{"id":169502,"date":"2025-10-06T04:08:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T04:08:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital-photography-school.com\/?p=169502"},"modified":"2025-10-06T15:08:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T04:08:36","slug":"pose-grooms-and-groomsmen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digital-photography-school.com\/pose-grooms-and-groomsmen\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pose Grooms and Groomsmen Effectively"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wedding days aren’t just about the bride, even though it might seem that way. As photographers we must also take photos of the groom by himself and with his groomsman buddies \u2013 whether they like it or not.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

Posing the groom alone<\/h2>\n

When posing the groom<\/a> alone you often see stiffness and shifting eyes because most men don’t feel\u00a0 comfortable having their photo taken. So it’s worth starting a conversation that has nothing to do with the wedding to relax them and settle their nerves.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

Find a nice background where you can photograph the groom at three different crops:<\/a> full-body, half-body, and close-up. These three crops will add variety to your portraits, and give you more options when choosing the best portrait to deliver to your clients.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, window lighting can add dimension and depth while the groom is adjusting his tie or watch, or buttoning his shirt. Have the groom look out the window, or at his watch or tie. This keeps his hands busy, and because he’s not looking at the camera he won’t feel as vulnerable.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

When you’re outside you can have the groom lean on a wall, or simply stand in the middle of a walkway. To help him pose naturally, tell him to stand as if he was by himself and not getting his photo taken.<\/p>\n

Also, remind him to breathe. The stiffness is often caused by the groom holding his breath. It will also help him relax his shoulders and overall stance.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"Image:<\/span>

Photographing the groom at three different crops is a great way to add variety to the final images.<\/p><\/div>\n

If the groom usually puts his hand in a pocket, have him put the one furthest from the camera into his pocket. This can help make the portrait<\/a> feel more natural. Having the groom look at various points beyond the camera (to the side, behind you, or even at his shoes) can reduce the nerves and stiffness, and make him feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

As you’re taking the groom’s portraits<\/a>, feel free to joke around, talk about things they like, or simply compliment them. This can make them feel more comfortable and bring about natural smiling and laughing, as well as fill in the silence.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting is another great way to pose the groom. Have him sit on steps, a short wall or a chair. It will make the groom feel less stiff, and allow you to focus on various details of his outfit such as his shoes or socks if he chose something special.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

Portraits of the groom while with the bride<\/h2>\n

But the groom doesn’t have to be completely alone in his portraits. A beautiful portrait of the groom with his bride can isolate him while placing him in the overall story of the wedding day.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

Pose the couple facing each other, and ask the bride to place her head on his chest or arm to bring her face out a little. Then have her close her eyes while you direct the groom to look at the camera.<\/p>\n

Another great portrait<\/a> is having the groom at a 45-degree angle, with the bride behind him. Ask her to put her head on his back\/shoulders, and have him look either directly at you or off into the distance.<\/p>\n

<\/span>\"How<\/span><\/p>\n

He doesn’t have to smile. He can even look a little more serious. But the big picture will still look romantic and show that the couple is sharing a special moment.<\/p>\n

You can move the groom and bride<\/a> from there and create variations where the groom is:<\/p>\n