POSING guide
For every shoot whether it be a couple’s engagement, anniversary, wedding, or even family session (in regards to the parents), I have a flow to my posing. Often times if I’m feeling anxious, I return to my “go-to” poses in order to relieve the pressure and create strong images!
These poses are my most practiced; the ones I turn to FIRST when I’m in a bind or wanting to ensure my clients get images they can use in print or display on social, announcements, etc! They’re easy for the couple and somewhat “traditional” in nature, so you know you’re covering your bases.
get past the anxiety with a few go-to poses for high pressure situations
I have done my best to show these five go-to poses and how I get into them quickly...
However, if you have any questions, comments, or even want to send over your own “go-to” pose, I’d love to hear from you!
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This is my "warm up photo." It's a way for me and for the couple to get comfortable.
I suggest doing this pose first because the pose is formal, and the couple is the MOST fresh at this time. This is the image they may want to frame or use in an announcement.
Make sure for this pose you encourage them to get really close! The closeness makes ALL the difference. Hand positioning is also important. Even in these images, you'll see slight changes within each that influence how formal or informal the image feels. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask them to make slight adjustments that will help them look most natural.
This is the first image I take at every shoot
pose #1
This is a fail proof option to start or end any session.
But be careful not to overuse this pose, as it'll make the gallery uninteresting for both the client and the viewer.
pose #2
The first thing I want to note about the second pose is you have to be ready for it! As soon as they look at each other, they're going to smile or laugh! I think it's the first time they're looking at each other during the session, and someone's photographing them spurs a cute reaction!
With that being said, you want to make sure their body positioning is ready for it. The biggest mistake I see with this pose is the couple is turned too far away from each other. You want to make sure they don't look like they are posing for high school prom!
I always love this pose because it's intimate without feeling too overdone.
Their connection comes through in this photo when they're looking into each other's eyes!
This is the type of image I envision the couple displaying at wedding showers, on the special day, and in their home.
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To signal for this image, I ask the groom to lean into the bride and tell her something in her ear. Typically, what he says will impact her reaction, but I occasionally do encourage her to respond in a certain way. For example: "When he leans in, I want you to smile softly with your eyes down or feel free to giggle if he whispers something sweet."
Most importantly, you want their faces to be turned toward each other for this image. If her face is too far from his, they look disconnected.
Hand placement is important here too because you want their hands to look relaxed and natural. In the second image, I put them under the veil and asked them to lean in as if they were about to kiss..but not kiss.
This image can be either light-hearted or serious
pose #3
This pose is great at adding just a bit of variety to the gallery without having to move the couple to a different location. Don't forget to shoot these images both close up and full length.
pose #4
Once the couple starts to loosen up, I get them moving! For this pose, I ask them to get really close (hip-to-hip) and walk toward me looking at each other.
The smiles come naturally because it's kind of funny to feel like you can't watch where you're walking!
Having the groom hold the bouquet is optional. If the bride isn't holding her bouquet, I would suggest having her hold her dress so she has something to do with her outside hand!
Take a series of images while they're walking because the slightest difference in the movement could make one image slightly better
than the other!
For additional images, move around to the bride's side and then the groom side. That's two extra frames!
These images are usually my absolute favorite! They're fun, look super natural, and provide just a hint of movement!
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It's easy to focus just on their faces, but don't forget to get shots of the couple from the back too. It's not a rare occurrence that the bride's favorite part of her dress is the back of it!
I usually begin by photographing the couple walking away from me looking at each other, and when they get just a few steps away, I ask the bride to look back at me.
The groom is left still looking at her. It's a lovely photo of the bride, and a natural feeling pose for the couple with movement!
Grab a few from the back as well
pose #5
Photographing them from different angles shows their full wedding look and gives a natural, modern feel to the images.
The couple will appreciate variety in their gallery when it comes to their portraits together!
remember these
go-to poses
Yes! Occasionally you're blessed with the luxury of slow-paced photos on a gorgeous day. But I think everyone comes into situations in their career that have them feeling stuck or frazzled. It could be bad weather, a timeline running late, a quickly setting sunset, a client ready to start their reception, etc.
As a photographer, you will absolutely have situations that fluster you. And trust me, everyone feels like they get in a rut! Having practiced, go-to poses are so helpful in making you feel ready to conquer your photography and create gorgeous images for your clients: Every. Single. Time.
next time you're feeling stressed, rushed or overwhelmed remember these five poses
Clients are looking for you to guide them into their poses during the portrait session.
It's necessary for you to be their mirror, making sure they look and feel their absolute best!
Choosing to be a part of Catherine's mentoring program was the best educational resource! As soon as we sat down I felt like I was hanging out with an old friend. The biggest things she helped me with were confidence, direction and posing, and the motivation to re-vamp my brand identity. Since participating in her mentorship I have made big changes to my session flow, editing style, and I'm currently working on my new website!
- Megan Crawford
She is very kind, helpful and experienced...truly a gem in this market!
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In one afternoon with Catherine, I learned so many valuable lessons both about my business and life. I think the reason I got so much out of our session was because of how easy and open she was when it came to any of my questions. Since the mentorship I feel like my whole business is in a much better state and I know it all stemmed from the afternoon spent learning from Catherine! Being mentored by Catherine was the greatest thing I have done for my business!
- Malise Gardiner
I learned tips on posing, marketing my work, and how to be more
confident in myself.
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During our mentoring session we tackled so much. We went over so much in regards to my photography skill set and business model... Since working with her as my mentor, I made so many changes to my pricing model and to my client interactions. I now have a strong and consistent workflow and am charging for the value I provide for my clients. I have learned so much from her and will forever be grateful for her help!
- Lindsey Rogers
I especially appreciated Catherine's direct, open and honest approach!
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Her company and business is built on tenacity and integrity that makes her the perfect person for you to work with, learn from or spend time with. You know that she is going to get the job done and have your back all along the way!
- Sarah Love, Former Photo Editor at The Knot
You know that she is GOING TO have your back all along the way!
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When I first met Cat, we immediately connected because we were both passionate about business and life. I was looking for advice on overcoming my struggles in business and direction on how to grow. Cat helped me learn from past mistakes... If you are looking for a mentor/business coach, or you are struggling getting more clients, I highly recommend you reach out to Catherine. My business has grown tremendously this past year and I'm excited about what the future holds.
- Ben Tone
Cat really helped me set goals and improve my client experience!
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The number one thing that I took away from her was the power of communicating with clients (even addressing them by name!) We talked a ton about composition, gear, shooting and how she runs the business! I especially loved observing her interact with clients... I created a list of questions before the mentoring session and we covered so much!! Catherine's willingness to help others is very contagious and it was honestly refreshing to know that there are people out there willing to share their knowledge to help others grow.
- Ashley Serpas
I was able to gain confidence and experience behind the camera as a result of her guidance!
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Not only is she personal and relatable, she is open with all of her business secrets and willing to share with others for their own growth and success. In just our first session, we came up with actionable steps and a plan for growth in moving forward. Catherine encouraged me to reach a realistic timeline and held me accountable - which was something I really needed. I have made huge changes in a short amount of time and seen growth as a result.
- Cairre Wiley
She truly invested in me, supported my vision, and cheered me on every
step of the way.
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I was able to let my guard down and let her truly see all of my weaknesses without feeling like she was totally judging me! It was a great day!!! :) My brain was a little sore by the end of it all: I haven’t had that much info fed to me in a while. I am grateful for the time with her; sometimes we all just need a little (or a big) push. I am so thankful for my mentoring session with Catherine!
- Chelsie Hebert
i am grateful for the encouraging words!
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We serve clients in need of elegant, emotional and timeless images in an era of quickly fleeting moments and fast paced lifestyles.
We aim to consistently create a body of work that is timeless, relaxed, joyful and unique to each individual client. My hope is that you will always love your images, even in the years to come.
meet the couple behind the camera
- Catherine
- Brad
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