If you’ve ever scrolled through wedding photos and thought, “Oh no, not that pose again,” you’re not alone. Most couples I meet tell me they don’t want their photos to feel stiff or forced. They want something real, something that feels like them. And honestly that’s where the magic happens.

Forget Perfect, Go for Real

When I first started photographing weddings, I thought couples wanted those magazine-style, posed shots. But over the years, I’ve learned that what truly makes photos stand out isn’t the poses, it’s the moments.

That quick laugh after a whispered joke, the tear on your mom’s cheek, or the way your friends dance like nobody’s watching. Those are the photos that carry meaning. Those are the ones you’ll treasure.

Why Authentic Photos Last Longer

Perfect poses might look good today, but it’s the authentic ones that will make your heart skip years from now. When you see a photo of your partner looking at you the way only they do, you’ll be brought right back to that moment. That’s timeless.

Cringy poses fade. Real emotions stay.

Candid Over Perfect

Candid photos have a way of showing the real love story. They’re not staged, they’re lived. Sometimes the best shots happen when you’ve completely forgotten about the camera—when you’re just being yourselves.

Think about it: would you rather remember the exact way you held a “pose” or the way your dad smiled at you before walking you down the aisle?

How to Avoid the “Cringe Factor”

Here’s how to make sure your wedding photos stay authentic:

• Be present. Focus on each other, not the camera.
• Move naturally. Walk, dance, whisper, hug—movement makes photos come alive.
• Trust your photographer. (That’s me, hopefully!) We’ll guide you gently, not stiffly.
• Include your people. Some of the most powerful photos are of your family and friends, not just the two of you.

A Quick Story

I once worked with a couple who begged me, “Please, no stiff poses.” Instead, we wandered after their ceremony, letting them just be. They teased each other, held hands, and got lost in their own little world.

Later, they told me those photos looked exactly how their love felt. That’s what makes wedding photos stand out, it’s not about avoiding awkwardness, it’s about embracing what’s real.

Final Thought

Your wedding doesn’t need cringy poses to stand out. It needs you, your laughter, your people, your story. Let the day unfold, and trust that the beauty will follow.