Tag Archives: posing

The Science of Body Language: How to Pose Naturally

Using Body Language to Look Confident and Natural in Photos

Hey there, lovebirds! So, you’re about to step in front of the camera, and maybe you’re feeling a little nervous about how to pose. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. As your photographer, my job isn’t just to take pretty pictures; it’s to capture you—your connection, your quirks, and the little moments that make your love story uniquely yours. And guess what? There’s actually a bit of science (and a dash of nerdy magic) behind looking natural in photos. Let’s break it down.


The Gravity of Love

Okay, let’s get a little sci-fi for a second. Think of your connection like gravity—you’re two planets orbiting each other, drawn together by an invisible force. When you’re posing, lean into that natural pull. Stand close, tilt your heads toward each other, and let your bodies relax into the connection. It’s like you’re in your own little universe, and I’m just here to document it.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling awkward, imagine you’re Han Solo and Princess Leia sharing a quiet moment before saving the galaxy. Close, but not stiff. Got it? Perfect.


Channel Your Inner Wes Anderson

Ever seen a Wes Anderson movie? Everything is symmetrical, colorful, and just a little bit quirky. While I’m not going to ask you to stand perfectly still like a scene from The Grand Budapest Hotel, we can borrow a little of that magic.

Here’s how: I’ll frame you in a way that feels balanced—maybe between two trees, under an arch, or in front of a row of colorful doors. But here’s the fun part—I want you to bring the quirk. Whisper a joke to each other, pull a silly face, or just laugh about an inside joke. That little bit of imperfection is what makes the photo feel real and totally you.


Stand Like You’re in a Fantasy Novel

Imagine you’re characters in your favorite fantasy novel. Maybe you’re Aragorn and Arwen, standing tall and regal as the sun sets over Middle-earth. Or perhaps you’re a pair of adventurers, ready to take on the world. Whatever your vibe, stand like you mean it.

Roll your shoulders back, stand up straight, and elongate your neck just a little. It’s not about being stiff—it’s about carrying yourself with confidence. Think of it as your “hero pose.” And if you’re feeling extra dramatic, throw in a little smolder. (Hey, it works for Flynn Rider…mostly)


Let Your Face Tell the Story

Did you know your face can make over 10,000 unique expressions? (Thanks, Star Trek, for that fun fact!) But here’s the thing: the best expressions are the ones that come naturally. A real smile isn’t just about your mouth—it’s about your eyes. Those little crinkles at the corners? That’s the gold I’m looking for.

To get those genuine smiles, I might ask you to do or say something to make you laugh. Or I’ll crack a terrible joke and see if you can keep a straight face (spoiler: you probably won’t). The more you relax, the more those tiny, authentic expressions will shine through.


Move Like You’re in a Movie

Stillness has its place, but movement brings photos to life. Think of it like a scene from The Lord of the Rings—even in quiet moments, there’s a sense of motion, like the rustle of leaves or the sweep of a cloak. So, let’s get you moving!

Walk hand-in-hand like you’re strolling through the Shire. Twirl each other around like you’re dancing at your own private ball. Or just sway gently, like you’re in your own little world. Movement not only looks amazing in photos but also helps you forget the camera is even there.


The Secret Sauce: Trust

Here’s the thing—the most important ingredient in natural posing is trust. Trust in each other, and trust in me. I’m not here to make you look like models; I’m here to capture you. So, relax, be yourselves, and let me worry about the rest.

If you’re feeling unsure, just remember: the best photos aren’t about perfect poses. They’re about the way you look at each other, the way you laugh together, and the way you naturally lean into each other like you’re the only two people in the room.


Ready to Capture Your Love Story?

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d be honored to help you tell your story through timeless, natural photos. Whether you’re channeling your inner Wes Anderson, dreaming of a fantasy-inspired shoot, or just want to keep it authentically you, let’s create something magical together.

📸 Contact me today to book your session or ask me anything—I can’t wait to hear your ideas and start planning your perfect shoot! Let’s make some unforgettable memories. 💫

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P.S. If you’re feeling extra nerdy, feel free to suggest a fandom or movie vibe you love. I’m always up for a little creative inspiration!

 

 

 

Posing for any lighting

Today, I wanted to share one of my favorite posing tips with yall! How to pose in any lighting and get the best lighting.

I’ve heard other photographers praise overcast days. “It’s the perfect lighting!” and I used to be one of those photographers, until I learned the secret. Are you ready for it?

Let’s break it down into types of lighting.

Morning/Afternoon (not noon) full-partial sun.

When the sun’s out, it’s important that you think like Peter Pan. You need to be conscious of where your shadow is, and always keep an eye out for it. Line your toes up with your shadow. This will mean that your face won’t have any of the harsh shadows it would if you were facing the other way.

This trick also works for taking pictures under spotty shade (like an oak tree). If you weren’t facing your shadow in spotty shade, you would have polka dot of shadow and light on your face.

Overcast days

You would think, that posing during an overcast day is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy… but it’s actually a little harder. Overcast lighting is opposite of full/partial lighting. You want to find the sun (hidden in the clouds) and face it directly. This will give your features just a little more depth and contrast.

Lastly, posing during high noon

Don’t do it. Just don’t. But I guess, if you’re forced to take pictures at the worst time of day, try to find some shade and face your shadow. The problem with high noon, is it’s harder to hide from harsh light because it’s directly above you instead of off to one side or the other.

 

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX
kelly@kellyurbanphotography.com
Kelly Urban Photography

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX

A Houston wedding photographer