Picture it.

You’re apart of your best friend’s wedding party and it’s time for photos. You’re really not sure what to expect, so you just wait to be told what to do. You’re a little uncomfortable because its warm and you don’t really like being photographed. Maybe you just feel a little awkward. Maybe none of that is you at all. You’re the life of the party, and you’re bringing that party with you where ever you go. You’re all about being in front of the camera, but you don’t know how you’re expected to pose.

Today, I’m going to offer a few tips for you to take into your next wedding photoshoot.

SPACING
As a photographer, I always see issues with spacing during posed group formals. There are big gaps between people and some people are hiding behind others. This is not going to look great in photos. I’m not saying you need to cram together like sardines, but squish close enough together where you’re gently touching the person next to you. As I always say, “Act like you like each other.” This eliminates any awkward or uneven spacing.

The other spacing tip I have is if you’re in the middle row or back row, find a window or gap between the heads of the two people in front of you. Stand in a way that your face shows between the two people ahead of you. This makes it so everyone can be seen and it adds a little bit of dynamic to the image.

POSTURE
I see this regularly with the group formals. A lot of people slouch. That’s not news to anyone, but in photos, it’s important to stand up straight, shoulders back. Good posture communicates something.

RELAX
Chill the eff out. For real. It’s important to relax because if you don’t you will look stiff and uncomfortable. This shows up in photos and doesn’t communicate a good message. It makes you look nervous, uncomfortable, sometimes even unhappy.

One good way to relax, aside from making sure you’re relaxed going into the wedding day, is to take few deep breaths and check in with your body and see if you notice any areas of tension. Then just give your body a stretch, roll your shoulders around and shake out your arms. It takes like two seconds. Will you take shit for it? You might, but you won’t be the one being awkward in photos. Then stand up straight, shoulders back, and show off how good you look.

SMILE AS DIRECTED
You’re adults, it’s a wedding day. You know to smile when it’s time to smile. Don’t complain to me because someone in your photos didn’t smile or refused to smile. It is not my job to get you to smile. I photograph people as they are. If you don’t want to smile, I’m going to capture that. If your kid is cheesing out, I’m definitely going to capture that. Bottom line is that I’m not responsible for someone who doesn’t or refuses to smile.