5 ways
To Nail Your Bridal Portraits
Even though you have probably hired a professional photographer for your wedding day (and if not please consider changing your mind!), you want to do everything you can to make the most of your bridal portraits. Your photographer will guide you into each pose, there are a few things you can do and practice ahead of time to look and feel like a pro!
Hands on the Waist
You want to think small! What I mean by that is we want the arm to guide the eye to the smallest part of our body, which happens to be the waist! This is quite a common pose, but it works wonders for your body. However, let’s not confuse our waist with our hip! The hand on the hip is more of a natural stance for most of us; but, I want you to look in a mirror and see the difference between the hand on the hip and on your waist. Remember, we want to direct the focus to the smallest part of our body.
Your Good Side
We all have a good side, even if we do not think we do! Spend some time in front of the mirror and discover which side of your face is your good side. For some, it is how they smile on that side; for others, it is the way their hair parts on that side. Before you are in front of your photographer’s camera, take the time to take a few selfies with your phone to see the results for yourself. Which do you prefer? Do not be afraid to let your photographer know at the beginning of your session or wedding day photos which side you prefer. Sometimes that is all it takes to make the difference between “liking” and “loving” your portraits.
The Feet
Did you know that your feet can have a significant impact on the way your body looks in a photo, even if it is taken only from the waist up?! You are going to want to angle your feet 45 degrees away from the camera so that your “Good Side” is closer to the camera. Then ever so slightly “pop” out that front knee. This shifts all of your weight to the back and away from the camera! Giving you that slim, curvy look you will love!
Sitting Pretty
Just like with your feet, the way you sit has a significant impact on your images. So take some time to practice sitting! When you sit on a chair, bench, etc., you want to sit towards the front of the chair. You do not want your back up against the back of the chair. Then, thinking again of your good side, rotate your knees 45 degrees away from the camera so that your “good side” is exposed to the camera. Lastly, cross your feet at the ankles, princess style. That is it, you have mastered sitting!
Angles
There will probably be times when your photographer may ask you to do things that feel a bit unnatural or forced. That's because they know which angles are most flattering for the camera. Even the most petite brides can have a double chin created by the camera. If you would like to practice avoiding the double chin, you can push your face and neck out in front of you slightly (we are not going for a long-neck style here, but just a bit of a push forward). We want to make that slight adjustment to pull the skin taut, hiding those extra lines that we all have.
Have any other questions for me? Send me an email at welchphotography1@gmail.com
