When it comes to posing your wedding photography clients, it’s not just about how you position them in front of the camera. Posing is also about attitude - it’s about confidence. Wedding photographers who pose wedding clients with confidence have mastered that art of posing have actually mastered the art of making their clients feel comfortable in front of the lens. Comfortable enough to let their true selves shine! If you find yourself looking to ace this craft of posing your couples - which, if you ask us, is quite integral to your profession - we got you covered! Here are five quick tips to help you excel at posing your wedding clients. So let’s get down to it!
5 TIPS TO POSE WEDDING CLIENTS ON THEIR BIG DAY
1. GET ON A FIRST-NAME BASIS
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @breonnawellsphotography
When you pose wedding clients well, your couple feels like you truly care about them as people. That helps them easily find comfort in front of your camera. One easy way to help them feel at ease is to constantly speak to them using their first names. This lets them know that you’ve taken the time to learn their names and can really lift their spirits on what could be a nerve-wracking day for many of them - especially for those who are probably a little more shy or awkward in front of the camera.
Related Read: How To Pose An Awkward Couple For Wedding Photos
2. SPEAK IN COMFORTING TONES WHEN YOU POSE WEDDING CLIENTS
In short, you want to make sure you don’t sound too demanding when directing your clients. And that’s why we suggest you avoid using phrases like “Don’t slouch too much” or “Stand up straight!” Instead, consider using phrases like “Let’s open up that pose a little bit - hearts pointed to me” - sentences that give an impression that you are trying to help out your couple. And always make sure you’re putting on that million-dollar smile. Basically, treat your clients the way you’d want them to treat you - politely. And the rest would fall into place. If you are still slightly unsure as to how to keep your conversation with your clients easy-going and yet assertive, you might want to get a quick lesson in client communication etiquette.
3. ONCE YOU START TALKING, DON’T STOP!
Never underestimate the sound of your voice. Encouraging words can be super soothing to your clients. You’re the expert, and they’ll often not really know what they’re doing when it comes to posing themselves. So keep them engaged throughout the shoot. For starters, you could ask them to reminisce the day they first met, how they are feeling at the moment, or what drew them to each other. Little conversations like these will probably help your couple open up during the shoot and take the awkwardness away, if any. And the efforts would in all likelihood translate into gorgeous images with a generous dose of romance and chemistry between your couple!
Related Read: Wedding Photography Tips For How To Make Posing More Fun
4. DON’T BE VAGUE WHEN YOU POSE WEDDING CLIENTS
Remember that your couples probably look up to you to give them the right posing ques. While some couples might be born naturals in front of the camera, others might need a little more hand-holding to strike the right pose! As their wedding photographer, it is your responsibility to bring out the best in them and make their wedding images shine. Therefore, be incredibly specific when directing your clients. If you want your groom to take hold of his bride, tell him where and with which arm. Anytime you have to correct them after giving them a direction can really shake their confidence. So be as specific the first time as you can.
5. YOU’RE A PROFESSIONAL - OWN IT
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jodibphotography
One of the main reasons your couple chose you to be their wedding photographer is because you’re an expert in your field - and possibly also an expert when it comes to posing wedding clients. So own your professionalism. Always remain calm and collected should any problem arise. Your clients don’t need to know about a faulty flash; just grab your backup and move on. Never put your couple in an awkward situation by voicing your concern about a problem out of their control. They already have a lot on their plate - try not to add to their worries! Instead, help them relax, soothe their nerves, and give them an unmatched photography experience that leaves a happy and lasting impression on your clients.
MAKE POSING A FUN EXPERIENCE
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto
Once you’ve learned how to inspire true confidence from your bride and groom on their wedding day, posing them could be a breeze. The idea is to ensure that the posing cues you offer your clients are helping them stand out in their images - and not overwhelming them. Just keep the tips we shared here in mind for your next session and watch how it improves the photos you take of your clients! For more tips and tricks related to posing your couples and their guests and families, visit our blog section. Do you have any go-to poses that you use to make your clients shine in their wedding photos? Let us know in the comments section below!
At ShootDotEdit, our goal is to take the heavy-lifting of photo editing off your plate - giving you more time to run your business, hone your skills, spend time with your family, or even just have a weekend again! To learn more about what we can do for you, check out our pricing plans.
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