Most people desire natural wedding photos. When you think about your wedding portraits, you probably imagine photos that feel natural, effortless, and full of emotion—images that capture the true essence of your relationship and the joy of your wedding day. Achieving this kind of authenticity in your photos doesn’t happen by chance; it’s a combination of your comfort in front of the camera and the guidance you receive from your photographer.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve worked with many couples, and over the years, I’ve developed a set of tips that can help you feel relaxed and confident during your portrait session, resulting in stunning images that truly reflect who you are. Here are ten tips to help you look and feel your best during your wedding portraits.

1. Lean into Emotion for Natural Wedding Photos

One of the most important things you can do during your wedding portraits is to lean into your emotions. Your wedding day is filled with moments that are intensely emotional—whether it’s the first look, the exchange of vows, or even a quiet moment together before the ceremony. Allow yourself to feel everything fully. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with joy, let it show. If you’re nervous, embrace that too. These emotions are what make your wedding day unique and special, and when you let them come through in your photos, you create images that are deeply personal and meaningful.

I always tell couples that it’s okay to show vulnerability. Some of the most powerful images are those where couples aren’t afraid to shed a tear, laugh out loud, or simply gaze into each other’s eyes with love and anticipation. Don’t worry about how you look in these moments—just focus on feeling everything as deeply as possible, and trust that your photographer will capture that raw, beautiful emotion.

2. Focus on Movement

Movement can make a world of difference in achieving natural wedding photos. Static poses can sometimes feel forced or stiff, so instead, focus on incorporating movement into your portraits. This could be something as simple as walking hand in hand, twirling your partner, or even just shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Movement adds a dynamic element to your photos, making them feel more alive and in the moment.

When you’re moving, you’re less likely to overthink the pose, which allows your true personality to shine through. For example, if you’re walking together, you might start chatting, laughing, or sharing a quiet moment, all of which create opportunities for authentic, candid photos. Movement also helps to create a sense of flow in the images, which makes them more engaging to look at.

3. Shift Your Weight

One of the simplest yet most effective tips for creating a natural wedding photos is to shift your weight. Standing perfectly straight with equal weight on both feet can make you feel and look a bit rigid. Instead, try standing with your weight on one leg, which will automatically create a more relaxed and flattering posture. You can also lean into your partner slightly, which not only brings you closer together but also creates a sense of intimacy in the image.

Shifting your weight can also help you avoid feeling stiff or uncomfortable during longer portrait sessions. It’s a subtle adjustment, but it can make a big difference in how natural and at ease you look in your photos.

4. Use Your Hands Thoughtfully

Your hands play a significant role in how natural or posed your photos appear. When you’re not sure what to do with your hands, it can be easy to fall into the trap of letting them hang awkwardly at your sides, which can look unnatural in photos. Instead, think about how you can use your hands to enhance the image. For example, you could hold your partner’s hand, gently rest your hand on their chest, or play with the edge of your dress or veil.

Your hands can also add a layer of storytelling to your photos. For instance, adjusting your partner’s boutonnière, fixing a piece of hair, or holding onto your bouquet all add detail and texture to the image. These small actions help to create a connection between you and the setting, making the photos feel more immersive and real.

5. Play with Props

Props aren’t just for staged photo shoots—they can be a valuable tool in making your wedding portraits more dynamic and interesting. On your wedding day, you have built-in props that are both meaningful and beautiful, such as your dress, bouquet, veil, and of course, your partner. Use these elements to add variety to your images and create more natural wedding photos.

For example, you can use your veil to create a soft, ethereal effect by holding it up or letting it catch the breeze. Your bouquet can be held in different ways—close to your body for a more intimate feel, or slightly away from you to show off the flowers. And don’t forget about your partner—they are the ultimate prop! Holding onto each other, leaning in for a kiss, or simply embracing can create some of the most powerful and intimate images of the day.

6. Trust Your Photographer

This tip is perhaps the most important of all—trust your photographer to achieve natural wedding photos. You’ve chosen your photographer because you love their work, so trust that they know how to capture you in the best possible light. If they ask you to try something that feels a bit different or out of your comfort zone, be open to it. Often, the most creative and striking photos come from trying something new.

Your photographer will be able to see the bigger picture—how the light, background, and composition all come together to create the final image. By trusting them and following their guidance, you’ll be able to relax and focus on enjoying the moment, which will naturally result in better photos. When you trust your photographer, this is the result ⬇ Read more here.

“My wife and I finally saved up for our dream wedding in Hawaii, the best choice we ever had was to have Masha as our photographer! I am baseline awkward and she was able to make me look like a model! She is very professional, always on time/punctual with appointments and prompt email replies. She has a very in depth understanding of shadows, light, angles. I appreciate how she directs us on poses and she is very accommodating. She has a wide range of photography styles but we chose her for her editorial photography style like Vogue or Elle magazine, which is very hard to do. Would strongly recommend to anyone.”

Melinda + Andrew, Cafe Julia

7. Make the Pose Your Own

While your photographer will guide you into certain poses, it’s important to make each pose your own. Don’t feel like you need to follow the pose exactly as instructed. Bring your own interpretation to it—whether that’s a slight head tilt, a soft smile, or a glance at your partner. Adding your personal touch to a pose ensures that the photo feels authentic and true to you.

If a pose doesn’t feel right, let your photographer know. Communication is key, and a good photographer will work with you to find poses that feel comfortable, ultimately resulting in natural wedding photos. The goal is to create images that reflect your personality and relationship, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed.

8. Embrace Imperfection

One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding photography is that everything needs to be perfect—perfect hair, perfect pose, perfect smile. But the truth is, perfection can often look a bit sterile, and create the opposite effect to natural wedding photos. Some of the most beautiful images come from those perfectly imperfect moments—like a stray hair blowing in the wind, a spontaneous burst of laughter, or even a tear rolling down your cheek.

Don’t worry about whether you’re doing it “right” or if you look perfect. Instead, focus on the emotion and connection you’re sharing with your partner. These moments of imperfection are what make your photos unique and meaningful. Embrace them, and you’ll end up with images that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal.

9. Stay Present

It’s easy to get caught up in the details on your wedding day—making sure everything is on schedule, ensuring your dress is just right, or worrying about how you look in photos. But the best photos happen when you’re fully present in the moment. Try to let go of any distractions and focus on what really matters—your partner, your love, and the joy of the day.

When you’re fully present, your true emotions will naturally come through in the photos. Whether you’re sharing a quiet moment together or celebrating with your loved ones, staying present will help you look and feel your best.

10. Enjoy the Process

Finally, remember to enjoy the process. Your wedding portraits are about more than just capturing beautiful images—they’re about celebrating your love and the start of your life together. Have fun with it, laugh, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. When you’re enjoying yourself, it will show in every frame, resulting in photos that are not only gorgeous but also full of life and emotion.

If you’re looking for an editorial wedding photographer who can guide you into gorgeous, documentary-style photos with gentle direction, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out to inquire about booking, and let’s start planning how we can capture your wedding day in a way that feels natural, effortless, and authentically you.