Tag Archives: posing tips

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!

 

 

 

Look sexy, but still you!

How to look smexy in your photos, while still looking like you!

As you may (God I hope you have) noticed by now, I specialize in all things nerd. I love a good nerdy couple with their nerdy interests sprinkled, or shoved, into your face in their photos, their wedding decor, their whole being. One thing I can tell you I hear a lot from my couples, I always feel awkward, or I’m not really sexy.

Here’s what I want to ask you my nerd:

  • Is Hahn Solo sexy?
  • What about Princess Leia or Queen Amidala (especially when she’s kicking ass like in Attack of the Clones)?
  • Is there an Anime character you had/have a crush on?
    • As a kid, I crushed HARD on Quatre Raberba Winner…
  • Is Rhysand or Xaden sexy?
  • How about Flynn Rider?
  • What about a DND character you or someone else created?

The point is, those characters are sexy because they were heroic and confident. They were filled with passion and desire. Anyone can be heroic and confident! You can take your passions and personality and form them into a shell to enhance your sex appeal. Use it!

Here are some tips to using your passions to help you feel & look sexy in your photos:

  • Think about your favorite character you want to emulate and get into their stance, their gait their slouch… Then make it your own.
  • Be gentle while still feeling powerful.
    • Your hands & fingers should always be touching your partner delicately, but you should be using your strength to pull them tight against you.
    • Using a single finger (like your thumb or pointer) push your partners chin up to look at you.
  • Take deep confident breaths
    • One of my favorite things to do to help make an image sexy is to have my couple lean in to kiss painfully slowly. Take a breath with your mouth right before you kiss.
    • Take deep confident breaths with your mouth while nuzzling your partners neck or hair.
  • Be possessive of your partner (More passion!)
    • This person is yours. You would die for them. You would kill for them… hold them accordingly. Look into their eyes like you mean it. Kiss them as if it was your last kiss.

Take these suggestions and make them your own. I will always be here to help you look good, but you need to feel confident and madly in love with your partner to make your images hit that level of fire! Be confident in who you are! You are the only you there is in this world (and probably the next).

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

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX

A Houston wedding photographer