If the words “okay, now look natural” make you want to disappear, you’re going to like how I work.
I don’t carry a list of poses. I give you small prompts, step back, and let you respond to each other. That’s where the real photos come from.
Why I avoid traditional posing
Stiff hands, forced smiles, three minutes spent figuring out where to put your elbow. None of that ends up looking like you on your wedding day. The moment a pose becomes the goal, the photo stops feeling real. So instead of directing every angle, I try to create situations where something genuine can happen, and then I get out of the way. And if the thought of portrait time makes you anxious, feeling awkward in front of the camera is completely normal.
Prompts, not poses
Rather than telling you exactly how to stand, I’ll give you something to do: walk towards me and ignore me, whisper something in your partner’s ear, tell each other what you’re looking forward to about tonight. You react, I shoot. The “pose” is really just a starting point for a real moment to happen on top of it.
Movement is your friend
Static portraits can feel forced fast. Walking, swaying, turning to look at each other. Movement gives a shoot rhythm, and it gives me dozens of small, natural variations to choose from instead of one stiff frame.
I follow the day, I don’t stage it
Even during portrait time, I’m watching for the real thing rather than manufacturing it. If you start laughing at your own awkwardness, that’s the photo. If you go quiet and just hold each other, that’s the photo too. The prompts are only there to get you moving and talking, everything worth keeping happens in the gaps between them.
What this looks like on the day
During your portrait time, expect things like:
Walk towards me, holding hands, and don’t look at the camera
Tell each other what you’re most looking forward to tonight
Foreheads together, eyes closed, just breathe for a second
Whisper your favourite moment from the day so far
Dance together like the music's already started
None of these require practice. They just need the two of you to be present with each other for thirty seconds at a time, which, on a day full of people and timelines, turns out to be a gift in itself.
The result
Photos that look like you, on the best day of your life, rather than two people performing for a camera. That’s always been the goal.
FAQ
What if we’re not photogenic or we hate posing?
Then you’ll be right at home. Because I’m not asking you to pose, there’s nothing to be “good” at. You just spend a little time with each other and I do the rest.
Will you give us any direction at all?
Yes, just gentle ones. I’ll point you towards nice light and give you small things to do, then step back. You’ll never be left standing there wondering what to do with your hands.
How long do we need for portraits?
Around 20 to 30 minutes is plenty for a relaxed set of couple photos, especially if we can catch some of it near golden hour. It doesn’t need to eat into your day.
Can we bring our own ideas?
Always. If there’s a spot that means something to you, or a moment you really want, tell me and we’ll build it in. The best sessions are a mix of your ideas and me following what unfolds.
Want photos that feel like you, not a catalogue? Let’s chat about your day.
See the approach across my wedding portfolio, or get in touch to chat about your day.