Being in front of the camera when you’re not used to being photographed can feel scary and awkward. I used to feel that way as well, so I’ve made it my mission to help as many people as I can feel beautiful and confident. Knowing how to pose people naturally and authentically without making people look staged is a skill I have developed over the years. I have created this blog to share some of my best tips on being elegant in your wedding or engagement photos. I hope this serves you well!
The Spine
Great posture in the spine is crucial as it controls and directs the rest of the body, and is the foundation of all poses. Being posturally aware, even the most mundane tasks, such as tying your shoes, putting on your wedding dress, or walking, will guarantee your looks will be killer.
I’m sure you’ve heard a photographer say, “chin down” before… Imagine a string from the back of the head pulling up toward the ceiling… try to keep the head high and the chin down.
From the base of your head down to your tailbone, you have the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine. It’s essential to pay attention to each one and understand the effect that each has on body position in a photograph. The cervical spine directs the head and should be as tall as possible. The thoracic spine helps with posture and should be elongated to help exude confidence and strength. The lumbar spine is the naturally curved lower region of the spine near the butt. Exaggerating this curvature helps highlight the best part of any figure. Think of making an “S curve.”
Breathe
When photographing subjects, I often ask them to breathe deeply to help them relax, and once they are just halfway through the breath, I’ll snap the shutter. Moving the shoulder blades back one or two inches while taking a breath and holding the head high will help you look confident.
Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is a secret many overlook, but knowing how to stand or sit in a photo will make you feel more confident. Shifting your body weight will help enhance the much-desired asymmetry in a photo. Moving the body weight to the back of the foot can also help slim the body. Crossing one foot over the other is another great way to help add some asymmetry and shift the weight when posing. Dropping or raising a shoulder can add to the appeal when sitting down. When sitting, knees should not be directed towards the camera, so shifting them off to the side is preferable. I can’t forget the elbows too! Elbows and knees toward the camera are a no-no. Always keep your back straight and lean slightly towards the camera when sitting. You and your love are going to look and feel fabulous.
Head Tilt
When dropping a shoulder, tilt the head towards the lower shoulder to appear more masculine. For a more feminine look, tilt the head towards the higher shoulder.
Hands
The hands can add or subtract from the visual narrative of a photo. Using hands to create a more intimate connection with your partner is natural, but there are a few things to remember. Ideally, the positioning of the hands should be asymmetrically placed on your partner’s body.
When holding hands, do so gently and only have one or two fingers to add a delicate and soft feel to the images. If you’re holding an object in any of the photos, such as a flower, holding it between the thumb and middle finger is more aesthetically pleasing than an iron grip. Avoid making right angles with your arms, as slightly obtuse angles look more elegant and natural.
The ‘X’ Factor
When your faces are close, imagine a straight line from each of your noses and adjust your head position so that the lines intersect and form an imaginary “X.” This will make the photo look less cheesy and staged.
Regarding eye expression, wide-open eyes with fully open eyelids give off a focused and intense look. However, gently squinting by raising your lower eyelids to close almost halfway can create a seductive, glamorous, or romantic look. Closing your eyes can also exhibit a gentle and soft expression if you’re taking a couple of photos. Taking a deep breath and closing your eyes can help reset your expression and relax your mind.
Be mindful of your body language when walking, as it can add a natural and effortless look to your photos. Imagine a thin line to walk on, and pay attention to your movements and interaction with your partner. Although it sounds awkward to walk like that, it will add a lively and natural touch to your photos.
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