Photography Tips Bride
Posing the bride by Photography Tips Bride
Portraits of the bride are among the most important you will take. Getting a formal
portrait is therefore crucial. To display her dress properly she must stand well.
Although you may only be taking a three quarter-length or head-and-shoulders
portrait, you still need to start the pose at the feet. With her feet arranged with
one in front the shoulders will be at their most flattering, one higher than the
other, at an angle to the lens. The most feminine position for her head is to have
it turned and tilted to the higher shoulder. This places the entire body into an
S-curve, a classic pose that has been appreciated for centuries.
The bouquet should be held in the same hand as the foot that is placed forward if
the left foot is placed forward, the left hand should hold the bouquet slightly
to that side. The right arm should then come in to meet the other at wrist level.
Brides have a tendency to hold their flowers at waist level. This is not ideal for
two reasons: it results in the elbows being at almost right angles when a much wider
angle is preferable — and it hides the waistline, which tends to be an important
part of the dress design.
‘The most feminine position for her head is to have it turned and tilted to the
higher shoulder’
Posing the bridegroom
The bride receives most of the attention on the day, but it is important to get
flattering portraits of the bridegroom too. The best time for this is before the
ceremony at the
church or wedding venue, when according
to tradition the groom will have arrived in advance with the best man and groomsmen.
Start with the bridegroom, taking alternative pictures making use of the settings
provided and ensuring that you have good lighting. A full-length portrait of a man
can be difficult to achieve particularly if he is tall and thin — unless you have
a suitable, well-lit setting. Often it is better to take a three-quarter-length
portrait. In line with the rules for posing described earlier, the groom should
be posed at a slight angle with one foot slightly forward and the weight on the
back foot. When photographing men, always check that the ties are properly knotted
and if they are wearing waistcoats (vests) that they are correctly buttoned, with
the bottom button undone.
Fitting everyone in
After photographing the bridegroom alone, he must be recorded with his best man
and then with all his attendants. When building groups, you will have plenty of
scope for interesting pictures. With the men all dressed formally, do you put them
all in the same pose? Or do you try and show their own individuality beneath the
suits? It’s up to you. Whatever you do make sure the bridegroom occupies centre
stage.
Posing couples: intimate portraits
Just observing a couple on their wedding day and recording their actions may often
result in attractive pictures, but do not rely on always being in the right place
at the right time. Set-up shots can be an opportunity to get some delightful photographs,
full of fun, laughter and love. For this type of picture the background should be
virtually nonexistent because they are close-up shots, often best taken with a long-focus
lens.
You need to encourage the couple to interact. Ask them to hug each other, to forget
the camera and enjoy themselves. Choose the spot for this based on the lighting
backlighting is ideal — and see what develops
In some of the photographs shown here part of a face is hidden, or you cannot see
the subjects’ eyes. Far from being a problem, this actually accentuates the sheer
strength of feeling conveyed in all of the shots.
Here at Photography Tips Bride we hope you’ve enjoyed this article on wedding photography.
Why not try one of our other Photography Tips article. Check the menu down the left
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