The Secret to a Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Session
Creating Timeless and Sentimental Pre-Wedding Photos: A Guide to Choosing the Right Location, Wardrobe and More.
Your wedding will most likely be one of the best days of your life that you’ll want to cherish forever. That’s why it’s important to follow a few simple tips when it comes to taking your wedding pictures. There is nothing to be nervous about, just breathe in, relax, and follow these simple steps.
Whether there are specific poses you would like to recreate, or you just feel awkward and camera-shy, always tell your photographer. They will be able to help, put you at ease and listen to your requests to make sure your photos are one of the most enjoyable experiences.
When it’s time to smile, resist the urge to pull your biggest smile as this may puff your cheeks and cause your eyes to close, which often, looking back, may not appear as flattering as you thought. Smile like you mean it, smile as you would do in real life and if you’re feeling a bit stressed, close your eyes between poses, relax your face and breathe. It’s guaranteed to do the trick!
To create a flattering angle that doesn’t fully display your body width, turn your torso so that it is at a 45-degree angle, slightly facing towards your partner. This, combined with shifting your weight to your back foot and bending your knee slightly; will also contribute to create a more intimate pose between you and your partner as well as flattering your figure and creating fantastic wedding pictures.
You will be surprised at how much your posture changes the way you look in photos. If you’re feeling nervous or self-conscious, it’s normal to slouch. Try to stand up straight when your photographer is taking pictures. Put your shoulders back, chest forward and breathe, imaging to assume the position of a ballerina. This will not only flatter your figure, but also make you appear confident and relaxed.
A good night’s sleep does wonders when it comes to hiding a tired appearance. Make sure to get your beauty sleep the night before the wedding and voila’, you won’t need any concealer for your pictures as well as feeling energetic throughout the day.
Not all pictures need to be posed, remember, don’t underestimate the power of candid photography. Don’t worry about posing for the photographer, talk to your husband or wife, and act as if it was just you two, since simple movements like walking together, kissing each other or putting your arms around your partner will result in beautiful candid pictures, often even better than forced or posed ones. So breathe, relax and your photographer will work their magic to capture every heartfelt moment.
If you’re a bit camera-shy, why not consider having an engagement photo shoot before the wedding? You can pick a location that means something to both of you and I can help by suggesting locations depending on where you’re based as well as the weather. Having an engagement photoshoot beforehand will help you calm your nerves, as well as understand what to expect and relax when in front of the camera. You will also have an opportunity to get to know your photographer and try poses you’d like to recreate at your wedding.
Weddings are certainly an occasion to celebrate, however, make sure that you don’t drink too much too quickly as this may jeopardise your pictures and they may turn out not to be the keepsake you wanted. Make sure to drink in moderation before picture time and you’ll be fine!
Your photographer is not testing nor judging you when they are taking your pictures, it’s not an exam at which you need to act serious throughout. We love it when you are light-hearted, having fun and when you naturally make your partner laugh as this demonstrates understanding and often, these are the best pictures which you will look at with a smile in the years to come.
Bouquets come in all sizes and shapes, you can have a big round one or even a waterfall one. Regardless, when you’re taking pictures it’s important to keep its size in mind. As a general rule of thumb, you should hold your bouquet around your waistline, that way it won’t obscure your face or outfit.
Please don’t over-practice your photos! A wedding is a celebration, and you’ll want to enjoy every single moment of it. If you focus too much on nailing a shot/pose, you’ll end up missing out on the fun. Your photographer will be able to grasp how you and your partner interact and guide you to make sure to keep your poses as natural as possible, so that when you’ll look at your wedding photo album in the years to come, you’ll be able to see how much fun you were having on the day.
At Diamond Day Photography, we specialise in candid, natural wedding photography. Based in Northampton, we strive to capture the true essence of your love and connection on your special day. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you create beautiful, natural wedding photos that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
