When I was starting out (a whole decade ago, yikes!), I also felt the pressure to come up with what seemed like 50 different poses for my couples, because that’s what the “pros” at the time were teaching me to do. I thought that’s what my couples expected from me and that’s what would make me a better photographer. Truth be told, it wasn’t the case, and I slowly learned that there were better ways to do things.
Today, I’m excited to share some tricks I picked up along the way that will help you capture those raw and unfiltered emotions that couples crave. Over the years, I realised that the more I let my poses be a guide, and a reflection of my couples unique relationship and dynamic (rather than a one-size-fits-all approach), the better my output was for them.
It’s not about the quantity; it’s about the quality and emotional connection.
Imagine having a repertoire of go-to poses that flatter and highlight the unique features of each couple, regardless of their dynamic. But here’s where the magic happens – as you get to know your clients and understand their relationship and dynamic, those base poses naturally flow into their own unique look. It’s a beautiful dance of connection and individuality.
Start with a strong foundation, and then you let your couples personalities, love, and chemistry take center stage.
Think of base poses like a solid foundation for your creativity to build upon. They provide a starting point, a roadmap to guide you and your couples through the shoot. Having a few go-to poses in your pocket can save you from those moments of inspiration drought (we’ve all been there!).
Here’s why having base poses is the bee’s knees:
- Confidence Boost: Having a repertoire of base poses gives you the confidence to start a shoot on the right foot. It takes the guesswork out of the equation and allows you to focus on connecting with your couples and capturing their unique love story.
- Efficiency: Base poses act as a time-saving hack. Instead of scratching your head and trying to come up with new poses on the spot, you already know where to begin. This means you can spend more time capturing those magical moments and less time shouting awkward directions like, “Whisper breakfast cereals in a cookie monster voice” (I’ve tried it, it’s weird).
- Consistency: When you have a set of base poses, you create a consistent style that becomes your signature for your brand. Your couples will know what to expect and will trust your expertise. Plus, a consistent style sets you apart from the competition and makes your photos instantly recognizable. #Winning.
So there you have it! Posing couples during a wedding shoot can be a challenge, but with a little practice, some base poses to work off, and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll be capturing those lovey-dovey moments like a pro. I hope these tips have given you some confidence in directing your subjects.
But if you want to really level up your posing and direction skills, be sure to sign up for my FREE masterclass on The Art of Intentional Direction when Posing Couples. In this free class, I’ll dive deeper into the techniques I’ve used to create stunning photos that really capture the essence of my subjects.
