I’ve had the opportunity to not only photograph a groom or two, but I’ve also had the challenge of getting my husband stoked about being in front of the camera.  I’ve come up with 10 Tips for Wedding Pictures, and this edition is all about the groom when he may not be that into pictures.

What am I going to wear? What is he going to wear? Two outfits or one? What about hair and makeup, shoes and accessories? Two months of planning for anniversary pictures is nothing compared to a year or more of planning for your wedding day.  The details are daunting, the day goes by sooner than you think, and what you want in the end are pictures that show how happy everyone genuinely was.  You want to see real smiles, love, joy, and happiness.

My brides love to have coverage of the entire wedding day. From start to finish. It tells a complete story.  The photos of her laughing and getting ready with her girlfriends, one last look at the gown that she knew was the one when she laid eyes on it, getting into her dress, walking down the aisle, her future husband looking at her, the kiss, the walk back down the aisle hand in hand, and all of the moments in between.  The moments that will last.

He knows how important the day is, you want the same things, but he isn’t as thrilled about 45 minutes of portrait time and possibly two locations.  I get it.

How do we get him excited about wedding pictures?  How do we get that real smile to come through?  That smile that makes you laugh when he’s not even around.

Here are 10 Tips for Wedding Pictures – The Groom Edition

I’m calling this the groom edition, and it’s a part of what I love doing on wedding days.

1. Get him involved.  Let’s make sure he is excited about what he’s wearing.  When you feel comfortable about what you’re wearing, it will make you feel even more confident in front of the camera.
2. Show up with a smile, and keep the energy high. My wedding playlist goes a long way, and Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” has taken it up a level. I believe smiles and laughter are contagious, and on a wedding day the more the merrier.
3. Give him something to do with his hands before he notices that he needs to do something with his hands. Hands in pockets, relaxed hands, hands around his beautiful bride, etc. Make the hands do something.
4. Cigars or a toast.  I say yes, and let’s add some lights to take it up a notch and make it extra special.
5. Is that GQ calling?  Make him feel like a model.  He will either laugh or really go into model mode.
6. Friends always help…get the groomsmen in on the fun.  If it’s time for portraits of him alone, one tip is to get his bestman to gently harass him during the process.  
7. Make him feel comfortable.  Let both the bride and groom know that you will be by their side the entire day, and that you won’t leave them alone not knowing what to do.  
8. Let’s make it natural…Check the hands, check the light, pose gently and then give him all the permission to relax and be himself.  
9. Make it fun and compliment out loud.  Keep talking, have a few jokes handy, and tell him he’s doing a great job. 
10. Don’t skip an engagement session.  It will surely take the pressure off on your wedding day because you both will know exactly what to expect.  Sometimes that means I have to come up with a new joke.

I hope you enjoyed these tips to get your groom excited about your wedding pictures. Most of the pressure is on your wedding photographer, but at least you can help him breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he won’t be tortured.

Have a wonderful day, and happy wedding planning!

Know a bride or groom who needs these tips, feel free to tag and share!

Shawon is currently booking 2017 Weddings, and would love to talk to you about your wedding day.

You can contact her here for more information.