5 Tricks to Taking the Best Wedding Photos
by Elizabeth Mitchell, BRIDES
Photo: Hyer Images
You better work, brides! For some girls hamming it up for the camera comes completely naturally, whereas for others, acting natural in front of the camera is so not their forte. And that’s okay. We tapped a few talented wedding photographers to dish their top tips and tricks for learning how to let loose and forget the cameras even exist.
1. Book an engagement session
Perhaps the best way to increase your confidence and get rid of any pre-wedding camera jitters is to schedule an engagement session with your photographer. “You’ll be able to see how he or she works and get used to having someone relatively close to you,” points out NYC-based wedding photographer Angelica Glass. “You’ll also get a better sense for what you’re comfortable doing. For example, if PDA is your thing or not.”
2. Have a drink
When all else fails, drink up. Kidding! Well, kind of. While getting drunk just to relax in front of the camera definitely isn’t a smart move, having a cocktail or two to help you loosen up will certainly do the trick, says Glass. Be sure to stick to a max of two mild drinks though (one preferably), as you have a long afternoon and evening ahead, and you wouldn’t want to be “that bride”, now would you?
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3. Flirt with him
Take it from photographer Jonathan Young of Jonathan Young Weddings and flirt with your significant other like no one’s watching. “This allows you to focus on the person you’re most comfortable with instead of trying to pose for the camera,” he explains. “There are a bunch of beautiful moments that arise when you do this.”
4. Don’t fake it ‘til you make it
Relax, breathe and stop overthinking things so much, advises Charleston-based wedding photographer Billy Hyer of Hyer Images. “If you 'act’ happy, you’re concerned about looking good and are in performance mode, whereas if you’re genuinely happy there’s no performance and you’re simply being you.” The latter is what makes for frame-worthy photos.
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5. Stop trying to be perfect
Let go of the thought of perfection and allow your emotion for your partner to overrule the 'pose’, recommends Hyer. “If you get lost in how you feel for each other during the session, you should automatically feel more safe, relaxed and able to enjoy it.”
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