Summary: Every photographer must capture three (3) required poses for every wedding and engagement session. The purpose is to make sure we provide a consistent set of poses based on our portfolio. You can be creative and add more poses, but you must also capture these 3 required poses.
REQUIRED POSES
- HOLD HANDS & FACE THE CAMERA
- 1a. Look at the Camera
- 1b. Look in Opposite Directions
- 1c. Look at Each Other
- THE SNEAK HUG
- THE STOMACH TOUCH
- 3a. Rub Noses
- 3b. Look at the Camera
- 3c. Additional variety up to your creativity!
This video explains how to create each of the 3 Required Poses!
POSE #1: HOLD HANDS & FACE THE CAMERA
This is a very simple pose. Ask the couple to stand side-by-side, hold hands and face the camera. The purpose is to show the environment and setting, along with the couple. There are three versions of this pose.
1A. Look at Camera.
1B. Look in Opposite Directions.
1C. Look at Each Other.
1A. Look at the Camera
1B. Look in Opposite Directions
1C. Look at Each Other
POSE #2: THE SNEAK HUG
The groom sneaks up behind the bride and surprises her with a hug. They should get very close. The Sneak Hug helps couples relax and be playful, even if they’re stiff and awkward!
Tell the couple to get very close. That’s when you can get creative. Wide shots. Close ups. Hands. Rings. You should also get close!! You’ll love how natural people look when they’re sneaking up on each other and cuddling!
Be sure to get close to the couple yourself, because this does not look good as a wide shot.
3. THE STOMACH TOUCH
The couple should face each other and touch stomachs. It’s so simple. They should be extremely close together! Once they’re touching stomachs, you can do a variety of poses.
- 3A. Rub Noses
- 3B. Look at Camera
- 3C. Whisper in Each Other’s Ears
- 3D. Kiss
These are variations of The Stomach Touch. Play around and try different things. You’ll love how much variety you can achieve from the same exact pose – The Stomach Touch!
3A. Rub Noses
3B. Look at Camera (Close Up)
3B. Look at Camera (Wide)
3C. Whisper Into Ears
3D. Kiss Forehead
4. BONUS: SKIP & BUMP HIPS
The woman locks her arm around her partner’s arm, and they both skip slowly towards the camera. They should bump hips! This helps create playful energy.
- The woman should lock her arm around her partner’s arm.
- The man should put his other hand in his pocket, so it doesn’t dangle awkwardly.
- Bump hips!
- Skip slowly!!
This pose helps couples relax. They might think it feels weird to slowly skip and bump hips — and that’s the point! They’ll have fun. They look playful! Your goal is to capture a candid reaction. Help them loosen up!
