A lot of photographers reach out to me for tips for posing, maybe someday I will make a behind the scenes video to help show how I work on keeping my couples relaxed but until then, I want to talk about my philosophy on posing. I flat out tell clients that I hate awkward posing, I don’t want them to feel like they are going into an hour long session of Sears Portraits where someone will tell them to put their chin down and say “yesssss” as they smile…. no way, not going to happen. I focus on keeping things entirely natural and comfortable for everyone and there are a few ways that this happens.
These images are from a recent engagement session in Minneapolis with Cora and Josh. We didn’t have the chance to meet before their session so throughout it I worked with them to photograph them the way that they interact and are with one another, their genuine smiles shine through their images in their perfectly executed “unposed poses.”
1.) Give your clients permission: When we first meet up I give them a run down of what the session will look like, how it will unfold, when the outfit change will happen, and how the posing with go. I give them permission to feel uncomfortable at first, I explain that I realize it feels unnatural and that this is likely the first time they have had a professional photo shoot. I let them know that it is okay to feel awkward and that as things go on it will get easier and more comfortable. Just letting them know that I am well aware of the uneasiness of getting their images taken helps take the pressure off of them and allows them to get into the groove faster. That being said, I also give them permission to feel beautiful. This is a time when they should feel free to practice their Tyra Banks eyes and to smile like there’s no tomorrow.
2.) I help them to keep moving: The pictures that captivate me most are the ones with movement, whether it is the groom swinging the bride around in a field or the bride leaning in to kiss her handsome man. I never want my clients to feel like they are just standing around so giving them action items helps them to avoid static poses that can appear awkward. We dance, walk, sway, twirl… whatever it takes to keep things moving and fun! When you tell clients what you need them to do, it helps them to feel more confident and allows them to keep moving in natural ways… it’s usually those in between shots that are my favorites. The ones where you wait for their reaction and catch those moments that are sure to happen.
3.) I stay close: I shoot with prime lenses so based on how I want to frame the shot, I am the one moving. This means I get a heck of a workout in during weddings and shoots but it also keeps me close to my clients to help direct but to see the little things that they naturally do. Complimenting them and singing praises helps people to loosen up and feel comfortable so by sticking close to my clients I am able to help show them a pose starting point and give them an action to lead to the shot I want to get. I can coach them through the little moves that make them shine and laugh when things feel funny. Picking up on mannerisms is the best way to make them feel in their element and to get photos that represent them as a couple. Using prime lenses makes me move to frame the shot how I want to see it while being present, constant, and interacting with my clients
I’ll be sharing more tips in upcoming posts but this is just a jumping point! As a photojournalistic photographer who loves portraits, this is how I achieve the unposed look that allows my couples to be back in the special moments of their wedding day and to connect emotionally with their images. I absolutely love keeping things light hearted and fun and these tips help achieve the look and feel that I love to shoot. There is nothing more beautiful than the raw, authentic, real moments that naturally happen when you hang out with people who are hopelessly in love.
Have a question? Comment here or email: jenna@photosbyjennaleigh.com
Fabulous info my friend!