If you’ve ever gotten your picture taken by a photographer then you know that feeling of what you think you look like in your head and how the pictures actually look when you receive your gallery back. You know what I’m talking about? Are you ever disappointed with the outcome? Even if you have just a spec of vanity, we all like to look good in pictures. I don’t care who you are. You’ve done your research for Youngstown wedding photography, so of course the photos you’ve invested in matter.

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Perhaps you’ve had amazing experiences with a certain photographer and you wonder, how on earth they made you look and feel like a million bucks?! Like, you’re dying over these pictures! This is an amazing feeling and it takes a lot of talent to pull this off. There are so many talented business owners in the Youngstown wedding photography realm. There is a reason they are set apart from any other photographer wanting to be hired.

Love the way you look

So what makes the photos you love stand out compared to the ones you didn’t love? Do you think it’s the posing, your genuine laugh, the way your curves are accentuated? Or how about the way your man looks with his arms around you? Is there a secret to this talent of successful pictures? Yes! I’m about to share some secret tips I’ve learned over the last 5 years. There are certain ways to say things when photographing a couple that will make you love the way you look in photos.

End goal?

So what’s the point of all this? A photographer’s end goal (at least for me) is to make sure you have fun, enjoy the experience, find great light/composition for the photos, and that you absolutely love how you look from start to finish.

5 secrets you need to know…

1) First up: Confidence.

This is huge and foundational to any photo session. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed in your own skin but also confident. You look and feeling amazing and now it’s time to bring that out in your photos. The first thing I say when we start a photo session is that it is not normal to get your picture taken. Most people are not professional models and have zero training on how to pose for the camera. And that’s OK!! I’m here to build up your confidence and make you feel like you can do any advanced pose out there. How else do I build up that confidence? I keep reminding you that you are killing it! No one can show affection like you can for your spouse/fiance. You cannot mess up your session. It’s impossible!

2) Next is: Hips.

This one is mostly for the ladies. A lot of times the different poses I set you up in are just variations of how your hips are positioned. You could be facing your fiance, facing away and leaning on them, side by side hips, or your hips are perpendicular to theirs. Strategically, I try to accentuate those hips by having your leg that’s closest to me bent. This naturally allows your hips to pop towards the background (giving the effect of a smaller waist) and elongating your legs. If you’re thinking in your head this will feel so weird doing this. Yes, you’re right. Posing does feel weird but you will look better than you feel.

3) Now we’re moving on to shoulders.

This action is super easy but mind-blowingly awesome for that perfect picture. Sometimes I’ll ask the bride to open up her shoulders towards me like she’s the cover of a book. You’re snuggled up together, arms embracing each other, looking into your love’s eyes, I take that picture – gorgeous. I then ask you to look at me and smile. This is when I will sometimes have you open up your shoulders. Automatically this improves your posture, makes your waist look thinner, and elongates the neck.

There can be different variations thrown in here too. Maybe I’ll have the bride put her left hand up on her left shoulder to show off her new bling while her new hubby snuggles in to tell her a secret. If your posture was crouched, we wouldn’t necessarily see the detail on the bodice of your dress or your pretty collar bone. Opening up your shoulders is a sure way to boost your confidence and a fast track to advanced posing.

4) Next up: Prompts.

Prompts are awesome and recently have been trending with the ‘unposed’ style of photography. I really think prompts are a great way to start a conversation and to achieve a more comfortable experience for the couple. I use prompts after I set up the pose (for the most part) and then it allows genuine smiles and experiences to happen. One of my favorites is having the groom whisper his favorite vegetable in the bride’s ear in a SEXY voice. You literally cannot do this without someone laughing. Another favorite: hug her from behind and kiss her on the neck while you sound like cookie monster. Hands down, can’t go wrong with that one.

5) Shift that weight.

The last one is shifting your weight. I often ask the groom to stand with his hands in his pockets but then shift his weight onto one leg so he looks a bit more relaxed. If you’re an art history buff, you will know this term is called the contrapposto pose. The statue of David is the number one example for this. This shift in weight will make you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and pairs really well with your bride standing next to you holding onto your arm.

Do you feel like you’ve been educated a bit? I hope so! I my goal is to ultimately allow you to have the best experience possible with your photographer. Understanding how we do things will only improve your experience which then produces gorgeous photos you’ll love for years to come.

Contact me if you’re interested in more Youngstown wedding photography info. I’d love to help!