Wedding Photography Poses

We've all seen those stereotypical wedding photography poses a thousand times. After the ceremony, all the guests line up in different groups and have their picture taken. With a professional in charge, a scenic background is selected, and flattering lighting is ensured. Given all the different aspects the photographer has to think about, it's no easy task. They've got their mind on the technical, creative and social considerations, all at the same time. It's not as if there's no pressure either. Time is limited, and the outcome is crucial. It's a job for the true professional, and nerves of steel are needed. You certainly don't want to make it more complicated, but those standard line-ups of people always look so stiff. If you want to make your wedding photographs a little bit different, here are a couple of things to think about. There are two main aspects to wedding photography, the formal and the informal. We'll talk about the formal photographs first. The key to this is planning. It's worth spending some time with your photographer beforehand to work things out, and maybe involve some other suppliers too. Decide on a location for the formal groups, that'll give the photographer a big advantage. To stop people from standing stiffly in a row, they're going to need help. To enhance their poses, give them something to work with. You might want to consider building a little stage area with some props. There's no stock solution to this, but a couple of chairs and a sofa are a good starting point. You can hire these for the day, so you can choose something as opulent as you like. Having people both standing and sitting beaks up the line, and it puts everyone in a more relaxed mood. Their poses will naturally reflect this, and it lends the photographer more scope to work with when they're giving direction. Another thing to consider is laying on some refreshments, and maybe some entertainment. A drink and a bite to eat will give the waiting guests something to do, and a small musical ensemble or some jugglers will help create a party atmosphere. This might not affect the photographs directly, but it will make people more relaxed, and a smile will come more naturally. It'll also buy you more time, so you can work on those poses and make sure everyone looks glamorous. For the informal aspect, brief your wedding photographer to go looking for spontaneous photo opportunities. This could be happening at the same time as the formal groups, in which case you'll need a second photographer, but it's a worthwhile investment. Often, these are the most memorable images. They can be candid, or partly set up. The aim is to capture people at their most relaxed, posing as it comes most naturally to them, and distracted by the joy of the occasion. It might sound like an easier job, but it requires just as much skill. It's another task for the professional.