If you take a look at portraits from many decades ago you may notice that they don’t offer much variety by way of poses.  The main subjects are typically just seated or standing and staring directly at the camera.  Unique portraits might mean one person seated with another stood, but that was about it when it came to variety.  Today, brides especially are looking for unique and interesting wedding photography poses.  They know, as do photographers, that poses can communicate as much as any other part of a photograph.

As an example, common wedding photography poses you’ll see today are of the bride and groom facing each other rather than the camera.  This can be of them sharing a laugh or a kiss or just looking deeply in each other’s eyes.  If the wedding is fun and whimsical then these kinds of wedding photography poses can be from a bit further away but for more serious and elegant shots a photographer should move in closer.  When you’re closer to your subjects this gives a feeling of seriousness and intimacy, whereas shots from several feet away can capture the couple’s entire body language as they share a laugh together.

It’s also common to get a shot of the bride and groom actually walking away from the camera, as if they’re walking toward their new life together.  Other unique and interesting wedding photography poses for the couple can incorporate the bride’s veil as the husband gently holds it in front of them, or of the two of them both holding a flower or her bouquet.  You can incorporate the ceremony site or other background in these types of shots but make sure these backgrounds don’t overpower the subjects.

Many wedding photography poses are for just the bride alone.  Today it’s not uncommon to get overhead shots; this seems to communicate her anticipation as if she’s going to “spring” into action when it’s time to walk down the aisle.  Overhead shots are also very flattering as they thin the face and body, whereas shots from the ground up can highlight a double chin and add pounds around the middle.  Unflattering wedding photography poses like that are probably going to get you fired!  It’s also good to get the bride in poses other than just walking down the aisle or sitting at the buffet table.

She might be alone in the limousine on the way to the ceremony, or at the ceremony site looking out the window one last time before everything begins.  Other common wedding photography poses have the bride and her mother or a bridesmaid or flower girl sharing one last moment before the ceremony.  Ask the bride about these poses or portraits as she many have some ideas on different poses and of course you’ll need access to everyone as they’re getting ready.

Dress up your wedding photography poses and get creative and you’ll be sure to take portraits and pictures that everyone will love!