How to look good in wedding photos

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Are you feeling pressured to have the perfect wedding photos, but find that the lens is often unforgiving?

Confession: I am not a very photogenic person.

I’m usually the person with my forehead crinkled, my eyes closed and my mouth open mid-sentence. Or worse, eating.

Cameras capture a millisecond in time, and it seemed like I was always getting caught in that awkward millisecond.

After years of carefully untagging myself in Facebook pictures, I learned that anyone could be a better photo subject, with a little practice.

DO: Talk with your photographer about some of your concerns. If you want to look skinnier, request that the photographer takes many shots from above your head.
DON’T: Try to do the photographer’s job. They already know a lot of flattering angles.

DO: Practice good (but relaxed) posture.
DON’T: Slouch, but also don’t get too stiff. It’s always good to be slightly animated.

DO: Lift your chin up slightly, to elongate the neck.
DON’T: Tilt your head downward. It can create - or accentuate - a double chin.

DO: Lift your arms out slightly from your sides, and pretend your bouquet is a little heavier than it is, to make your arms look more toned. (Celebrities pose a lot with a hand on the hip because it is a very flattering pose.)
DON’T: Keep your arms flat and stiff at your sides.

DO: Share a funny joke with those around you, to bring out a naturally happy look.
DON’T: Smile so hard you feel like your face will explode. You’ll end up with cheesy chipmunk cheeks. It’s good to relax your face in between shots.

DO: Book engagement and bridal photos with your photographer. You’ll get used to posing, it will help you understand your photographer’s style and it might help them learn how to shoot you on your big day.
DON’T: Fail to communicate the shots you like the best. They can go for similar shots the day of the wedding.

DO: Be yourself. Select hair and makeup that reflects who you are. You’ll feel more comfortable, and your fiancé will want to recognize the person he fell in love with.
DON’T: Wear so much makeup you look like an angry clown.

DO: Schedule a trial run the day of your bridal shoot, so you know what to expect.
DON’T: Wait until the last minute, because salons can book up quickly!

DO: Make sure there isn’t an inebriated person randomly crashing your romantic wedding shots.
DO: Make sure this person isn’t you.

And remember, if all else fails, photo editing is a lifesaver!

Do you have any photo taking tips? Email me at unbridledbride@gmail.com.

Read more of The Unbridled Bride.

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