Let Movement Lead the Moment
Standing stiffly and staring at the camera like it just insulted your mother is not the move. Instead, think of your shoot as a series of small, natural moments rather than a collection of static poses. Walk hand in hand, sway to an imaginary tune, or pull each other in close like you’re sharing a secret. When in doubt, a spontaneous twirl never hurt anyone (except maybe for the occasional wardrobe mishap).Movement not only makes for dynamic photos but also helps you forget that there’s a lens pointed at you. Your photographer isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for you. And trust me, “you” look a lot better in motion than frozen like a department store mannequin.
The Power of the Almost-Kiss
A full-on, movie-style kiss is great, but an almost kiss? That’s where the magic happens. The moment just before your lips touch is filled with anticipation, intimacy, and just the right amount of electricity. It’s that kind of chemistry that makes a photo feel alive.To nail this shot, lean in close and hover—foreheads touching, noses brushing, lips just about to meet. Hold that moment, let the emotions settle in, and let your photographer work their magic. Bonus points if you let out a little laugh or whisper something sweet (or ridiculous) to break the tension.
Ignore the Camera, Focus on Each Other
Your photographer isn’t capturing a posed portrait for a corporate headshot. They’re telling the story of your love—so make it personal. Look at each other, not at the camera. Whisper inside jokes, trace patterns on your partner’s arm, or just take a deep breath together. The less you focus on the fact that you’re being photographed, the more natural the images will feel.Some of the best photos happen when you completely forget the photographer is even there. That’s when the ‘just us’ feeling truly comes through.
Get Comfortable with Closeness
If you’re eloping, chances are you like each other. So, get close—closer than you think. Nuzzle into the crook of their neck, press your foreheads together, or wrap your arms around each other like you’re about to be separated for a month.Physical connection in photos isn’t just about looking cute; it translates emotion. A light touch on the face, a soft hand on the chest—those little things speak volumes. You don’t need dramatic poses when a simple, intimate touch says everything.
Embrace the Elements
If you’re eloping in the great outdoors, nature is going to have a say in your photos. Wind will toss your hair, ocean waves might soak your feet, and mountain air will turn your cheeks pink. Instead of fighting it, lean in.Let the wind whip through your clothes, let the rain create that cinematic, just-out-of-a-romance-film look, and if you’re standing on a cliff’s edge? Feel that rush together. These imperfect, real moments are what will make your photos unforgettable.
Keep Your Hands Busy
Nothing makes a person more aware of themselves than suddenly not knowing what to do with their hands. Do they dangle awkwardly? Do they go into pockets? Do you cross your arms and risk looking like you’re about to lecture someone?The solution is simple—use them. Brush hair away from a face, hold hands, wrap arms around waists, or rest a hand on a chest. Hands naturally communicate affection and connection, so let them tell part of the story. And if all else fails, grab a piece of your partner’s clothing—a jacket lapel, a sleeve, the edge of a scarf. It gives a sense of closeness without feeling overly staged.
Laugh. No, Really.
The most genuine smiles happen in the in-between moments—when one of you cracks a joke, when you trip over your own feet, or when the sheer joy of the day bubbles up into laughter. Forced smiles can look, well… forced. But a real, unfiltered laugh? That’s gold.If you feel stiff, break the tension by whispering something funny or utterly absurd to your partner. If your photographer suggests a serious, moody pose but you can’t stop giggling—embrace it. Those unscripted moments are often the most memorable.
Trust Your Photographer
You picked them for a reason, right? Let them do their thing. A great photographer knows how to guide you into natural, effortless poses without making you feel like you’re being directed in an off-Broadway production of The Notebook.Trust their suggestions, but don’t be afraid to voice what feels right for you. If something feels awkward, move until it doesn’t. If a pose makes you feel more like a cardboard cutout than a person in love, shift into something that feels natural. Your photos should look like you, not a couple playing dress-up.
Let the Quiet Moments Breathe
Not every shot needs to be filled with movement or laughter. Some of the most powerful images come from stillness—the way you look at each other, the way your hands rest together, the way you exhale in sync after an emotional moment.Take a pause. Close your eyes, feel the weight of the day, and just exist together. These quiet, unscripted moments hold as much emotion as the grandest gestures.
Leave Room for Imperfection
Not every shot will be flawless. Hair will go wild, clothes will wrinkle, and you might blink at the wrong time. But perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is. The best images come from moments that feel real, not the ones that look magazine-polished.A bit of windblown chaos? It tells a story. A wrinkle in the fabric from where you’ve been holding each other tight? It speaks of closeness. Let go of the idea of perfection, and let your love be beautifully, perfectly imperfect.
Picture Perfect? Who Cares?
At the end of the day, your elopement isn’t about the photos. It’s about the two of you—standing together, making a promise, and soaking in a moment that belongs only to you. The images are just there to remind you of what you already know: that this is your love, your adventure, and your story.So don’t stress about getting everything just right. Hold each other a little tighter, laugh a little louder, and let the camera capture what matters most—just you two.
Article kindly provided by justynadura.com