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How to look great in your wedding photos: tips from a professional wedding photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and your photos will capture those memories forever. Naturally, you want to look your absolute best! As a professional wedding photographer, I know that lots of couples have nerves around whether they’ll look their best on photos: so many people say they hate having their photo taken, or they’re not photogenic. However, I’m pleased to say that I’ve never photographed a couple who look anything other than radiant and gorgeous in their wedding photographs! I’ve seen many couples come to life in front of the camera with just a few simple adjustments and confidence-boosting tips. So if you’re feeling a little apprehensive about looking your best on your wedding photos, here’s my advice to help you look great and feel natural on the big day…

 

 

1. Be yourself

The best wedding photos capture authentic emotions. Focus on your partner, your friends, and the joy of the day instead of trying to “perform” for the camera. When you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, that natural happiness shines through. Don’t worry about looking perfect; just embrace the moment and let your personality come through.

 

2. Practise good posture

Good posture makes a world of difference in photos. Stand tall, keep your shoulders relaxed, and try not to slouch. To look both confident and relaxed, think of pulling your shoulders slightly back and lifting your chin. It can help if you imagine a string gently pulling you upwards from the top of your head.

For sitting shots, lean slightly forward to avoid the camera catching an unflattering angle and keep your back straight for an elegant look.

3. Find your best angles

Most people have a “better side” they feel comfortable with. If you’re unsure, ask your wedding photographer to take a few test shots ahead of time. During the shoot, try to angle your body slightly instead of standing straight on – this adds depth to your pose and creates a more flattering silhouette. Placing your weight on your back foot can also add a more relaxed, natural look.

4. Avoid forced smiles

A natural smile is always more flattering than a forced one. During the photoshoot, think of moments that make you genuinely happy or laugh with your partner. Your photographer may prompt you to share an inside joke or remind you of a funny memory – this usually brings out those truly joyful expressions that make a photo feel personal and real.

 

5. Relax your hands

Stiff hands can make you appear tense. When you’re posing, let your hands fall naturally by your side, or try holding your partner’s hand or a small prop, such as your bouquet. Gentle touches or slight movements, like adjusting your partner’s tie, create subtle interaction and look wonderfully natural.

6. Trust your wedding photographer

An experienced wedding photographer will know how to guide you through poses and capture the most flattering angles, even in candid shots. Trust their expertise, and let them lead you through the process. We’re here to ensure you look your best without adding any stress to your day.

 

Wedding photographer North Wales

Wedding Photographer Chester

7. Don’t forget the details

Small details, like checking that your hair, tie, or veil is in place, can make a big difference. Your wedding photographer will help keep an eye on these details, but it’s always useful to have someone on hand for touch-ups. A quick check before each set of photos can help you feel confident that everything is in place.

The most important thing: enjoy your day!

When you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, you’ll look amazing in your photos. Wedding photos should reflect your happiness, love, and excitement, so focus on celebrating and making memories. By following these simple tips, you’ll feel more comfortable and look your best in every shot.

One of the best tips I can share is to trust your wedding photographer: we know what works, and we want you to look your very best. We will help and support you through your shots.

I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales, and I would love to hear more about your upcoming wedding plans. If you have any questions about your wedding photography, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

A magical day at Colshaw Hall, Cheshire

I’ve been so excited to share this beautiful wedding with you all. Not only did it take place at one of my new favourite venues – the stunning Colshaw Hall in Cheshire– it was the wedding of a lovely couple who’s family I have known for years, so it was an absolute pleasure to be involved in this fabulous day.

The lovely bride and groom are called Franci and Andrew. Quite a few years ago, I was the wedding photographer at Franci’s uncle’s wedding where Franci was bridesmaid, and so young (which makes me feel very old!)

The weather wasn’t very kind to us but that doesn’t matter when you’re at a venue as beautiful as Colshaw Hall. This luxurious Grade II-listed country estate is located just outside the village of Over Peover in Cheshire and boasts a rich history, breathtaking interiors, and picturesque grounds, making it a dream destination for weddings and wedding photography.


Franci and Andrew’s wedding at Colshaw Hall, Cheshire


On the morning of the wedding, I started my day with Franci and her bridal party who were getting ready in the gorgeous bridal prep room at Colshaw Hall.




While the girls were enjoying getting pampered with a glass of fizz, my wonderful second photographer for the day, Jon Hesketh, arrived to take some photos of Andrew and his groomsmen getting ready for the big day ahead.

 

I especially love these brilliant photos of Andrew making the most of one of Colshaw’s fabulous backdrops.




As a wedding photographer, I always love the moment when the father of the bride sees his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time; it’s always such a special moment, and this was certainly no exception.



Wedding photography at Colshaw Hall

 

Franci and Andrew had their ceremony in the Stables Ceremony Room – a purpose-built structure featuring exposed beams and tranquil views of the walled gardens, ideal for exchanging vows in a romantic setting.



After the ceremony we headed outside in a flurry of confetti, and it was time for the group shots, as well as a few shots with Franci and Andrew’s adorable pet dog!

 


Colshaw Hall is a truly stunning Cheshire wedding venue, both inside and out, and I made sure to make the most of this by capturing some show-stopping images of Franci and Andrew. I must admit I absolutely LOVE these images from the day: the couple look stunning and the venue was dressed so beautifully by Uplit Event Hire. Here I need to also credit my good friend and second shooter Jon Hesketh Photography for all the help on the day, and also want to thank Franci and Andrew for trusting us with our ideas ( especially Jon with his light!) – WOW wasn’t it worth it?!

 



It was then time for the reception in another stunning space dressed by Uplit Event Hire.



Six15 led the evening entertainment, and kicked off a fantastic night of partying and celebration: the perfect end to the perfect day!


 

Wedding photographer in Cheshire 

As you can probably tell, I absolutely loved being a part of Franci and Andrew’s special day at Colshaw Hall and am so glad they chose me as their wedding photographer.

If you’re getting married at Colshaw Hall, or any other venue in Cheshire, North Wales or Chester, and would like advice on your wedding photography, please don’t hesitate to contact me; I’d love to chat about your plans. I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales. 

A Wedding Photographer’s Guide to Great Group Shots

Let’s be honest, group shots are a bit of a ‘love or hate’ thing for most couples. I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, and I specialise in natural, relaxed wedding photography. This means that I tend to attract couples who want to keep things laid-back, without the fuss of too many posed photos, and aim for a chilled atmosphere on their big day. Often, couples have a bit of hesitation when it comes to group shots – no one wants their guests hanging around for ages waiting for photos.

The good news is that you can have the best of both worlds – a relaxed wedding day with natural, candid photography and some great group shots. It’s all about finding the right balance. So, here are my tips for nailing your group shots without spoiling the fun!

Organisation is key

One of the biggest worries couples have is that their guests will end up standing around for what feels like forever during the group shots. The secret to avoiding this? Organisation.

Before the wedding, I’ll always ask for a list of around ten group shots you’d like. This way, I already know who needs to be where, and we can keep the time spent taking group shots to a minimum. I usually suggest starting with the large group shot first, so anyone not needed for the smaller groups can go grab a drink or settle into the party.

If you’re nervous about group shots slowing down the day, have a chat with your photographer – we’ll have plenty of tricks up our sleeves to keep everything running smoothly.

Less is more when it comes to group shots

I recommend sticking to around 10 group combinations. You can always have more if you like, but I often find couples think they need far more group shots than they’ll actually end up wanting. Ask yourself: will you include all of these in your album? Will you look back on every single one? If not, you probably don’t need them all.

Focus on the most important groups – everyone, immediate family, bridal party, and parents. That way, we can keep the formal photos to a minimum, leaving plenty of time for candid shots and enjoying the day.

And don’t forget – I’ll be there for most of the day, which means there’s plenty of opportunity to capture more spontaneous group photos later on.


Enlist some helpers

While I’ll make sure to get to know who’s who before the big day, it’s always handy to have a couple of helpers to round up guests for photos. Ushers are perfect for this – just make sure they’re not too distracted by the bar! A couple of responsible helpers can make the whole process much smoother, and we’ll get through the shots in no time.

 

Get creative with your group shots

Who says group shots have to be dull and stiff? These days, it’s all about getting creative. Whether it’s finding a unique location at your venue or capturing the personality of your group, there’s no need to stick to a boring line-up.

Maybe the bridesmaids laughing with the bride, or the groomsmen having a cheeky drink together – these moments add personality and can make your group shots stand out.

I’m also an award-winning creative wedding photographer, and I love getting creative with props such as smoke bombs and drones to capture group shots which are never boring!

Abbeywood Estate wedding photography Cheshire

Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales

With a little creativity and some smart organisation, your group shots can be a fun and memorable part of your day – without taking up too much time. So, if you’re looking for relaxed, natural wedding photography with some group shots thrown in, you’ve come to the right place!

I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester, and North Wales; if you’d like to chat about your wedding photography ideas, I’m always happy to help! Please get in touch today.