In this episode, I share my approach to posing couples in a way that feels natural and brings out their genuine connection. Drawing from my experience as a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve learned that creating authentic images isn’t about finding the trendiest Pinterest pose – it’s about building trust and creating an experience where couples can be themselves in front of your camera.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a posing rut or had couples tell you they’re “awkward in photos,” this episode will transform how you approach posing and help you create images that truly reflect your couples’ relationships.
WHY TRADITIONAL POSING TECHNIQUES MIGHT BE HOLDING YOU BACK
I used to overthink posing completely. I’d spend hours scrolling through Pinterest looking for creative pose ideas, thinking I needed to constantly reinvent the wheel with every couple. This approach actually blocked my creativity and often led to awkward moments when poses that worked for one couple felt completely unnatural for another.
The biggest revelation in my posing journey was realizing that posing doesn’t start when your clients are in front of your camera – it starts from the moment they inquire. Getting to know your couples well allows you to create an experience tailored specifically to them.
Remember that for most couples, this isn’t their hundredth photoshoot. They’re not bored by “standard” poses – they’re experiencing them for the first time! You don’t need to create something revolutionary for every session.
HOW TO CUSTOMIZE POSES FOR DIFFERENT COUPLE PERSONALITIES
The key to natural-looking photos is tailoring your approach to each specific couple. For example, having my husband whisper in a Cookie Monster voice in my ear created genuine laughter in our photos – but that same prompt would feel awkward and uncomfortable for many of my more reserved couples.
When planning your session, always ask yourself: “Would this couple feel comfortable doing this?” There’s beauty in trying new things, but you need to consider if it actually makes sense for this specific couple or if you’re just trying to recreate something you saw online.
PREPARING COUPLES FOR NATURAL PHOTOS: PRE-SESSION TIPS
Taking time to prepare your couples before the session is crucial for natural-looking photos. Whether through guides, emails, or a quick chat at the beginning of the session, I always explain what the experience will be like.
I tell my couples where to look, what to do with their hands, and set the expectation that when I give them a prompt, they should just keep interacting until I direct them to the next thing. I explicitly tell them, “I’ll let you know when we’re moving on—until then, just be present with each other.”
This preparation allows them to relax and enjoy the moment rather than constantly looking to me for the next direction. When couples know what to expect, they’re naturally more comfortable in front of the camera.
BEST POSING SEQUENCE FOR ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Being strategic about the order of your poses makes a huge difference in helping couples relax. I almost always start with having the couple walk away from the camera for two reasons:
- It gives me a chance to adjust my settings with people in the frame
- It gives them a chance to shake out their nerves without the pressure of facing the camera
After this, I’ll have them walk toward me, giving them specific directions like “cuddle walking” or where to look. Starting with movement naturally creates more relaxed images right from the beginning.
HOW TO CREATE VARIETY FROM BASIC COUPLE POSES
A mistake I often see photographers make is rushing through too many different poses. You don’t need 500 poses in a session! Instead, focus on creating variety within each pose – different angles, perspectives, and compositions.
Get all the angles, capture details, shoot from far away, then get close up. Make the most of each pose before moving on. This approach creates a more comprehensive gallery while giving couples time to settle into each position naturally.
POSING TECHNIQUES FOR AUTHENTIC COUPLE CONNECTION
Pay attention to the physical connection between your couples. The more points of contact they have, the more natural the pose typically looks. Also focus on creating flattering bends and curves in their posture.
Take the time to make minor adjustments – like having them roll their shoulders back – to ensure they look their best. These little details make a huge difference in the final images but don’t disrupt the natural flow of the session. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that couples WANT you to tell them if you see something that could look better-just do it in an encouraging way!
POSING PROMPTS THAT BUILD CLIENT CONFIDENCE
Providing affirmation during the session builds client confidence, which leads to more natural photos. Find the balance between talking too much and not giving enough direction.
For more intimate shots, ask questions based on what you know about them. If they have a dog who couldn’t come to the session, you might ask them to tell each other the funniest thing their dog has ever done while they’re in a pose.
These prompts don’t always have to be deeply reflective like “do you remember how you felt the first time you laid eyes on each other”– they just need to guide the couple and create moments of genuine interaction!
ENGAGEMENT SESSION IDEAS BEYOND TRADITIONAL POSING
My sessions aren’t just a series of poses – I love including activities that help couples feel natural. One of my favorite sessions was with a couple who rented a cabin in Estes Park. We:
- Started at the Stanley Hotel, where they danced in the bar
- Explored Rocky Mountain National Park
- Had a snowball fight in the forest
- Ended at their cabin where they roasted s’mores and had hot chocolate
The photos were incredibly genuine because the couple was just having fun together, not focusing on being “models.” It was all about creating an experience that allowed their natural connection to shine through.
SMALL POSING ADJUSTMENTS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Natural posing comes down to attention to detail – how well you prepare and guide your clients throughout the entire process. From getting to know them before the session to providing clear guidance during it, every step influences how natural they’ll look in photos.
When you’re attentive to the small details while creating space for authentic moments to happen naturally, you’ll capture images that truly reflect who your couples are together.
PREVIEW OF THE NEXT EPISODE
Have you ever felt… burnt out? Join us in the next episode with my best friend and fellow Colorado wedding photographer Tyler Wright where we dive into recognizing and preventing burnout as a human and creative in the wedding industry.
MEET YOUR HOST OF THE SUNDAE BEST
I’m a former scientist turned creative (wedding photographer, mentor, and podcaster), which means I bring both analytical thinking and artistic vision to everything I do. At home, you’ll find me hosting dinner parties with a glass of red wine, cuddling my three fur babies (Mama, Erica, and Tiffany), or planning my next adventure with my husband Dan.
Whether I’m in Iceland chasing waterfalls or at home enjoying quiet morning coffee moments, I believe in finding joy in both the grand and simple things.
Through The Sundae Best podcast, I’m sharing all the ingredients that helped me build a business that gives me time for what matters, provides for my family, and keeps my creative spirit alive. No holding back—just real strategies, served with a cherry of encouragement on top!
