Every bride deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and radiant on her wedding day. As one of the most photographed days in a person’s life, everyone wants to look their best. As a wedding photographer, my job is more than just taking pictures, it’s putting you at ease. So much of the ease is how comfortable you feel in front of the camera. Posing is an art, and everyone feels more comfortable in different poses because they can accentuate or detract. What works for one person may not work for another. Every person I have worked with has insecurities. Curvy brides are no different. All bodies are beautiful, but it’s important to remember different body shapes require different posing. Finding the right one can make the difference between awkward, self-conscious wedding photos and art you’ll hang on your wall forever. Practicing these five poses will highlight your assets and make you look stunning!
1. 45-Degree Angle
As a bride… you’re going to be taking photos with your partner! Over the years, I’ve found a 45-degree angle is an absolute game changer for curvy brides. Directly facing each other can be awkward anyway, so position yourselves toward the camera and one another at a 45-degree angle. This pose will subtly emphasize your curves and create a flattering silhouette. It’s relaxed and natural. If you really want to get into the art of posing: place your weight on your back leg to elongate the body and create a graceful line. You also get to have a cute moment of connectedness with your partner because it’s your wedding day! You’re in love! Connect!
2. Straight-On and Cross Those Ankles
So often we want to turn or angle away or toward the camera. That’s not always the best angle for those living in a bigger body. Photographers work in shapes and lines, and one of the most beautiful for a curvy bride is an S shape. Face the camera straight-on. (This is your time to smolder.) Cross your ankles. This combination creates a gorgeous S shape with your body; it naturally slims and elongates all while accentuating curves in the most complimentary way. This is a great pose whether you want to stare into the lens with confidence and self-assured awesomeness or captivate with a soft gaze and gentle smile. Go with what feels right!
3. Move Your Curvy Body!
You’re not boring, so your wedding photos should not be boring. So, break away from the standard photos and move around! Capturing the energy and fun of a day is such a great part of wedding photography. Movement creates fluidity and grace to shots, allowing your body to exist effortlessly as you are. Curvy brides, don’t be afraid to do a little twirl, take a step forward, show off your favorite dance moves. Your photographer will snap away and capture your relaxed, effortless beauty. Plus moving will help release any nervous or anxious feelings. Have fun with it!
4. Bring the Veil
Veils are pretty, but they can also be a powerful photography too. The veil can absolutely turn you into a romantic main character in so many different ways. Don’t be afraid to get creative. It can drape around you to create soft lines. If you’re lucky enough to have breeze—hopefully not too much—on your wedding day, let it take your veil a little for some movement, drama, and dimension. A really gorgeous moment of being cuddly with your photographer is getting under the veil together. Stay with me. Drape the veil over yourself or you and your partner and your photographer will arrange it so that it creates light, soft textures, and an intimate moment under the veil. It is an incredible way to draw attention to your beautiful face and enhance the overall composition. Trust us on this one; you won’t regret it. As a curvy bride, you can use your veil as a way to subtly cover or highlight any area you want. It’s your veil, you’re in control of it!
5. Curvy Brides: Focus on Emotion
You’re beautiful just as you are! The most flattering pose for any bride and couple are the poses focused on emotion. A truly beautiful bridal portrait comes from the emotion, love, confidence, joy, and fun. Forget about “perfect” poses. Instead, focus on the moment and raw emotion. Giggle, tease, smile, wink, jump, strut, glance at your partner. Just be you as you are because you’re enough.
These are just a start. Looking in the mirror isn’t vain! So take a look at your reflection the next time you’re in the bathroom or hallway and practice turning, posing, and moving to see what you love and how you feel good. By the time you’re in front of the camera, you’ll be confident and know your angles.
One last thing! Not only is it important to find your perfect curvy bride pose, it’s important to find a photographer who makes you feel glamorous and comfortable. I’ve created a list of questions to ask your photographer.
Want me to Capture your Wedding?
Love my work? Want me to capture you and yours? Let’s talk!! It’s easy, my email address is [Christine@swishnclick.com](mailto:Christine@swishnclick.com). Let’s have a heart-to-heart, get excited about the possibilities of your wedding or session and come up with a plan that is uniquely you! I want to hear from you.
