How to look good in your wedding photos

After months and months of planning, it’s finally the DAY! And the day flew by in a blink of an eye. You vaguely recall the teary vows, your new husband’s face and a blurry of faces and people congratulating you. The one thing that helps you hold those memories close is your wedding photos.

We cannot stress how important wedding photos are! The flowers wilt, your invites are thrown away and the cake is eaten. But the photos, they capture memories and all the little moments you may have missed in the chaos. The photos will tell you a story, your story, the very first day of you and your partner as a married couple. In the years to come, you will find yourself pulling these very photos out to show to new friends, your children or for yourself to reminisce.

Now that you understand how precious your wedding photos will become, how do you go about making sure that they are high quality and truly reflect the emotions of the day? We’ve got some tips on how you can look the best you can with a little preparation and posing tricks straight from the red carpet!

wedding photography — Photo courtesy of Sugarbird Photography.

Professional hair and makeup

You know that feeling when you just stepped out of the salon with freshly done hair and you feel like a different person? Get your hair and makeup done professionally if it’s within your budget to do so because it can make a world of a difference in the way you feel and it will show in your wedding photos! When selecting your makeup artist, look through the work she has done on other brides and if that is the look you’re after. Some artists prefer natural wedding makeup while others like the smokey eye, full coverage perfection. Communication is key in setting your expectations with your chosen artist so you’re both on the same page.

Pay a little extra for that trial session too so you can give feedback and you will have a peace of mind, knowing what to expect on the wedding day.

Choose the right photographer

If there’s one thing you should splurge on is a wedding photography package. Photographers have individual styles, ideas and signature shots so do your research! Unfortunately, higher rates usually come with experience and skills. But when it comes to wedding photography, more experience doesn’t necessarily mean the best. You want a photographer that you can vibe with and you feel comfortable around. Exchange emails with a few photographers or even meet face-to-face to see if you like their personality and if you’re both on the same page about your vision.

Do your research

Do your research! Put your best stalking skills to use and check the photographers’ website, Instagram and even Facebook pages. Comb through the albums, read the reviews, ask around if anyone has a good photographer they can recommend. After all, mouth-of-mouth is the best kind of review! Don’t pick a photographer based on a few photos you like. You want consistently good photos.

Any half decent photographer can take photos, but a good one can pick the best ones and edit them consistently. Decide what style you like and what style of wedding you’re having and find a photographer that fits your style best.

Checklist

Have a checklist based on your style and your vision. Do you want more family photos? Or more photos of the ceremony? Put them on your checklist so you don’t forget when meeting your photographer. You can always refer back to the checklist to help you make better decisions.

Use props

Unless you get your photos taken for a living, most of us are camera-shy and can get awkward in front of a camera, especially when a stranger is snapping away at you. Use props to anchor yourself. Use your wedding bouquet, a champagne class or even furniture so you can relax your posture.

Play music

Music has profound effects on our emotions so whether you’re a jazz kind of gal or a pop princess, turn up that music and rock to it. Have some music playing in the background as you and your girls get ready on the morning of the wedding. Have a little dance party and drink some bubbly. Trust me, you won’t even notice your photographer is there and this way, he/she can capture the real moments.

Pose like a star

Natural, ‘caught in the moment’ photos are the best but if you do have to pose, for family portraits and such, try the red carpet pose! You simply put your hand on your hip, angle your body 45 degrees to the side and turn your head towards the camera. There’s a reason you see so many celebrities using this pose again and again. Because it works! Find your best side and watch that chin! To avoid having a double chin, elongate your neck by moving your face forward and letting your chin drop naturally. Practise in the mirror so you’ll know your good angles and feel more confident on your wedding day.

Stand up straight and keep your arms away from your body to accentuate your waist and look skinnier on camera. Take a leaf out of supermodel Tyra Banks’ book and try ‘smizing’. It’s basically smiling with your eyes and it makes you look happy and approachable.

Have fun!

Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! You have spent a long time planning for this day so enjoy it. If there is something many newlyweds regret is not stepping back and taking in the moment and being grateful for everyone who could be there. Arrange with your photographer to set aside some time for couple photos where you and your partner can get away from the chaos and just enjoy some time alone as newlyweds.