the second the camera comes out, don’t worry! I got you. I’ll give directions so you never have to worry about looking awkward or unsure.

But here are a few ideas you can try:

• Walking together
• Holding hands
• Dancing
• Spinning
• Kissing
• Playing with your partner’s hair
• Fixing their jacket, tie, or veil
• Pulling them in for a hug
• Twirling your dress
• Running toward each other
• Swaying together
• Whispering something in their ear
• Looking at each other and laughing
• Walking away together and looking back
• Snuggling up close
• Giving your partner a little spin

And if you’re thinking, “Okay…but I would never know to do half of these things,” don’t worry! That’s where I come in. I’ll give you prompts, cues, and little things to do throughout your session so you’re never left wondering what to do next. You just get to focus on your person!

Stop Looking at the Camera (Sometimes!)

As much as I love a smiling couple, not every photo needs both of you smiling directly at the camera. Many times, the most natural and beautiful photos come from:

• Looking at each other
• Looking away
• Laughing
• Talking
• Closing your eyes
• Walking
• Leaning into each other
• Resting your head on their shoulder
• Whispering something in their ear

These little prompts give you something to do instead of just holding a pose and waiting for the camera to click. And when you’re focused on each other instead of the camera, those genuine smiles, laughs, and little glances tend to happen naturally.

That doesn’t mean we’re skipping the classic smiling-at-the-camera photos! Of course I’ll make sure we get those, too. But mixing in some of these more candid moments gives your gallery variety and helps tell the story of the two of you—not just what you looked like, but how you interacted and felt together.

Let Yourself Laugh

I know, I know. You want those effortlessly romantic photos where you look like you just stepped out of a bridal editorial. But sometimes trying too hard to look effortless can have the exact opposite effect!

My advice? Let yourself laugh. If your partner says something ridiculous, laugh. If you feel awkward and start laughing because you don’t know what to do, honestly…perfect! If your dress gets caught on something and you both crack up, I’m probably going to take a picture of it.

The goal isn’t to manufacture the perfect emotion. It’s to give you opportunities to interact naturally and let those genuine moments happen. Some of my favorite photos are the ones where couples forget I’m even there for a second!

Don’t Worry About Perfection

Your hair might move. Your dress might wrinkle. Your veil might blow around. It might rain. Your partner might make you laugh when you’re supposed to be looking serious.

That’s okay!

In fact, those little imperfections can make your photos feel more alive and personal. I’m not expecting every single frame to be perfect, and you shouldn’t either! I’m watching for the moments that work and will guide you when we need to make a little adjustment.

So if your hair blows across your face or you accidentally step on your dress, don’t immediately panic. Just keep going. Sometimes those unexpected moments make for the best photos!

Engagement Sessions Are the Perfect Practice

If the idea of being photographed still makes you a little nervous, an engagement session is the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.

Think of it as a low-pressure practice round! You get to learn how I direct, figure out what feels natural for the two of you, and get used to being photographed together. You’ll also get a chance to see which types of photos you love most!

Plus, by the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll already know what to expect. No need to spend the morning wondering, “Wait…what are we supposed to do with our hands again?”

You’ll already know how I work, and I’ll be there to guide you through the rest!

My Biggest Piece of Advice

Don’t overthink it! You don’t need to memorize Pinterest poses, practice in the mirror, or suddenly become professional models the second you step in front of my camera.

Your job is simply to be present with your person and enjoy the moment. My job is to worry about where you’re standing, what you’re doing with your hands, which way you’re looking, and of course, making sure you look amazing!!

The best photos don’t always come from the most perfect pose. They come from the little glances, laughs, movements, and moments that feel like you.

If the thought of being in front of a camera makes you a little nervous, don’t stress! Helping couples feel comfortable, confident, and like themselves in front of the camera is one of my favorite parts of what I do. I’ll guide you through the direction, prompts, and little moments so you never have to wonder what to do next.

All you have to do is show up, enjoy your person, and let me capture the rest. If you’re ready to start planning, let’s chat!