Radiate Awesome in Your Wedding Photos: 5 Simple Tricks

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Montreal wedding couple posing on church steps

“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are.”

This quote by renowned master photographer Paul Caponigro really captures what a great wedding photograph is: Not just a record of an event, but a representation of who people are at a particular point in time. I made up a word specifically for this: Lightness. It’s a portrait of who you are that goes deeper than just what you look like. It does captures your likeness but then blends it with your inner light (what’s amazing and unique and human about you) and physical light. Those 3 elements make the magic that Paul Caponigro spoke of.

Indeed, capturing a person’s essence takes a lot of mastery on the photographer’s part. But no amount of skill can overcome the seemingly inconsequential things, like a cell phone in a pocket or a flying strand of hair, that can ultimately create a big visual distraction in the final product.

There is an endless supply of style and makeup tips for brides out there, but as a photographer with a background in psychology, I also know that how you are thinking and feeling has a direct impact on how you look in photos. Follow these tips to let your best self shine through on the big day:

Stay Hydrated

With so many things going on, it can be easy to forget about your basic needs, like drinking enough water. Dehydration can cause chapped lips, so keep a bottle of water handy to maintain a radiant look. Another item to hang on to in a small purse (or kept with a parent or bridesmaid) is some rose-water or another favourite face-spritz for an instant revitalizer without affecting your beautiful makeup.

Breath Slowly

“Hi Lucy,

WOWWWWW!! We absolutely LOVE the [slideshow] you put together, and you did such an amazing job capturing our big day! All of the photos look amazing! I definitely “ugly cried” while watching the video haha. It really brought us back to that moment in time and helped us relive the day.

Thank you so so much for all of your hard work on the day of our wedding up until now! ”

— ~Victoria & Jonathan

Stress levels are usually very high at a wedding. When a couple is rushed, it shows up in the way they smile and hold themselves. Before having your photos taken, take a deep breath, hold it for a second or two, and let it out slowly. By slowing down your breath, you will increase your chances of feeling -- and looking -- relaxed.

Stay Warm

This is Canada. Sometimes it snows in May. Cold people tend to round their shoulders and huddle together -- not graceful poses for a photograph. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and make a coat or shawl a part of your contingency plan unless you are truly in the middle of summer. This way, if you want to be photographed in your strapless dress outdoors, you can stay warm until the last minute before the photographer is ready to shoot.

Use the Tiara Trick

If you took ballet when you were younger, your teacher probably told you to think about wearing a tiara so that you held your head up high. Even if you aren’t actually opting for a crown on your wedding day, pretending you have one will help you remember to stand taller, giving you a more confident look.

Think Positively

A genuine smile comes from more than just your mouth -- It can be seen in your entire face, including your eyes. If you need to smile, but you are thinking about your reception details, try thinking of a happy thought or memory, or just glancing at the love of your life! This will help you deliver a natural, joyful expression in your photographs.

Lightness is my main approach because it’s quite practical. Through consultation and booking, I get to know you. I combine that understanding of who you both are with the great light at your location and how beautiful you look on your wedding day.

That’s 90% of the work right there for incredible and memorable photographs. The other 10% is through elements like the tips above, and I guide you with those as well. Through my decade and more of experience with weddings, I help you relax using some fun and funny techniques. They are meant to cut through your guard, anxiety, nerves. We naturally can have all of those during a wedding day and especially in front of a camera where we feel on the spot and awkward. My techniques typically “lower the natural defenses” in order to find that receptivity. When it’s found, magic happens with natural expressions and a relaxed look! And that’s why so many clients are drawn to my portfolio - they say people in my photographs look natural and relaxed!