5 Tricks to Know Before You Pose for Wedding Photos

Whether you think the idea of having six thousand photos taken of you on your wedding day sounds kind of fun or totally frightening, it helps to have a little posing know-how up your lace cap sleeve. Thus, allow us to present five flattering-photo tips from professional photographer Chris Schoenbohm, co-founder of the new iPhone-photo-organizing app Viewfinder.


1. Strike that hand-on-hip pose. Yes, this post is something of a Facebook cliche at this point—but that's because people have discovered its magic! "This common pose is called the three-quarter angle stance, and it never fails to make a woman look slim, sexy, and beautiful," Schoenbohm says. The move: Extend one leg out in front, pivot, and plant the corresponding hand on your hip. "The result is a long, attractive, diagonal line that draws the viewers' eyes across the subject," Schoenbohm explains. Just try and make your hand-on-hip look natural, not forced (a.k.a. maybe try it after a glass or two of champagne at the reception!).


2. Choose the right angle. Even if you totally trust your wedding photographer, it can't hurt to know the ins and outs of which photo angles are the most flattering to a bride. For example: Skip artsy shots taken from a low vantage point. "Most people think shooting from a lower angle pointing up will give the perception of height; however, the result is usually a distorted image that in some instances will actually add weight." The camera should be at eye level or above for portraits. "This will also help avoid the dreaded double-chin effect, and everyone loves a nice, sexy jawline," Photograph at eye level or above for portraits. This will help avoid the dreaded double-chin effect and everyone loves a nice, sexy jawline. One more tip: If you're short and want to look taller, when possible, position yourself away from tall objects or people. "The difference in height is the first thing a person’s eye will be drawn to in your photo. You’d be surprised how tall a subject will appear in a photo without anything else to compare a person’s height with," Schoenbohm says.

3. Know how to sit pretty. "Legs crossed at the ankles and arms and shoulders drawn inwards always slim a subject down and draw more attention to the vertical emphasis," Schoenbohm says.


4. Spend time in the most flattering light. Soft light is the kindest when it comes to minimizing your imperfections. "Examples of soft light are places indoors next to a window, or outdoor shade protected from direct sunlight," Schoenbohm says.


5. Choose sides. "We all have a better side. Knowing which one is which on your face can change EVERYTHING," Schoenbohm says. "Take a few test shots and look at the results. That’s the beauty of a digital camera or smartphone."


To further up your photo game pre-wedding, check out 11 secrets of really photogenic people (they're kind of life-changing!).