How to Be More Photogenic on Your Wedding Day

Tips and tricks to help you look your best!

Here are tips and tricks to help make sure the final pictures represent how great you looked and felt in person on your wedding.

black-and-white-photo-of-close-up-of-bride-and-groom
Photo: This Modern Romance

The reason it is so often advised to splurge on the photography for your wedding day is that the pictures are what remain once all is said and done. Naturally, you will want to look your best. However, finding the right photographer is only the first step to absolutely fabulous snapshots from your big day. Wearing perhaps the best outfit of your life and having your hair and makeup done by professionals certainly helps too.

how to look more photogenic on your wedding day

Photo by Hugh Forte; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Everyone knows one or two people who manage to always look good in photographs, but if that doesn’t describe you – don’t fret! There are tips and tricks to help make sure the final pictures represent how great you looked and felt in person on your wedding. 

- Smile with your eyes. While it may sound silly when Tyra Banks talks about “smizing” on America’s Next Top Model, this really does work. For your more serious-looking portraits, this will help convey the warmth and joy of the occasion.

- Hold something. Luckily, you’re likely to have your bouquet to keep your arms occupied, which can help prevent awkward posing when you don’t know what to do with your hands. 

- Avoid the camera lens. Looking directly into the camera, especially from a straight-on angle, is often not as flattering. Try looking away, staring into your beloved’s eyes, or even giving the camera a playful sideways glance. 

- Relax your face. As happy as you (hopefully) are, there can still be a lot of tension on the big day, especially if you’re not comfortable having your picture taken. However, you certainly don’t want to look strained in your photographs. As you start to feel stiff, close your eyes and take a deep breath in between shots. 

- Find your angles. This may take practicing in the mirror beforehand, but different poses and angles may help elongate your body. Look to red-carpet photos for ideas, as celebrities have plenty of practice and guidance on this subject.  

For more tips, discover expert advice from a wedding photographer on what to expect, find out how much retouching can be done on wedding photos, and learn what detail shots you should be sure to include.