Posing Pitfalls to Avoid in Wedding Photography

Let us face it: there are as many wedding photographers as there are churches in any given location.  That is why it is imperative that you select a professional photographer by referrals, skill, experience, and style.  Style refers generally to the type of shots, poses, and imagery the photographer uses.  Some couples are looking for photojournalistic-style wedding photos, as opposed to more directive-posed shots.  It is important to familiarize yourself with the different styles of wedding photography before selecting one for your special day. 

In any case, there are 10 posing pitfalls to avoid:

1) Avoid overused and cliché shots like a bride looking out a window while waiting for her groom, or a groom looking at his watch.

2) Avoid using a direct flash on the subjects.

3) Avoid photographing people with dangling arms. 

4) Avoid unnatural or unflattering poses.

5) Do not pose anyone straight at the camera.  Always shoot at an angle, away from the light source, for a slimming effect.

6) Avoid straight arms and legs–this looks unnatural.

7) Do not have the bride pose in a way that causes her forehead to wrinkle. Do not have her seated in such a way that her corset or gown pushes into her bust line.

8) Do not have the groom's or the groomsmen's hands completely submerged in their pockets.  It is preferred that their thumbs remain on the outside of their pockets.

9) Do not keep the subject's head straight.  Instead, tip the head to one side.

10) Match the facial expression to the pose.

The goal of any experienced wedding photographer is to create natural and free-flowing poses that both flatter and capture the moments as they unfold.