Our top 5 Must have poses for bridal photos
Our top 5 must have poses for bridal photos
Having a game plan for how to approach your bridal photo session is going to be one of the smartest parts of planning your wedding. You'll have a limited amount of time carved out for these photos, and we will need to maximize that time so you get all the shots you envisioned and still make it to cocktail hour. Our goal is to make sure not only do we get through our shot list, but more importantly, that this doesn't feel like a task—it should be a smooth transition from the ceremony into these photos. Whether you choose to do family portraits, bridal party photos, or couple's portraits, it should flow seamlessly so that you don't feel rushed or, more importantly, overwhelmed.
One of our biggest suggestions is to do first looks! This is a great option for freeing up some of that precious time after the ceremony so that a chunk of your shots are already taken care of. Now, we understand the hesitation around traditional first looks, but they don't necessarily have to be done with your partner. Other great options for first looks include parents, your bridal party, or even select family members. This still allows you to knock out bridal party or family photos ahead of time so it's one less thing to worry about later. If you do decide to opt in for the traditional first look with your partner, we can go straight into bridals. It's the calm before the storm, so to speak, and the universal feedback is that it calms the nerves, which translates to amazing photos. Depending on the time allotted, we can even knock out full bridal party portraits so that after the ceremony, you only have to finish up family photos and then actually enjoy your cocktail hour interacting with your guests.
Alright, enough about first looks—let's get into your poses!
Getting lost in the veil
This is one of those timeless poses that just always hits. Depending on the size of your veil, this is when we have the two of you step underneath it and share an intimate moment. From getting lost in each other's eyes to the giggles and smiles that come with being so close, there are so many great shots that stem from this pose. We give you a selection of options on whether to shoot underneath or over the veil. This pose is a must-have for couples who want that intimate feeling and a way to truly remember a moment that felt like "just us."
Perfecting the dip
The dip is the iconic "we just got married!" shot, but there are a few tips to make sure you pull it off seamlessly. If there was ever a moment to use the phrase "practice makes perfect," this is definitely it. Practice, practice, practice—it's not so much that the pose is physically difficult, but rather about getting the feel for how to nail it naturally. Practice together to decide which way you want to dip and what feels most natural for both of you. The best way to execute it on the wedding day is right after the ceremony concludes: take a second and look at your guests as you start walking down the aisle. Then, about a fourth of the way down, share a kiss. Continue down until you're about halfway, take another pause, and hit that dip!
The adventure
This is a massive milestone in your relationship and one of your biggest joint decisions—what better way to capture that energy than with this pose? What we love about this pose is that you two actually get to have fun, which naturally carries over into incredible, candid photos. The way we direct this shot is to have you pretend there is something incredible just over the hill and you need to go explore it right now. Just playfully drag each other along and lean into this new phase of your relationship. We love swapping places so you both get a turn leading the way; it always ends up being really silly and lighthearted, which is a great way to shake off any lingering wedding day nerves.
Royalty
This is a fun pose to include your bridal party in so they don't feel left out! We love this pose because your crew can really lean into the fun of it. It's especially great for bridal party members who are dedicated to making sure you get some unique, high-energy shots. The concept is that the two of you are royalty who just got married. For the ladies, we approach it with a regal vibe: the bride strikes a pose in the middle surrounded by her subjects bowing, kneeling, and offering up "praise hands." It's hilarious and really gives the bride the main character moment she deserves. For the fellas, we have a couple of ways to play with getting lifted up. There's the stretched-out look where they carry the groom horizontally, which always leads to smiles all around, or the classic "up, up, and hooray" shoulder carry where the groomsmen hoist him up while everyone else rallies around to support him.
The send-off
The send-off is the perfect way to end the night and our most suggested shot. Whether you choose sparklers, bubbles, confetti, or any other creative option, this shot is an absolute must-have. While corralling everyone at the end of the night can occasionally be a challenge, it consistently results in the ultimate closing photo. We will get everyone lined up and take care of the logistics—all you two need to do is get ready to sprint through the funnel like you just won the championship! We usually do two takes of this, and on the second run, we love to revisit the dip. We'll share a few quick tips beforehand to make sure this shot goes off without a hitch, and from there, you leave as Mr. and Mrs.
Why us
These are just our must-have shots, but of course, there are many others we'll make sure to capture throughout the night. We put a lot of thought into the organization of these shots, and during our post-booking call, we go over a fully inclusive list. Having a game plan is going to be one of the best decisions you make while planning your wedding, and you'll be so grateful you took the time to think it through. Ultimately, we will guide you through the entire process, but it's always nice to have an idea of what to expect. Whether you're a "go with the flow" couple or a "we need these exact shots" couple, we strive to make sure your wedding is captured the way you envisioned it. Because it's YOUR day, and it should be captured so that when you look back on the photos, you don't just see pictures—you can actually relive the experience. That is precisely why we're the perfect team for you, because that exact intention is behind every single photo we take.
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