Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and your portraits should reflect your beauty and joy. A big part of achieving that? Confident and natural posing. Whether you’re a pro at being in front of the camera or feeling a little nervous, these three tips will ensure you look stunning in your wedding portraits.

Tip 1: Master the Contrapposto Stance

 

What is Contrapposto? This pose, which originates from classical art, involves standing with your weight shifted onto your back leg while your front knee (the one closest to the camera) is slightly bent.

 

• Why it Works: Contrapposto creates a natural curve in your body, emphasizing your shape while adding elegance and ease to your posture.
• Why Brides Love It: This stance is universally flattering on all body types. It gives you a relaxed yet poised look that enhances your dress and adds movement to your portrait.
•  

How to Do It:

• Stand with one foot slightly behind the other.
• Shift your weight to the back leg.
• Slightly bend the front knee.
•  

This small adjustment will give your photos a natural, effortless charm.

 

Tip 2: The Acorn Trick: A Simple Pose for Brides Without a Bouquet

 

When brides aren’t holding a bouquet, it’s common to wonder, What do I do with my hands? Without something to hold onto, it can feel a bit awkward trying to figure out a natural, elegant pose. That’s where the Acorn Trick comes in—a simple yet incredibly effective technique to create graceful, flattering hand positioning while showcasing your stunning wedding dress.

 

What is the Acorn Trick?

The Acorn Trick is a posing technique that gives your hands a soft, natural look. Imagine you’re gently holding a tiny acorn between your thumb and fingers. One hand faces slightly upward while the other faces slightly downward, with both arms resting comfortably below a 90-degree angle. This pose creates a relaxed, balanced look and works beautifully to complement the lines of your wedding dress.

Tip 3: Find Your Best Angles with the 9's Method

One of the best ways brides can prepare for their wedding day portraits is by discovering their most flattering angles ahead of time. Knowing what works for you not only boosts your confidence but also helps you communicate with your photographer to capture the most stunning shots.

 

How to Find Your Best Angles

Grab a mirror or ask a friend to snap some photos and try out the 9's Method. This simple technique involves experimenting with nine different head positions to see what flatters your features the most. Here's how it works:

 

The 9's Method

1. Left Angles:

• Chin slightly up and turned to the left.
• Face centered to the camera but turned to the left.
• Chin slightly down and turned to the left.

1. Straight-On Angles:

• Chin slightly up and facing straight to the camera.
• Chin at a neutral position, facing straight to the camera.
• Chin slightly down, facing straight to the camera.

1. Right Angles:

• Chin slightly up and turned to the right.
• Face centered to the camera but turned to the right.
• Chin slightly down and turned to the right.

 

Why It Works

• Discover Your Features
• The 9's Method gives you a chance to see which angles highlight your favorite features, whether it’s your jawline, cheekbones, or the sparkle in your eyes.
• Preparation for the Big Day
• Once you’ve identified your best angles, you’ll feel much more confident stepping in front of the camera. You can even share your favorite looks with your photographer, ensuring your bridal portraits turn out flawless.
• Saves Time
• Wedding days are busy! When you know your angles, you can quickly transition into poses that make you look and feel amazing, saving time for other important moments.

Pro Tips

• When tilting your head up or down, avoid extreme angles. Subtle adjustments are often the most flattering.
• Angling your face slightly toward the light source adds dimension and softness to your photos. Practice this beforehand to make it feel natural.
• Don’t forget to smile with your eyes—confidence and joy are the ultimate enhancers!

 

Bring It All Together: Confidence in Every Pose

 

Mastering your bridal portraits starts with a little preparation and a few go-to techniques. With the Contrapposto Stance, you’ll stand naturally and elegantly, showcasing your best silhouette. The Acorn Trick helps you strike a graceful pose when you’re not holding your bouquet, drawing attention to the intricate details of your dress. And by practicing the 9’s Method, you’ll know exactly which angles highlight your favorite features, ensuring every photo feels uniquely you.

 

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll not only look stunning in your wedding photos but also feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating love, joy, and your beautiful journey—so relax, have fun, and let your radiance shine through in every shot!