Wedding posing

Wedding posing.

Wedding posing is a subject that always comes up when I meet with the couples. “We would like to have natural photographs, we don’t like posing”. This is what I often hear in pre-wedding meetings. I totally understand it. Sometimes I don’t feel like being photographed at all. I tend to be very critical about the way I look on the photographs. But if I am in front of a photographer who can put me at ease, then it is a different story.

Choosing the right photographer.

I always stress the importance of choosing a photographer you can trust. So, once you have shortlisted the potential photographers by looking at their portfolio and you like their style, it’s time to have a chat with them to see if you like their personality as well.

My approach to weddings is fairly relaxed. Clients often describe my style as natural & stylish but also fun.

Let me explain my definition of wedding posing at weddings. First of all, wedding isn’t an editorial shoot and it never should be. Every wedding has got its own story. My aim is to capture this story and to put you at ease during family & friends shots. I call them staged photographs because they wouldn’t happen without my direction.

Putting my subject at ease.

I see pretty much everything in my viewfinder, I spot the nervousness, and I also can see if somebody feels a bit awkward standing in line. It is pretty much guaranteed that this will be visible on photographs and my job is to turn the negative emotions into the positive ones! I tend to talk to people while I am shooting. Ask them about how they are, ask them to look at each other, have a giggle because this way they will feel less stiff. Sometimes I even tell a joke or make a funny comment, as a result the natural smiles suddenly appear on their own and people feel more relaxed. This is a perfect moment for me to press the button, take the photo and freeze the happy emotions.

Bride and groom photographs.

When I am with my couple and we are working on, as I call it, a private photo shoot, I tend to ask them to just focus on themselves. Because apart from the moment when they were exchanging their vows and they were looking into each other’s eyes, this is another opportunity to take a deep breath and just enjoy the moment before coming back to the crowd of the guests. I know sometimes it is not easy, because I am there with them. However if we have developed a level of trust before the wedding, perhaps we got to know each other a little bit during the engagement shoot, it helps a lot. During this shoot, I direct my couples into a natural posing according to the light on the day. I want them to feel comfortable in front of me and to have fun.

Gallery

Let me show you a few examples of images that look natural although the desired results were achieved through my gentle direction.

This image was taken at the Gorse Hill Hotel in Surrey. We literally had 15 minutes for the private shoot and I asked Dom & Kevin to hold their hands and enjoy the quiet moment. If you would like to see more photos from this wedding, please click here.

On this image I just asked the bridesmaids to walk towards me a have a giggle.

I love how Zoe & Steve look at each other on this image. I just ask Zoe to put her hand on Steve’s chest so I could see the her wedding ring.

Steve asked me to take an image of all his best friends. I asked them to put their hands in the pockets and walk towards me. I really like how relaxed it looks.

Again, we created this natural look together. I asked the bridesmaids to have a giggle with the bride. If you would like to see more photos from this wedding, please click here.

On this image I wanted to create an intimate moment and I asked Tash and Chris to show me some love. The wind lifted the veil and it added extra romantic feel to it. I love it!

When I was checking the location before Steve&Zoe’s wedding at Tracy Park Hotel in Bath, I found this beautiful vista on the 9th hole of the golf course which overlooked Bath. We ventured on a 10 minute golf buggy ride to the top of the hill to capture this beautiful photos. I just asked Steve & Zoe to enjoy the view and Zoe did rest her head on Steve’s shoulder. How romantic!

This smiles was very natural, however before it happened, I asked the ladies to stand in this spot as I knew the light was right and I had a nice composition.

This image was taken on the balcony at the Brooklands Hotel in Surrey. After I took “looking at the camera” shot, in addition I ask the bridal party for a giggle and captured this moment. If you would like to see more photos from Tash & Chris wedding, please click here.

I simply love the way Jemma looks at Wayne. Again, I think I asked them to keep looking at each other as they walked towards me and as a result I captured this moment.

Another example of a positive vibe captured on an image. I love it because everyone looks so happy and amused. It must have been one of my jokes.

Hope you enjoyed reading this blog. Please click here if you would like to read more about my approach to weddings or to see my portfolio.