Glam up Your Wedding Photos

Guest Post By Georgia

Wedding photography is a tricky thing. I want you to have gorgeous photos, so I’m introducing you to a few good tricks that helped me glam up my wedding photos, and will make sure all your splendid memories are captured the right way.

On one hand, you want memories to remind you of the sacred ceremony of love, of how much fun everyone was having, something that shows the happiness on your partner’s face, that shows off your fabulous wedding dress, that simply brings you back to that magical day. On the other, what if most of the photos turn out bad? What if you are always captured in awkward poses with strained smiles? There’s also the pressure where you know you must always be ready to pose for a picture, and this just makes it difficult to relax. No, this won’t do, it takes all the fun out of your most important day! 

Pose like a celebrity

No one knows how to look good in photos better than a celebrity, and there’s a classic pose that all celeb ladies are taught by their photographers. Feel free to observe them to see how they act in front of a camera. Take the British beauty Emma Watson, for example. The Brits are always pretty good at posing because British fashion photography has a long and glorious history, so you’ll notice how Emma always knows just how to stand to make sure her body looks trim and elegant. Stand straight with your hips pushed forward a little, and put one leg in front of the other. Never turn directly into the camera because those photos are seldom flattering on anyone. Turn your head slightly and lift your chin up. There, practice that in front of the mirror until it starts feeling natural.

See how this couple used natural lighting and perfect posing to get their stunning wedding pictures and WeddingMix video!

“It was a cost effective way to have some memories from the wedding.” –Katie

Smile with your eyes

While big, goofy grins are encouraged, if you want sleek, elegant photos of the event, you’ve got to learn the famed “smizing” technique. Let brightness show in your eyes as you give a mysterious little curve of your mouth – this will make your face look alive and honest. And hey, if it worked for Tyra Banks, it’ll work for you.

Choose the right makeup

If you look at the works of some of the most famous US photographers like Steven Meisel and Arthur Elgort, you realise that even fashion photography is more than just about taking pictures of pretty clothes. It tells a story. Elements are combined to weave a tale, and your wedding tale is something told through certain details – the dress, the setting, the colours, and ultimately, the makeup. If you’re skilled at applying makeup, feel free to take a DIY approach, but if not, hiring an actual makeup artist will make all the difference and bring not only the glamour, but the depth. Another thing – go easy on the self tanner. Camera can easily make you look very orange, and wedding makeup is all about natural beauty.

Laugh, laugh, and laugh some more

Nothing should be forced, especially not smiling, but laughing loudly even when nothing around you is particularly funny is a quick way to do something silly that will lighten the mood and give you that candid moment. Also, you should find someone who knows how to capture an emotion and not just click their camera every five minutes. From my experience, Aussie photographers are really great at this, mostly because they’re laid-back but professional, and they just want you to enjoy your own wedding party. Specialists in wedding photography from Sydney are good at capturing those perfect moments because they know it’s all about the spontaneity and fun, at taking those little quirks and silly little smiles and preserving them as long-lasting memories.

Stand up straight

Don’t slouch! And also, don’t let your partner slouch either! Push your shoulders back and when it’s time to take a photo, pat your partner’s back gently to remind them to stand straight. Nothing ruins a photo more than bad posture (been there many times) – it makes you look shorter, chubbier, and like you’d really rather go home to take a nap than be at your own wedding.

Finally, remember to simply relax and not spend the time worrying what you’ll look like in photos. This is your big day, girl! Sips some mimosas, dance with your spouse, have fun!