Wondering how to look good in your wedding photos?

If you’re anything like me, the thought of having your photos taken is moderately fear inducing. If this is how you’re feeling on a ‘normal’ day, multiply this by a million when it comes to your thinking about your wedding day. Have no fear – I’ve got your back. I’d say about 90% of my couples feel exactly the same at first, but I make sure those worries get washed away so quickly! By the end of this post, you’re going to be feeling so much better about having your photo taken. Hopefully you’ll no longer need to Google ‘how to look good in wedding photos’.

Relax! how to look good in wedding photos

Ok, hear me out. Now I know you’ve just told me you hate having your photo taken and you might be a little nervous about how to look good in your wedding photos, but this really is the best way.

Don’t feel as though you need to be looking straight into the camera and pulling a cheesy smile if this doesn’t feel natural. It tends to be the way that when I first arrive, people think they need to be posing for me or at least looking straight into the camera. This in itself is super daunting and just highlights the fact that you’re having your photo taken. Part of the joy of somewhat being a documentary photographer, is that I love to capture moments occurring naturally. This means that you can just carry on and pretend I’m not there while I float around having a chat and generally being a photography ninja* 

*actual quote from one of my past couples.

get romantic!

Some of my most favourite images are of couples just having a cuddle and a kiss. In fact, that’s pretty much my trick for your portrait session. You’ve just married your true love, the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about little old me and my camera! Look at your love and enjoy the moment – laugh, cuddle, kiss, recount that hilarious bit that happened during your ceremony (sorry kids but there are gonna be some parts that might not go exactly to plan and must be embraced!)

Try to pretend your photographer has left you to your own devices for a while. What would you normally do in this situation? Pull a silly face? Do it! Whisper something naughty? Pinch their bum? Again, go for it! Do what you’ve gotta do to feel at ease. The less you try to be ‘serious models’, the more beautiful and natural the photos are going to be. 

Oh and another bonus tip – close your eyes when you kiss! Otherwise it looks a bit creepy and odd. You’d be surprised at the amount of people who keep their eyes open, but I totally put this down to nerves. Don’t feel like you have to hold the kiss either – this can also look awkward and too static. Just keep things moving and trust that your photographer will get allll the moments without you having to pose awkwardly with your face smushed against someone else’s. 

Choose a photographer that you trust

A good wedding photographer isn’t just someone who rocks up before your ceremony, snaps a few shots and then expects you to become supermodels when it comes to your portrait session. A good wedding photographer knows how to make you look good in your wedding photos, will guide you to look amazing and know where and when to head out for a portrait session.

I’ve seen, quite often, photographers getting an amazing composition and knowing the best lighting situations, but forgetting to think about what the person in the photo would think about themselves in the shot (e.g. an odd looking neck situation, or the light amplifying some usually non-existent wrinkles). As a female photographer, I like to think I have an eye for how people perceive themselves and what they would or wouldn’t like to see in an image. This doesn’t mean I spend the whole time posing you or spending hours getting the perfect angle, but it does mean I know the compositions and lighting situations that are flattering and how to get those awesome shots so you see yourself as the gorgeous person you are. 

Look at potential photographers’ portfolios – the proof really is in the pudding! Have they got a range of couples with different looks, shapes and sizes? It may sound silly but, do you like how they photograph their couples? Some photographers might offer to photoshop you to look thinner, or to change your image but I’m all about getting it right in camera – everyone looks amazing on their wedding day. Full. Stop. It’s all about embracing everyone as individuals and knowing how to get the best out of every body. Of course, I’ll remove a blemish or bruise that isn’t usually there, but let’s hold back on total body modification. 

How to look good in your wedding photos – top tips

If you’re anything like me, you welcome a list – so here is my round-up in bullet point form that could come in handy when you’re thinking about how to look good in your wedding photos…

• Trust your photographer! You’ve seen and loved their photos, now trust them to do a great job and capture you as the amazing human you are. 
• Go for the engagement shoot. A great trial run and you get to see that it can actually be a proper laugh.
• When chatting to your photographer, make them aware of anything you might be feeling worried about – they should be able to put your mind at ease and keep these things in mind when shooting your portrait session. 
• Flirt with your new spouse. Don’t be afraid to be silly together, to kiss and cuddle and generally be totally loved up (which really is inevitable).
• Movement is key – don’t feel like you have to pose. It’s not musical statues. 
• Make sure you are comfortable in what you’re wearing, this will help you to feel amazing and remove any worries about a clothing malfunction.
• Have fun! You will look amazing on your wedding day because you’re so damn happy! It’s a fact. The more you relax and enjoy the moment, the more natural and beautiful your photos are going to be. Embrace every moment and every reaction – these are the photos that are going to bring you right back into the moment when you look back at them in years to come.  

And if all else fails, keep in mind this bloody brilliant quote from my mate Roald Dahl…

“You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely”