Posing Explained by a Photographer


Let's talk posing! It's one of the most intimidating parts about having your photo taken, and if we're being honest, taking photos. Know how to direct people in front of your camera is a learned skill. It takes tons of practice, but with the right influence, you can have even the most camera shy couples looking and feeling confident on camera. I believe that every photographer should be a mini director at each shoot. As someone having their photo taken, you shouldn't know how to behave in front of the camera to creating stunning imagery. How would you know how to do that?! It's up to your photographer to help guide you through a session working with you level of comfort, body type, and props if applicable to help create beautiful images that you will be confident in.


How do photographers do it?


So how is directing actually done? Well, through these three main categories. Posing, prompting and candidly shooting. Each create different types of photos that carry different energy and emotion. Let's break them down a bit.


Posed

Posed photos are what I like to call "quiet photos". When guided into a pose you are likely more still, holding a certain position for a few minutes while your photographer gets different angles. Sometimes these poses feel more romantic, more like you're modeling, and possibly a little more stiff (since you're not moving around). These help create timeless images that do a lot of heavy lifting in a gallery and are likely what you would consider the more traditional wedding imagery.


Example: "Margaret, bring your belly button to Michael's back like reverse prom pose. Michael will hold the bouquet. Margaret wrap your arms around Michael in a way that feels comfortable and gently lean your head on his back. Both looks towards me and smile."

Prompted

Prompted photos are what most people think are candid. In reality, your photographer should guide you with prompts to create genuine reactions that when photographed, feel candid! These typically end up being some of everyone's favorite photos. There are endless ways to prompt people in front of the camera, but more often the not, you will feel really silly whatever you are doing. That's a good thing because that is how you get genuine smiles in front of the camera. No more smiling with dead eyes during photos.


Example: Margaret and Michael, run towards me slowly like you're running off to get married! Margaret hold your dress with one hand and both hold hands with the other. Run slowly but giggle like you're kids sneaking away from the party!

Candid

Now you know what prompted photos are, it will be easy for you to tell them from true candid photos! True candid photos are documented. Yes, documented slightly different than just photographing. Candid photos are caught mid-moment. No intervening by your photographer. But a great photographer will always be watching, and will catch moments that are fleeting, yet, you now, are able to remember forever. They are emotional, joyful, they pull at your heart strings. They are some of the most unique photos you will receive from your wedding day.

Photographer's Style


Depending on your photographer's style, they might photograph using one or all of these shooting types. When researching a photographer look for words like documentary or traditional, to give you a better idea of their shooting style. Personally, I like to use a combination of all of these at both weddings and portrait sessions. They each have their unique benefit and all help create a story.