3 Foundational Bride Posing Tips

1. Imaginary String:

First, I want to ensure that you straighten but don’t unnaturally stiffen your spine. I often ask my couples to imagine there is a small string on the top/back of their head gently pulling them up. This can help you have a normal curve in your lumbar spine (lower back).

2. Shoulders:

Before your photos, Roll your shoulders a little to loosen them up. Next, push your shoulders 1 inch back. This will bring more confidence and beauty into your photos.

3. Hands:

Having something to hold (a bouquet, dress, veil, etc…) can naturally give your hands something to do. If you don’t have something to hold, you can put your hands (one, or both) on your hips at an angle larger than 90 degrees. Having this angle for your elbows will give you a more elegant look.

4: Eyes:

Where you look can dramatically change the feel of the portrait. In my photoshoots I like to try multiple options and have the bride look down, to the side, and at the camera. Looking down can almost give the portrait a more candid feel. But wherever you look, you want to avoid only seeing the "white" part of your eye.

For a more intense close-up headshot looking at the camera, try having your eyes pay very close attention to the movement in the camera...Why? When you focus on something very hard, it triggers the Parietal Lobe in the brain. This pulls out a really captivating look in the eyes.

5. Weight Distribution:

You want your weight distribution to be uneven or else your pose will look unnatural. Here are two tips you can try. Either cross one leg over the other or put more weight on your back leg.