I recently shared a guide to glamorous bridal portrait poses, but I couldn't leave out the guys! While brides are often the star of the show in wedding photos, it is just as important to let the groom have his moment. There's nothing better than a picture that makes the groom feel confident on their big day. Since guys are often nervous in front of the camera, I've come up with seven natural posing ideas for groom pictures that deliver fantastic results every time. Let's jump into my top groom poses!
1. Make Small Adjustments
One of my favorite prompts for grooms is to have them adjust their tie (or bow-tie) and jacket buttons. This pose is simple and easy for anyone—I love how editorial it looks when the groom is looking into the distance. I typically use this posing prompt when shooting close-up portraits to capture details of the groom's suit as well.
2. Classic Portrait
Once the groom has finished adjusting their suit, I move into snapping classic portraits. There are so many fun and creative ways to take a timeless groom portrait. You can get up close and personal and have the groom look directly into the camera, or step back to capture more of the surroundings. Pro tip: have the groom stagger their feet and lean in one direction to add some interesting angles and dimension.
3. Wash Your Hands
Probably the #1 question I get from grooms is "What the heck do I do with my hands?!" My go-to posing prompt is to have the groom act like they're washing their hands. Rubbing their hands gives them something to do and makes them look effortlessly cool, whether standing or walking.
4. Power Walk
The Power Walk pose for grooms is a great way to incorporate movement into their wedding photos. Step back and have the groom walk towards you slowly. You can use the Wash Your Hands prompt while the groom is walking, or guide them to put their hands in their pockets. I also think it's fun to play around with the groom holding their suit jacket over their shoulder. Prompt them to look from side-to-side and into the lens while walking so you capture a variety of shots.
5. Lean With It
The easiest way to make a groom look like a GQ model is by casually leaning against a surface. Whether it be a fence, column, or tree, leaning always looks suave. You can get really creative experimenting with the groom's hand and body positioning while they lean against something at the venue.
6. Hold the Lapel
Hold the Lapel is another awesome pose for grooms to keep their hands occupied. This pose is a favorite to give groom portraits a masculine edge. I generally prompt grooms to hold their lapel and look in the opposite direction to emphasize the contrast between their body angles. You can also have the groom look directly into the camera and lean slightly away for a similar effect.
7. Hand in Pocket
To give pictures of the groom a more casual vibe, have them put one or both hands in their pockets. This pose helps grooms loosen up and feel more comfortable in front of the camera. It's one of the easiest groom poses, but always looks sharp.
These groom poses are the secret to capturing magazine-worthy wedding day portraits! Be sure to tag me on Insta (@jessi_casara) if you incorporate any of these prompts into your big day.
If you or someone you know needs a wedding photographer, please reach out and let's chat!
xo,
Jessi
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Jessi is a lifestyle documentary photographer based in southern Alabama, serving the Gulf Coast from Mobile, AL to Pensacola, FL, along with the Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta areas. She specializes in couple, wedding, maternity, newborn and family photography, and also enjoys commercial and creative portraiture. Available for travel worldwide. Find out more at www.casaraphoto.com.
(c) Jessi Casara Photography
