3 Poses That Never Feel Posed (And Look Amazing in Photos): Natural Wedding Photography Poses
If you’re worried about looking stiff or awkward in your wedding photos, you’re not alone. One of the most common concerns I hear from couples is: “We’re not great in front of the camera.” That’s exactly why I’ve built my approach around natural wedding photography poses—the kind that feel effortless, real, and totally you. All of my clients walk away from our sessions telling me it was easier than imagined. Having a the perfect balance of guidance, movement and prompts helps you be relaxed, look natural and love your photos. Even the guys usually speak up and admit they had fun!
As a Colorado wedding photographer who blends film and digital photography, I focus on creating a space where you can connect with each other, rather than stress about the camera. Below are three go-to poses (really, prompts) I use at nearly every session and wedding that lead to the kind of candid, emotion-filled images couples love most. Time and time again I hear from couples who want things to look and feel candid but are nervous about being in front of the camera. If everything was candid, you wouldn’t know what to do with yourself half of the time. If everything was posed, you’d get tired and feel stressed. Balance is the key word to achieving natural wedding photography poses and photos that you love.
What it is: I’ll ask you to walk together, side-by-side or with one of you slightly behind the other. I might throw in something silly to make you laugh or have you talk about your first date or upcoming honeymoon. We alternate between directions and simple suggestions to get the two of your interacting naturally.
Why it works: Movement is your best friend when it comes to natural photos. You forget the camera is even there, and it helps loosen up nerves fast. Bonus: the scenery gets to shine too, especially if we’re shooting in the Colorado mountains.
Pro tip: Don’t worry about where to look—your partner is your anchor here. Natural wedding photography poses don’t need to be over complicated. The best moments are the ones where you are enjoying each other.
Beaver Creek Mountain Summer Wedding
Fall Wedding at Flying Diamond Ranch, Steamboat Springs
What it is: I’ll have you face each other and get close. Like bellies touching close. I want you to focus only on each other, let the rest melt away. A few prompts and and subtle moves can provide a series of intimate and natural photos from here.
Why it works: It creates instant intimacy and softens your energy. That connection reads beautifully on camera, especially on film.
Photographer’s note: I love to move myself more than my couple during this one. Shooting close up, wide and different angles. This gives me a variety of photos with little effort and less new posing. Bonus: it’s a quiet moment for the two of you.
Fall Wedding at Flying Diamond Ranch, Steamboat Springs
Beaver Creek Mountain Summer Wedding
A Classic Summer Wedding In Vail Colorado
What it is: You- facing the camera. I know, I know, this feels like a lot but I promise it’s easy! It’s the simplest forward facing portrait pose. Bring your bodies together to make a V and face towards the camera. From here little movements and interactions provide stunning natural wedding photography poses. A good portrait will never go out of style.
Why it works: It’s a natural and easy way to hold the body. Little changes in hands, heads and eyes can provide a variety of photos with little effort.
Photographer’s Note: While the idea of portraits might cause some anxiety, I promise just one stunning portrait will last forever. It’s the photo that gets passed down for generations. It’s the one you’ll hang on the wall. Make it easy, make it beautiful, make it you.
A Classic Summer Wedding in Vail, Colorado
Vail Wedding Deck
Fall Wedding at the Westin Avon in Beaver Creek, Colorado
The best wedding photos don’t come from following a shot list—they come from trust, connection, and being present. My approach to natural wedding photography poses is less about choreography and more about creating space for real emotion to unfold.
If you’re planning a wedding or engagement session and want photos that reflect your energy—not some Pinterest-perfect template—I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.