Expert Tips From a Photographer on How to Pose for Your Engagement Photos
“How do we pose for our engagement photos?” “How do we not look awkward in front of the camera during our session?” “What are we even supposed to be doing during our session?” These are the most common questions I get as an engagement and wedding photographer, and the good news is that I have answers for you.
As a photographer, I have been part of many engagement sessions over the years and have picked up a few posing tips that can help you as your session date draws near. The tips I’ve outlined in this blog are meant to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and relaxed in front of the camera so that you can get the best photos possible!
Before you dive further into these tips, I also want to quickly add that your engagement session photographer should guide you throughout the session. It’s not your responsibility (nor the expectation) to show up to your session and know exactly how to pose and what you should be doing.
Keep reading to discover some of my expert tips on how to pose for your upcoming engagement photos!
Your Guide on How to Pose for Engagement Photos
Tip 1 – Focus on interacting with your partner
Instead of worrying about posing and looking picture-perfect for the camera, I want you to focus on being present with your partner. Being in front of the camera when you’re not used to it can be a bit intimidating and uncomfortable, but if you focus on your partner, I promise you will hardly notice the camera is there.
Try to make each other laugh, look into each other’s eyes, touch one another – all of these things will help your session (and your pictures) look more natural and be a true reflection of your relationship.
Another great way to make you and your partner feel more at ease is to include a favorite activity during your session – you can share a cup of coffee or a favorite dessert together, play a game, walk hand in hand to your favorite spot, etc – anything that feels reflective of your day-to-day and something you already enjoy and regularly do together!
Tip 2 – Don’t try and exactly copy and paste Pinterest poses
With that being said, that doesn’t mean that you can’t draw inspiration from other couples’ engagement sessions. I’m always happy when my couples send me inspiration photos and share their vision for their session.
If there are some poses you love and want to try, we can always draw inspiration from the image. Still, the reason I recommend not copying a Pinterest pose you saw is that you usually won’t be happy with the result, as it won’t look exactly the same as the photo you saved on your Pinterest board.
Tip 3 – Tell your photographer if you’re uncomfortable with certain poses
If your photographer suggests a pose that doesn’t feel natural to you or your partner, don’t be afraid to tell them you’re uncomfortable. I promise you won’t hurt my feelings – I would much rather have you tell me so I can suggest something different.
Tip 4 – Don’t forget about your hands
Not knowing what to do with your hands is always something my couples mention, and I have an easy trick for you to use during your session. Instead of letting your hands awkwardly hang at your sides, make sure you’re always doing something with your hands.
For example, you can hold something in one hand, lightly rest your hand on your hip, or gently touch the fabric of your outfit. Try to keep your hands as loose and relaxed as possible – trust me, it will make a huge difference!
Tip 5 – Make sure you feel comfortable with your photographer
This is a big one that will significantly influence your session and final images. You’ve likely heard it before – the more comfortable you are with your photographer, the better your photos will be.
I like to get to know my couples before your session so that on the day of, I don’t feel like a complete stranger to you. On the day of your session, I want you to feel at ease and that you can be the most authentic version of yourself – that’s what will create the best photos!
Tip 6 – Incorporate lots of movement into your session
If you’re afraid of having stiff, awkward photos, the best way to avoid them is to add movement to your session. Movement is your new best friend! Adding movement not only makes your session more fun but also makes it feel more natural.
You can spin your partner around, run or walk hand in hand together, lift your partner up, run towards each other, dance together, etc.
Tip 7 – Try practicing some poses before your session
This isn’t something you have to do, but I suggest it because it can help make posing feel a bit more natural on the day of your session. Try standing in front of a mirror with your partner to figure out which side you prefer to stand on more and how you both would like your hair to look. Then share this with your partner so they know.
You can also put on the outfits you’re planning to wear and make sure you’re comfortable and that the outfits you’ve chosen allow you to move around easily. All of these things can make a huge difference on the day of your session!
Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?
I hope you found all these tips on how to pose for your engagement photos helpful. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily come back to it as the date for your session gets closer!
Are you still searching for a Minneapolis-St. Paul wedding photographer for your session? I’d love to connect! I truly understand that your engagement session should be one-of-a-kind and special to you and your partner, and I’d love to learn more about your love story and photograph the little moments of your love.
Click here to get in touch with me or here to learn more about my services!
Read these next:
How to Prepare for Your Engagement Photos (8 Tips From a Wedding Photographer)
