The Joy Blog

"You CAN'T be in the center aisle!!"

english weddings

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes of a professional photoshoot? Let me take you there! From directing a bride to fuss with her veil in just the right way to adjusting the perfect tilt of her chin, every detail matters when creating timeless images. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just someone curious about the magic behind the lens, this post is for you.

Setting the Scene

This shoot was all about capturing those genuine, romantic vibes. Imagine a bride softly adjusting her dress, looking out the window with a dreamy gaze. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about crafting a story.

For example, one moment involved directing the bride to tilt slightly, hold her dress just right, and look out the window as if lost in thought. The trick? It’s all about subtle guidance. A small adjustment in posture or expression can transform an ordinary shot into something extraordinary.

Another standout moment was capturing those delicate in-between actions, like fussing with her veil or playfully tossing it for a more dynamic feel. These fleeting, unscripted moments often turn out to be the most memorable.

 

Pro Tips for Perfect Shots

  1. Posing is Everything: Guiding clients with specific cues like “Look up as if you’re about to walk upstairs” creates natural movement in the frame. These prompts make your subjects feel less posed and more authentic.

  2. Play with Perspectives: Sometimes, the best shots come from unexpected angles. For instance, leaning on a railing or “slow dancing” with their partner can add layers of emotion to the photos.

  3. Engage Your Clients: A lighthearted atmosphere makes all the difference. A little laughter, a compliment, or simply sharing how amazing they look can make them relax, and that translates beautifully on camera.

 

Join the Photo Insiders Community

Want more insights like this? That’s where my Photo Insiders community comes in. It’s a hub for photographers who want to elevate their craft with actionable education and behind-the-scenes access.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Exclusive Tutorials: Learn posing, lighting, and troubleshooting techniques with detailed, step-by-step videos.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Access: Watch real shoots with clients (not just models) and see how I navigate each session.

  • Community Support: Connect with other photographers in our private Discord channel, ask questions, and share your wins.

  • Live Coaching Calls: Get your questions answered directly during our monthly live sessions.

Photography is about more than just snapping pictures; it’s about creating moments that matter. Join us at Photo Insiders to take your skills to the next level.

 

Final Thoughts

Photography is as much about the journey as it is the final image. From guiding your clients to finding the perfect tools that support your craft, every detail contributes to the bigger picture. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration or just a peek behind the curtain, I hope this gave you a glimpse into the art and joy of photography.

 

Ready to learn more?

Take the free Speed Posing 101 class

Learn how to pose individuals, couples, and groups with precision and speed. This free class will help you shoot with confidence no matter the situation and consistently wow your clients with a variety of stunning images.

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"You CAN'T be in the center aisle!!"


Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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Come sit at our “lunch table” and learn with top-notch video lessons released monthly, a private community and live photoshoots. Join our live group coaching calls, request videos, and get your individual questions answered.

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