Make Your Wedding Photos Shine with These Unique Ideas

Wedding season has arrived, and if you’re one of the lucky men or women tying the knot this year then you’re probably neck-deep in preparations.

While you’ve (hopefully) already picked a photographer by now, you may not have taken the time yet to think of particular shots that you want. In fact, many people assume the photographer will just start snapping away, and that they don’t need to offer much or any direction.

While that is certainly an option if you trust your photographer, you might be happier with the results if you think about specific images, poses, or scenes that you’d like to have. From your typical posed wedding party photos to candid shots of you and your new husband or wife, there are tons of “standard” shots that most wedding photographers try to capture.

If you want something more than standard, here are a few ideas to help make your wedding photos as unique as you are.

You and your bride/groom holding your parents’ wedding photos

Source: Ana Lui Photography

This is a lovely idea for couples who want to honor their parents’ legacy of love. Find a print of your parents’ and your spouse-to-be’s parents on their wedding day, and hold them out in front of you.

You and your spouse can either be facing the camera or turned toward each other, but you want to have the photographer frame the shot around the photographs. For optimal results, make sure the prints are the same size.

An aerial view of the wedding dress

Source: Yvette Roman Photography

It’s nearly impossible to have too many shots of a bride in her wedding dress. After all, she’ll only wear it once!

In addition to the more traditional shots of the dress on its hanger and of the bride getting ready, consider an aerial view. There are a few ways to pull this off, but the easiest is to having the photographer shoot the bride walking down the stairs from an upper story. Make sure he or she captures the full train and veil.

Another great pose is to sit or lie down, and have bridesmaids or attendants spread the dress out to showcase its full glory. A photographer can then shoot a photo of you from above.

Individual portraits of the wedding party 

Source: Yeah! Weddings

Bridesmaids and groomsmen always get photographed together. Why not give each of them their own moment in the sun with an individual portrait? It’s a great way to showcase each attendant’s personality, and the portraits themselves will make wonderful gifts.

Photos of your musicians

Source: Style by Bravura

If you opted for a live band instead of a DJ, you’ll definitely want some photos of the musicians for your wedding album.

Photos of the band during a particularly swingin’ tune, as well as ones that capture the energy of your guests on the dance floor along with that of the performers, will interject some action in among the rest of your wedding photos.

Multiple generations

Source: Preston Bailey

Pictures of multiple generations of your family can be a touching reminder of the continuity of life.

Whether that’s a grandfather, father, and son, a grandmother, mother, and daughter, or even a grandparent, the bride or groom, and the bride or groom’s child, generational photos add a beautiful touch to the traditional wedding photo lineup. In addition to the typical posed portrait, you could ask your photographer to take a shot of your clasped hands.

Style shots from the neck down

Source: Jose Villa Photography

Take a portrait from the neck down to really emphasize the stylish beauty of the wedding dress and groom’s suit. It might feel a little odd at first, but having the photographer leave your head out of the picture will focus the viewer’s eyes on your clothes. You’ll be able to notice details that you otherwise might miss.

No matter what kind of wedding photos you decide on, making sure you have an effective way to display them after the guests have gone, the cake is eaten, and you’ve started your life as husband and wife.

With a wedding playlist on your Nixplay Cloud WiFi Digital Frame, friends and family will be able to see all your beautiful images – not just a single one.

For more on wedding photography, read our post “3 Ways to Take a Memorable Wedding Photograph.”

Looking for more bridal advice, read this article “How to Get That Bridal Glow 5 Days Before Your Big Day“.

Beatrice Bisais

Bea is Nixplay’s Social Media Manager. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading about wars, and writing stories. Send her a message at beatrice.bisais@nixplay.com.