How To Pose Like A Star For Your Wedding Photos

Think of your wedding day as your red carpet moment. A glamourous gown, flawless hair and makeup, and being photographed from all angles, morning ‘til night. How do Lady Gaga, Zoe Kravitz, Angelina and Nicole always manage to look perfect in every picture? They know the secrets—how to pose, find the best light and work with the camera. This is something you need to be savvy about for your wedding day and we spoke to Alvaro Goveia, one of Canada’s top fashion photographers (he's shot Andi MacDowell, Tessa Virtue and supermodels like Liisa Winkler, Daria Werbowy, Tasha Tilberg to name just a few) and a regular Weddingbells contributor for his secrets to flawless photos and how to put your most photogenic, beautiful self forward!

As an editorial photographer, impactful photography is essential in your work? What is the secret to capturing an amazing photo? “The secret is quite simple actually. It’s about capturing great light and communicating with your subjects. Relaxed comfortable subjects give you great moments and great moments make great photographs.”

For the royal wedding, Harry and Meghan famously chose an editorial fashion photographer for their shots and the results were very different and modern wedding photos. What did you love about the photos and how did you find them fashion forward? “The photographer of choice, Alexi Lubomirski, captured modern wedding portraits of the royal couple. They were not the traditional look-at-the-camera type of portraits. Some had the couple looking off camera, at each other, or a mix of both. There were photos with their eyes closed, big smiles as well as more tender, intimate smiles. The photographs captured a moment and the selects were tastefully edited, the couple looked like themselves, comfortable and enjoying having their photograph being taken. Even the family portraits had a fashion angle as they were beautifully styled and art directed. The room had green accents, which matched the flowers and the outfits of HRH The Queen and Meghan’s mother Doria. It was a very stylish and different take on a traditional wedding photo.”

Posing for photographs is difficult, but the right angles makes the difference between a good and a great photo. What are your expert tips for posing? “One of the best insider tips I can share: keeping your chin down is key! It makes your eyes appear bigger and you should constantly refresh your smile. Standing or sitting slightly on the side as apposed to straight to the camera always gives your body nicer silhouette.”

How should a couple let their photographer know they would like unique, different and editorial feeling images on their wedding day? “Have a conversation with your photographer and tell her or him what you are looking for in your photographs. Show the shots you like in their portfolio, and references you love from magazines or Instagram. Explain what you love about the references and work together to create your style for the day.”