Your Best Portraits Ever! Part Two

More Tips for Looking Your Best in Wedding Photos

In our last post, we shared tips on how to capture the best portraits ever. This post continues with more ways to help you look amazing on your big day.

1. Angle Your Body

Don’t face the camera directly. Instead, turn your body slightly so that one shoulder is closer to the camera. This makes you look slimmer where you want it. A 45-degree angle is perfect—just don’t give the photographer the cold shoulder!

2. Turn Your Head Slightly

Keep your head turned just a bit, not directly facing the camera. This helps you avoid looking stiff and makes the shot feel more natural.

3. Mind Your Chin

Tilt your head down slightly, but don’t tuck your chin too much. If you tuck in your chin too far, even the slimmest person can appear to have a double chin. A small adjustment can make a big difference.

4. Find Your Perfect Smile

When it comes to smiling, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The big “toothy grin” we’re often told to do doesn’t always look natural. A genuine smile involves both your mouth and your eyes. A smile that’s just on your lips but doesn’t reach your eyes can seem insincere.

Sometimes, the best smile is subtle, like a small amused smile with lips together. A hearty laugh can show your upper teeth, but no bottom teeth should be visible in portraits. A slight smile—or even no smile at all—can look more elegant than a forced grin.

The key is to be genuinely happy or amused. Think of a funny moment from your day or make silly faces with your partner to get those real, happy expressions.

5. Keep It Stress-Free

Wedding day photos can be stressful, but try to stay relaxed. Don’t let family questions or worries about guests get to you. Make the photo session a stress-free time to focus on the fun and joy of the moment, and you’ll naturally have better, more authentic expressions.

6. Don’t Just Copy Pinterest

It’s tempting to recreate photos you’ve seen online, but remember, your wedding is unique. Don’t feel pressured to copy someone else’s style. Your photos should reflect who you are and the special story of your day, not just mimic a trend.

7. Tell a Story with Your Photos

Every photo should capture more than just “I was here, and I wore this.” Think of each photo as telling a part of your story. Even posed shots should feel like they’re capturing a moment, an emotion, or the feeling of the day.

Don’t settle for awkward, stiff poses. Instead, aim for photos that show who you are and the love you’re celebrating.

These tips will help you feel more natural and confident in front of the camera, and ensure your wedding photos are as beautiful and meaningful as the day itself.

 

 

Special Thanks to Patrick Pope of Patrick Pope Photography for these fabulous tips.  Patrick is available for your wedding and he can be reached at www.PatrickPopePhotography.com.  Be sure to tell him you found him on BrideStLouis.com.