Hate Posing? These Wedding Photo Hacks Will Change Everything!

The Struggles of Wedding Day Photography

Weddings are all about celebrating love, and as a documentary-style wedding photographer, my goal is to capture those raw, candid moments of connection. However, I know that many couples feel nervous about posing during portraits and often struggle with stiff, forced looks. This blog will provide you with the best tips and tricks to make you feel natural and confident in front of the camera, no awkward poses necessary!

Why Posing Feels Forced for So Many Couples

A lot of couples find traditional posing uncomfortable. With all eyes on them, the pressure can cause them to freeze up. This is especially true if they feel like they’re being “posed” in a way that doesn’t feel true to their personalities or their relationship. The key to great wedding photos is capturing who you truly are—not just what you look like. So, how do you avoid that feeling of forced posing?

Photo Hack #1: Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

One of the easiest ways to ease the tension of having your photo taken is to shift the focus off of the camera. The key is to connect with each other. During portraits, I often guide my couples by asking them to look at each other and forget that I’m even there.

How This Helps You Relax

The more you focus on your partner, the more your body language and expressions will naturally soften. You’ll start to smile, laugh, and even share private jokes or moments, which results in much more authentic, meaningful photos. Couples like Tanya and Richard, who had their engagement session at Ochre Court, told me they fell deeper in love as they simply enjoyed being present with one another. Their connection truly shines in the photos because they were in the moment—and that’s the magic of it.

Photo Hack #2: Incorporate Movement Into Your Poses

No one likes standing still for long, especially when you’re trying to look natural. That’s why I love starting most portrait sessions with a bit of movement. This could be as simple as walking hand-in-hand, twirling, or even a light jog across the beach.

The Benefits of Movement for a Natural Feel

Movement helps shake off the nerves and keeps you active, which leads to relaxed, genuine photos. I’ve found that it also loosens up even the most camera-shy couples. After a few minutes of walking or spinning together, your bodies begin to fall into a natural rhythm, and the photos capture that ease.

For example, during a session at Beavertail State Park, one of my couples felt nervous at first. But once we started walking along the cliffside, the jitters faded, and they just focused on each other. The photos that came from that moment were stunning because they were both authentically themselves.

Photo Hack #3: Use the First Look to Your Advantage

The first look is not just a romantic moment—it’s also a fantastic opportunity to capture intimate, relaxed portraits without the time crunch of the wedding day. By doing a first look, you can take your time, get to know each other again, and even move to different locations for creative shots.

Why First Looks Work

Without a first look, couples often face a bottleneck during cocktail hour. Family portraits, wedding party photos, and couples shots are all rushed into one stressful hour, leaving little time to enjoy your guests or get creative with your photographer. But by doing a first look, you free up plenty of time for relaxed portraits and moments that feel true to your connection.

At a recent wedding, the couple skipped the first look, and we rushed through the photos afterward. They didn’t have time to move to their favorite locations for photos or even have a moment to just talk. It’s a huge difference in the flow of your day!

Photo Hack #4: Take Time to Be Present

One of the best pieces of advice I can give couples is to take a moment to breathe and really look at each other during your wedding day. You only get two times in life when everyone you love will be in the same room together: at your wedding and at your funeral. So, take a few moments to appreciate the people around you, the love you’re surrounded by, and the special bond you share.

How This Affects Your Photos

When you take a moment to be present, it shows in the photos. Instead of feeling like you’re rushing from one thing to the next, you’ll feel calm and grounded, and that will come through in every shot. I always encourage couples to not worry about the details—just focus on each other and let the camera capture your love.

Photo Hack #5: Don’t Forget the Background

While you focus on each other, don't forget to take in the beautiful settings around you. Coastal Rhode Island wedding photography shines in part because of the stunning backdrops you have available. Whether you’re standing on the shores of Easton Beach or overlooking the cliffs of Beavertail State Park, these locations offer breathtaking, cinematic backgrounds that elevate your photos.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Location

When you're on the beach or in any beautiful coastal setting, I suggest you take a few seconds to admire the view. Let me capture the wide-angle shots of you with the ocean stretching behind you. This is where the magic of Coastal Rhode Island wedding photography comes to life—it's about creating a balance between you and the stunning scenery.

Photo Hack #6: Trust Your Photographer

I know you might be nervous before your wedding day. I hear it often—“I’m not photogenic,” or “I don’t know how to pose.” But trust me, you’re already amazing just as you are. My job is to help you shine by capturing your most authentic moments, and all you need to do is let go and trust the process.

Why Letting Go Makes All the Difference

When you allow me to guide you through the day and help with small prompts, you’ll feel more natural and at ease. Think of it like dancing—you don’t need to know every move, just follow the rhythm and enjoy the flow. That’s the secret to photos that feel authentically you.

Ready to Change Your Wedding Day Photography Forever?

I hope these wedding photo hacks have given you a fresh perspective on how to approach your big day. Remember: your wedding photos should reflect the connection and love you share with your partner. By focusing on each other, adding movement, and using strategies like a first look, you can take your photos from stiff and awkward to relaxed and heartfelt.

If you're ready to make your wedding photography effortless and truly reflect your love story, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. Together, we can create timeless images that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Contact me today to discuss how we can create your perfect wedding day photography experience—no posing required!