Let’s admit it, most of us common folks are not comfortable being in front of a camera.
Despite taking a ton of selfies every day, the idea of having our photos taken by someone else can make us feel uneasy.
Especially if mentioned photos will be taken on one of the most important days of your life!
So what do you do to look great in your wedding photos? Keep reading and I’ll show you how this is easier than you think.
Find a photographer you trust
This is by far the biggest tip you can ever get.
Finding a photographer that will make you feel comfortable during the day is, in my opinion, crucial. You’ll spend most of your day with your photographer, from your prep to your first dance.
So hire a professional not just because you love their work, but also (and most importantly) because you feel comfortable having them around you.
Can you imagine spending the whole day with someone you don’t get along with? Naah.
Check this article if you want more tips on how to choose your wedding photographer.
Consider having an engagement session
When I was a little kiddo my mum kept telling me that practice makes perfect. And she was right!
As with everything else, the more you do something, the better you get at doing it.
An engagement session is a perfect opportunity to practice being in front of the camera. Plus, you’ll also get the chance to spend more time with your photographer before the big day.
This will help you to look great in your wedding photos.
Mind your posture
Another great tip, this time from my grandma! With all the hectic stuff that happens on a wedding day, it’s easy to forget about your posture.
It’s important to keep your back straight and your shoulders back, in a natural way.
I usually ask my couples to “pull yourself up” while at the same time pretending I am pulling a string out of their back (I am Italian after all, let me move my hands a little bit!).
This will help you look taller and thinner, and generally will make you look better in photos.
Hold your bouquet on your belly button
Your wedding dress will make you look stunning and that’s also one of the main things you’ll want your photographer to capture.
So let’s make sure we don’t cover it with your beautiful flowers. During the whole day, hold your bouquet on your belly button and keep your arms at a 90 degrees angle with your elbows slightly behind your back.
This will create some space between your back and your arms, accentuating the curves of your body and making you look gorgeous.
Close your eyes when you kiss
This can sound a bit silly but you would be surprised to see how many couples kiss with their eyes open on their wedding day.
Simply close your eyes, hold your partner tight and enjoy the moment.
It can also help practice your kiss before the big day, just to boost your confidence.
Look up and smile when walking down the aisle
Perhaps this happens due to the stress and the pressure of the moment.
But lots of couples walk down the aisle staring at their feet. As you can imagine, this won’t help you look great in your wedding photos.
Simply make sure to look up at your happy-and-clapping guests and pull out your beautiful and natural smile.
Don’t press your arms on your body
The so-called squished arm is dreaded by every woman around the world. And for a good reason!
It doesn’t matter the size of your arm, if you press it on your body, it will always look bigger.
To avoid this unpleasant look, make sure to relax and don’t press your arm on your body. I guarantee you will notice the difference in your photos.
Go easy on your make-up and fake tan
In my opinion, your wedding photos should be about you and your loved one(s) having a great time while looking natural.
Most of the cameras will register your make-up in an orange tone, something that you want to avoid since it won’t look great in your wedding photos.
Instead, ask your MUA during your first trial to have a natural and subtle foundation.
The same goes for fake or spray tan. It’s good to have it done a few days before the wedding to gain some colour. However, doing it on the same day can be the recipe for a disaster. Why? Unless you are getting married in winter, you’ll sweat baby. Fake tan + sweat + wedding day = no good.
Focus on your partner
The day has finally arrived, which means you and your partner are getting hitched. Whohoo!
During your wedding photos, most the photographers will tell you “pretend I am not here”, which is not always very easy. How do overcome this?
Easy, focus on your beautiful partner. After all, this day is all about you two.
Don’t look at the camera unless the photographer asks you to do so, instead focus on your partner and all the amazing adventures you’ll get to experience together.
Hugh, kiss, run, jump together. The more movement, fun and connection, the better!
Got any questions or extra tips? Drop me a comment below, I can’t wait to chat.