Have you ever seen those old school wedding photos where every photo looked as if the Adams family were the photo-shoot coordinators? You know; those photos that were overly scripted and a little stiff thanks to an old fashioned photographer and a bridal party who had no idea how to pose for photos. Never fear; not having any formal modeling training doesn’t mean your photos have to come out looking all stiff and unnatural (seriously, where do I put my hands?)

(photo credit: rooklaneweddings.com)

We’ve snapped together a few tips from expert photographers on how to make your wedding photos look as natural and relaxed as we’re sure you’ll feel on your big day.

Smile a Lot, but Not Too Big. Everyone looks better when they smile, you look happy and natural. It’s the type of smile that can be the difference between a lovely photo on your new husband’s desk at work and the snarling photo your relatives make you take out for a good laugh during the holidays. Sometimes the way you think you’re smiling and the way you’re actually smiling are two different images altogether. We get it – some people aren’t naturally smiley people. If you or your groom is required to just smile at a moment’s notice try a mirror technique to help your practice your smile. In a mirror, relax your mouth and try to smile the smallest smile you can muster, enough to get your eyes involved. Use that as your range of motion for your individual photos of just the bride that aren’t candid shots. This is of course for those brides who are not naturally smiley people (see Mark Zuckerberg’s wedding photo). On your wedding day we’re sure you’ll be so happy, that the smiles will be overflowing.

Don’t Pucker Up to Kiss. It’s natural to want to pucker your lips when the photographer shouts, “Ok give us a kiss!” Don’t pucker! Just go in naturally and wait for your lips to meet or you’ll end up with duck lip pictures (think Snooki… exactly)! Non-pucker kisses should be fun to practice at home, although we’re sure we don’t need to tell you this!

Try Not to Slouch. If you’re being photographed while sitting hunching over can give you a bit of a bulge *gasp*! When you’re standing or sitting with your back straight, you tend to look at least 5 pounds slimmer with a better frame (not that you need it or anything but it can’t hurt!)

Watch the Roses! You spent all that money on your pretty dress; let us see it! Hold your bouquet low enough for your bodice to show but high enough to be in the picture (if you’re going to hold it at all).

Embrace Each Other Like you’re… Well… Family! The standard “short ones in the front, tall ones in the back” does not apply to your wedding photos. Your wedding day is not just emotional for you and your groom. Hug your mom, hold hands with your sister(s) and kiss your dad on the cheek. It’s not just about being seen in photos but showing just how happy you are with your new life and having everyone there to share this moment with you. If your photographer is more of the standard photography type, don’t be afraid to say “let’s try something fun and adventerous” after snapping shots of your whole family just standing there smiling.

(Photo Credit: weddinator.com)

Keep Your Hands Relaxed. Rigimortis fingers… yeah that doesn’t sound attractive to us either. Try not to space out your fingers too much and if you have masculine hands (as some women do) make a mental note to keep your hands and fingers soft looking.

Don’t Squint. It is natural to squint in very bright sunlight or even in the afternoon if you’re not used to the sunlight. If you must use props such as parasols or natural tree shading then do that. Even a photo of you and your husband facing each other with his hand shielding both your eyes can look like a sweet moment with a sweet gesture being portrayed.

Be as Natural as You Can. For some people taking pictures is the most natural thing in the world; others avoid cameras like the plague. The last thing you want to think about on your wedding day is how horrible you’re going to look on camera; so don’t think about it. Focus on your guests, the lovely speeches being made, look at your ring, and smile at your groom. Just enjoy the wedding and trust that your photographer is a pro and knows how to get those candid shots that turn into beautiful memories.

(Photo Credit: hellobeautiful.com)

Now smile…you’re getting married!