If you flick through your parents or grandparents wedding albums you may notice that they are all rather formal, well organised shots. Whilst there is still a place for these as, they ensure that you get photographs with your nearest and dearest, it has also become extremely popular to achieve natural wedding photos. The type of photographs which capture special moments as they play out and raw emotions as they come to the surface.
Here are a few pointers on how to achieve natural wedding photographs during your big day.
Choose the Right Photographer
This might sound obvious but first of all you need to make sure that you choose a natural wedding photographer to capture your big day. Take a look through the online albums of potential photographers to make sure that they offer the type of candid shots that you want. It is also extremely important to speak to or meet potential photographers before booking them to ensure that you feel comfortable with them. If you don’t feel that you can be relaxed around your wedding photographer then it’s likely that this will show on your photographs.
Get to Know Your Photographer
Once you have chosen your natural wedding photographer, get to know them! Building a rapport is essential. It’s also important that you let them get to know you. If a photographer understands your personality they can bring that out in your wedding photographs. For example if you have a great sense of humour your photographer will likely keep the mood light and ensure you get lots of natural photographs of you laughing.
Be Tactile
As mentioned at the start, there is still a place for organised group photos but these can still look natural. Rather than standing with two feet firmly facing forwards and gaps which could be mistaken for social distancing, you should get close and comfy with your friends and family. Not only will this achieve natural looking wedding photos but it will also show the special and unique bond that you have with those closest to you. This is sure to bring a smile to your face when you look back on your photographs.
Look Away
One misconception is that if your photograph is being taken you should look at the camera, or even say cheese! Whilst it is nice to have some shots of you looking directly into the lens, as a photographer I don’t do this with all my pictures. In order to achieve the most natural wedding photos I might ask for someone to admire the view, watch your guests enjoying themselves or even look at your partner as they look into the lens.
Try some Fun Poses
Your photographer will most likely suggest that you try some fun poses to achieve some natural photos but there is no harm in having some up your sleeve yourself. Spinning around in your beautiful dress or pulling some funny faces will not only create some great action shots but also make you laugh and provide some natural moments afterwards for your photographer to capture. I also have a few word association games I get couples to play which make them laugh together.
The Key to natural wedding photography is definitely this – Have fun and be yourselves! So enjoy your day, revel in the company of your loved ones and don’t worry about the photographers. Just let them do their thing.