Jul
04

Step into wedding photography with these 20 poses

Photography, Articles

This article is written by Chris with UNDFIND, creators of Designer Photography Bags and Editors of SLR Lounge Photography Tutorials

Posing is one of the most important aspects of wedding photography. You can have all of the lighting, camera, and post-production knowledge in the world but still end up with unhappy clients if you fail to make them look beautiful, comfortable, and happy. The following list of poses isn’t comprehensive; and not all of the poses will work for all of your couples. However, it is a good starting point from which you should make adjustments to compliment your couples’ features and accommodate their style preferences. (The following images are provided courtesy of Lin and Jirsa, Los Angeles Wedding Photography)

1) The Basic Pose

The basic pose is a must-have in wedding photography. Make sure the bodies are close to each other with no gaps; and make sure the hands are somewhere other than hanging by their sides. Either have them hold hands in the middle or have the guy place his hand in his pocket and the bride place her hand on her hip.

wedding photography pose

2) Sitting Basic Post

The most important factor with this pose is hand placement. Awkward hand placement can ruin a perfect photo. Have the groom place one hand behind the bride’s body, with the other holding the bride’s hand in the middle. The bride’s other hand should rest on her lap or over the other hand.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

3) Hug onto the Arm

Have the bride hug onto the bicep of the broom and place the other hand on his shoulder. This is a more casual pose than the standard basic pose mentioned above.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

4) Standing Forehead to Forehead

Forehead to forehead is an intimate pose without the kissing. Make sure their eyes are closed so it doesn’t look like they’re staring each other down. If there is a significant height difference, have the groom do the splits until they are similar in height.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

5) Sitting Forehead to Forehead

Similar to the standing forehead to forehead, the sitting forehead to forehead is a very intimate pose.

wedding photography pose

6) Meet in the middle

Meeting in the middle is perfect for those symmetrical scenes. Have the bride and groom stand a few feet apart, bend at the hip with backs straight and meet in the middle for a kiss.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

7) The Dip

The dip adds action to a scene. Make sure the groom is using his legs to dip to give him a sturdy base and have the bride either grab around his neck or have them hold hands as they dip.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

8 ) The Casual Look

The casual look is great because it’s a more candid look that doesn’t seem as “posed” as some of the others mentioned. Have your couple hold hands and look at each other. From here, you can get playful and have them make faces at each other if you want to make it more fun.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

9) Intimate Look

Bringing their bodies together (instead of apart as shown in the pose above) as they look at each other, creates a more intimate feel. Again, make sure there is no gap between their bodies and make sure neither of them is leaning back. Leaning back or tilting the head away can decrease the intimate feel of the pose.

wedding photography pose

10) The Sitting Look

Similar to the standing look, the sitting look is a great way to show interaction between the couple. Have them sit either side-by-side or have the bride sit on the groom’s lap.

wedding photography pose

11) Single Look

Having the bride (or bride-to-be) look into the camera and the groom (or groom-to-be) look at her is a nice variation to add to your poses. You can also reverse it, with the groom looking into the camera and the bride looking up at him.

wedding photography pose

12) The Kiss

Of course the kiss needs very little explanation. The two main things are closeness, bringing their bodies together without gaps, and hand placement, making sure the arms aren’t just hanging aimlessly.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

13) The Sitting Kiss

The sitting kiss is an intimate pose that can allow you to utilize different backgrounds and foregrounds in your compositions.

wedding photography pose

14) Kiss On the Cheek

The kiss on the cheek is a classic pose. It’s somewhere in between intimate and playful, depending on the expression of the subject.

wedding photography pose

15) Looking Off

Don’t forget that your couple doesn’t always need to be looking towards the camera. Looking off creates a romantic, photojournalistic feel and highlights the scenery.

wedding photography pose

wedding photography pose

16) Hold From Behind

The hold from behind is also an intimate, photojournalistic pose that highlights the backgrounds.

wedding photography pose

17) Staggared Couple

The staggered couple highlights one of the two subjects. Don’t place the person in the background too far from the person in the front, as you want to make sure the person in the back is still identifiable. Also, have the person in the back look at the person in the front, rather than into the camera.

wedding photography pose

18) The Carry

The carry can be playful or intimate. In the following image, an intimacy is created with a kiss; however, if the subjects were smiling at each other, the mood would be much more playful.

wedding photography pose

19) The Swing

The swing, like the dip, adds action to a scene.

wedding photography pose

20) Sitting Headrest

The sitting headrest is a casual sitting pose. The idea is to convey comfort. The bride and groom should look very comfortable with each other, somewhere between casual and intimate.

wedding photography pose

As mentioned, these poses are just a starting point. From here, you can make small adjustments, take slightly different angles, use different lighting techniques and lenses, and more to create an entirely different look and feel to the image. We hope you learned a few things, and stay tuned for more wedding photography tutorials.

I would like to thank Chris creator of Designer Photography Bags and Editor of SLR Lounge Photography Tutorials for this great article and I surely hope we will have him again for some great photography tips


No related posts.

101 people have commented on this post so far! Leave a Comment
  • http://blog.vrindawebb.com/ Vrinda

    Thank you for this priceless advice on posing couples! I’ve seen so many “guides for posing” that just seem to be the same thing again and again, this article has inspired me and each image brings to mind many variations I can’t wait to try.

    Thanks again.

  • http://whatafy.com whatafy

    Thanks for the posings, this will go straight to my bookmark. I love the #4.

  • Former Subscriber

    Your photo for #5 is not a wedding.  I’ve been following you for a long time but will no longer.  I will not be part of a website that endorses the erosion of a true marriage between one man and one woman.

  • Brianne

    If you’re concerned about the bible, a biblical marriage as described by the bible itself can take place between a rapist and his victim, a man and his daughter, or a man and his harem. I, personally, find two women to be less offensive but to each his own.

  • Lin and Jirsa

    The purpose of this article is not to debate the morals and ethics of marriage.  As professionals in a client serving industry, it is not our place to insert our own moral judgements into the work we’re hired to produce. 

  • http://www.chesterfieldcouture.com Chesterfield sofas

    I am wondering because I have been doing photography for the last 2 years. So I am relatively new. But I have specialized in infant and child portraiture. I just recently was asked to do a wedding, and that wedding turned into another one. I am thinking about expanding my business to include wedding photography. What are some reasonable prices/packages for wedding photography? Thanks

  • http://pinoy-neophyte.blogspot.com/ Pinoy Neophyte

    Thanks for the posing tips. I will surely apply some of those. Thanks again.

  • http://www.macintosh-datarecovery.net/ Mac Data Recovery Software

    Great marriage photographs.All couples are looking alike made for each other.
     Bride n groom looking awesome in marriage dress.Great job done by photographer.

  • http://www.gabrielelopez.org wedding photographer italy

    even tough these can really be a starting point we should discuss about trying to catch the story of the day, that makes a difference in our vision of a wedding shoot…good article, anyway…

  • http://virtualprivateserver.net/ virtual dedicated server

    Those are some great basic poses.  Wedding photography I think can be the most fun.  You really get to capture great moments.

  • Christian Valentine

    Love these photos. They give me a lot of great ideas. The guy who no longer wants to follow you because of picture number 5 is a fool. It looks great and there is nothing wrong with it. It was a fantastic moment.

  • Anonymous

    Fabulous photograph,i like your photographs,your photograph subject is wonderful,i like your article,your photography technique is awesome.Thanks for sharing photographs.
    wedding photographers bristol

  • http://www.photomint.com Lara

    these

  • http://www.photomint.com Lara White

    this is such great advice, easy to follow. Sometimes on the day, you are just rushing around and not finding the creative inspiration. this kind of a guide can really help get the juices flowing.

  • http://www.mitaproductions.com/ event coordinator

    Hey Lin and Jirsa is most famous photography company in USA, I have some pics of this company in my website. And they are also wedding photos. Picture quality is too much good.

  • http://twitter.com/LaraWhite Lara White

    thanks again for this great post, just wanted to report back and say that I actually used one of these at my wedding this weekend. Sometimes you just need a little inspiration.

  • http://www.chesterfieldcouture.com Chesterfield sofas

    Wedding Photographers are soo pricey. Does anyone have any creative alternatives?

  • http://www.chesterfieldcouture.com Chesterfield sofas

    lovely photo hope go on top.Thanks…for nice site

  • http://www.chesterfieldcouture.com Chesterfield sofas

    Does anyone have any creative alternatives?

  • http://www.chesterfieldcouture.com Chesterfield sofas

    Sometimes you just need a little inspiration.

  • http://www.chesterfieldcouture.com Chesterfield sofas

    couple kiss are amazing …

  • http://www.chesterfieldcouture.com Chesterfield sofas

    this article has inspired me and each image brings to mind many variations I can’t wait to try.

  • Sean

    With regard to #17, one of my staple shots is the the back of the grooms head looking at the bride as he kisses her ring.  Focus on the bride and the emotion works itself in.
    http://www.digitalseanphotography.com

  • http://www.freeps3networkcard.com/ ps3 network card codes

    Wow ! Lovely poses, really helpful suggestion, folks.

  • http://twitter.com/oneofthemadones oneofthemadones.com

    Well said.

  • Anonymous

    Really great information. Love these poses. I use a lot of them! Thanks for the wonderful resource.

  • Nrichard

    This is great info. I am always looking for posing ideas. Thank you!

    Toledo Wedding Photographer

  • http://www.mitaproductions.com/ event coordinator

    This is not thing of book mark , it is thing to do and catches in camera..They give us good idea and we can think more different poses..I think as like..what you say guys..

  • http://www.carreraphotography.co.uk Chris

    Great Article, so glad I came across it for some fresh ideas.

  • Movers and Packers in delhi

    Thanks for sharing this post and this sample. this is such a great advice for clients.

  • http://www.paramountphotography.com Stan

    Of course it’s a personal thing, but wedding portraiture should be a happy experience and the couple should look happy! In the “Standing Basic Pose”, the Indian couple look unhappy and she looks impatient and even a bit upset. Neither are smiling, and her head is tilted away from her groom. A couple looks more together and connected when their heads are tilted toward each other.

  • http://www.paramountphotography.com Stan

    Sure it is! It’s not the marriage couple, but 2 bridesmaids commiserating! You know how girls are…Come on!

  • Movers and Packers in delhi

    Thanks for priceless advice. Wedding photography I think can be the most fun. This is great info. I am always looking for posing ideas. Thank you very much.

  • Local Search Engine In India

    Sometimes you just need a little inspiration. Focus on the bride and the emotion works itself in. Thanks for this pics. Nice wedding photography.

  • Local Search Engine In India

    Sometimes you just need a little inspiration. Focus on the bride and the emotion works itself in. Thanks for this pics. Nice wedding photography.

  • http://www.nikoncoolpixreviews.net nikon coolpix reviews

    If I were you, I’d make it into an ebook.
    Its a real good stuff.  Many thanks.

  • http://www.nikoncoolpixreviews.net nikon coolpix reviews

    If I were you, I’d make it into an ebook.
    Its a real good stuff.  Many thanks.

  • http://liquidphotography.com.au/ corporatephotography

    great collection of wedding photography .you have amazing skills

  • http://www.globallifestyleservices.com luxury villa rental

    These are the best poses applied in wedding photography.

  • http://www.bookflipinflash.com/ flash flip page

    Wow, these poses are so damn beautiful ! Anyone can become a fan of such pics.

  • http://www.supernaturalseason6.com supernatural season 6

    This is simply amazing post.
    I’ll bookmark it and refer it to my photographer when i get married :)

  • Anonymous

    This is a really helpful article ~ thanks so much for sharing!

    By the way, I just booked a wedding for 2012 and I’d love some input on which lens{es} I should consider purchasing!

    http://lovelylittlenest.blogspot.com/2011/09/lens-help.html

    Thanks!
    Natalie :)

  • www.orangelemur.com

    great article !!!

  • http://twitter.com/IvonaPoyntz Ivona Poyntz

    stunning extravaganza

  • http://www.globallifestyleservices.com luxury villa rental

    The casual look is the perfect one for me.

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ transmission miami

    I am trying to start free lancing with wedding photography. The camera I am using will be a Nikon D80 with Photshop CS2. Can anyone give me any suggestions on what lens, flash and anyother things i could use for this, Aswell as any tips or techniques on shooting and editing.

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ transmission miami

    Personally, I think the 17-55 lens is very well-suited for weddings, although in the church you may want more tele length. If you are shooting at the full 10 MP (which you SHOULD be), you can crop out quite nicely if you want to create that zoom on the computer. The fixed f/2.8 aperture is very helpful in available light shots.

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ transmission miami

     Popular Photography: The most optically capable and physically rugged “normal” range zoom you can buy for a Nikon DLSR, this gun is large, heavy, and unquestionably expensive. If there’s a chance you’ll trade up to a full-frame DSLR or migrate to film, pass on it. For other Nikon DSLR shooters with adequately deep pockets, this sharp, fast, (almost) distortion-free all-purpose lens, with its nigh-perfect zoom spread for people pictures and outdoor photography, will be hard to resist.”

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ transmission miami

    You are looking for lessons on Wedding Photography which can not be explain in just a few words.

  • http://inkexpertsinternational.com unknown

    I’ve done all of those poses :)

  • http://inkexpertsinternational.com unknown

    I’ve done all of those poses :)

  • http://92pixels.com Arslan

    Great piece of article..
    Thanks

  • http://www.idsolutions.net.au Store Desinger Brisbane

    very true said bro..

  • Bryan Farrell

    cool

  • S D

    Wow, I saw that as two bridesmaids.  But regardless it doesn’t really matter.  It is a great article, and a great pose, and a great photo.

  • http://thephotographerblog.com Mandy

    Personally I like the candid natural look for wedding photography…

  • http://christopherdurst.wordpress.com Music Photographer

    Great advice. I’ve been terrified my entire career to do wedding photography!

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ transmission miami

    Photographers go with the flow when it comes to positioning. Usually, I
    shoot from the front, between the alter and the first pew.
    Occasionally, I shoot from a spot near the middle pews.

  • http://twitter.com/stephanieumn Stephanie

    Love the #17 the staggered couple look, I use it all the time. It also looks great when you put an object staggered with the couple in the background, for example: a ring with the engaged couple behind.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_EJDM4CUFAMNXBYOYW3BVVGJ3HA CMMS

    what a shame- your ignorance… again, your ignorance

  • http://www.lomophotographyinfo.com/ Jamesbern10

    Thank you I have been thinking about all the poses for wedding photography but didn’t know how to search for it. This is exactly what i have been asking around.

  • http://www.nikons4000.org Nikon s4000

    Wonderful work! This is the post that should be shared around the web.

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ transmission miami

    The Photography and the photographs both are perfect and adorable..Everybody want such type of photography during the wedding..

  • http://www.creative-exposure.co.uk Wedding photographer kent

    Thanks for posting these. I love the swing. I have bookmarked these

  • Michael

    This is a ver nice post. Very informative.

    http://lightsandshadows.artetaonline.com/

  • http://www.digitalcameraexpress.net Digital Camera Express

    You should make a more detailed Ebook version. Great article and I am sure a lot of new and experienced photographer’s will pick up on a thing or two. Well done

  • erin bee

    I can’t see the pictures… did something happen to them?

  • Vsmithmd

    I cant see the photos in the post…is there any way to pull them up….thanks

  • http://www.thegreenplanetproducts.com/ Wholesale Products

     You are welcome, Vrinda, It is great pleasure for adidap.com you inspired from this post, You completed our goal.

  • http://easyphotoeffects.com Effect

    Thanks for this detailed guide, i might need it in the future.

  • http://easyphotoeffects.com Johndoe088-computer

     I completly agree with you.

  • Ffejlee

    Hi,

    I’m no to this site. Your pictures look great! I was wondering what lenses you use?

  • Ffejlee

    * New

  • http://www.jaicatalano.com Jai Catalano

    These are stunning images with great advice. Each pose seems to be tailor made for each couple which is equally as important.

  • http://www.competearoundtheworld.com Mark Allen

    Wow very nice wedding pictures.  Excellent collections

  • jun moore

    Very useful article! I like the dipping pose :)

  • http://www.lightsncolours.com/5-important-tips-on-how-to-hire-a-wedding-photographer/ Hire a wedding photographer

    beautiful photos! very useful tips!

  • http://www.lightsncolours.com/wedding-photographer-photography-tips/ 5 Important Tips On How to Hire a Wedding Photographer | Lights 'n Colours

    [...] tips on wedding photo poses here Tags: photo tips, portrait photography, wedding photographer, wedding photography, wedding [...]

  • http://www.bookflipinflash.com/ flash flip page

    I am trying to start free lancing with wedding photography. The camera I am using will be a Nikon D80 with Photshop CS2. Can anyone give me any suggestions on what lens, flash and anyother things i could use for this, Aswell as any tips or techniques on shooting and editing.

  • http://www.bookflipinflash.com/ flash flip page

    Unique work you have done. Thanks to share

  • http://www.tonysalephotography.co.uk/ Wedding Photographer Essex

    There is some really sound advice here, perfect for anyone setting out in the wedding industry or anyone who has been called upon to photograph a friend or relatives wedding. Great stuff

  • http://www.bookflipinflash.com/ flash flip page

    Photos are very important to me, and I want some awesome shots for my wedding scrapbook. I want both proffessional, polished shots and fun shots. What poses or shots can you suggest?

  • http://www.sergioplecas.com/ Sergio Plecas

    I’m also partial to the piggyback!  It’s especially cute when the bride has a really fluffy dress.

  • Linda

    Very artistic pictures and poses.

    Also, a photographer I recommend for nice pictures as these is Daytano Photography at http://www.daytanophotography.zenfolio.com

  • http://www.floorheatingsuperstore.com/ underfloor heating

    It’s going along very nicely, and it’s turning out to be very
    inexpensive due to a lot of connections I have. For example, my dad is a
    member at the hall where we are having our receptions, so we get a 50%
    discount.

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ broward transmission

    All the poses are very nice..I will try them when i got a chance in a wedding to take a snap of these poses.Thanks

  • http://www.transmissionkingfl.com/ broward transmission

    All the poses are very nice..I will try them when i got a chance in a wedding to take a snap of these poses.Thanks

  • http://backdropexpress.com/ Briana @ Photography Backdrops

    Great tips! It’s always good to have variety of poses on wedding photography to be more unique.

  • http://www.pradeepsanyal.com Pradeep

    nice starting quide!

  • http://www.blissphotographydublin.com/ Declan Carr

    Great advice,Beautiful photo’s, amazing locations

  • http://www.photographermanchester.net/ Manchester Wedding Photography

    These photographs are fantastic and capture the true romance of getting married.

  • http://www.divinephotos.co.uk/ Taz

    Thank you soo much for this inspirational post.
    I have a few weddings coming up and can’t wait to try some of these poses. By the way, the lighting on some of your shots are amazing.

  • http://www.landscape-photography-fine-art.com/ Gregrowe

    Some great ideas here, thanks!

  • Anonymous

    Having an eye for the drama in a shot is just as important as the pose. SEO for Photographers

  • wisephotons asian wedding phot

    Thank you I have been doing these types of poses and as it happens on some shoots I forget and go completely blank.  This guide is great and have printed it off to keep is as a reminder in my camera bag for those just in case moments and inspirations

  • wisephotons asian wedding phot

    Thank you I have been doing these types of poses and as it happens on some shoots I forget and go completely blank.  This guide is great and have printed it off to keep is as a reminder in my camera bag for those just in case moments and inspirations

  • Eric Gruneisen Photography

    This is great!  I am a concert photographer, I am getting asked to do more weddings and of course my biggest fear is posing.

    Thanks for this

  • Ben

    These were all pretty neat photos. Do you think there is one general pose that works best or do you think it depends on the couple? What do you do if you think one pose would look great but the subjects in the photo don’t really want to pose that way? Thanks for sharing your tips and photos.

    Ben
    [email protected]
    wildwestvirginia.wordpress.com

  • Athinz

    this article has inspired me so much…………
    Thanks again…

  • Tyhardy

    Amazing article on poses thanks for the great ideas. Can’t wait to use them.
    http://www.hardyproductions.com

  • Savannah Kim

    These tips will be very useful, especially for those aspiring
    photographers like me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about
    photography.  Keep it up!