Why I Hate the Word "Posing" (And What I Do Instead)

I have a confession: I hate the word "posing."

It instantly reminds me of uncomfortable "pretzel-style" positioning where every finger and toe is tweaked until the subject looks stiff and miserable.

When I work with a bride and groom, I don’t "pose" them—I direct them. I observe their natural chemistry, find what makes them smile, and guide them into good light. The result? Organic, emotional images that actually look like them.

(I’m working on a deep-dive review of my couple’s posing workflow, so stay tuned for that!)

But today, let’s talk about the chaos of the Bridal Party.

The "police lineup" (everyone standing in a straight row) is the enemy of creativity. But when you are on a tight timeline with a boring location, what do you do? Here are a few ways to kill the "lineup" and make your group shots pop.

1. Create Depth with Levels

First, scan for props. Chairs, benches, steps—anything to break up the height lines.

In the shot below, I used a sectional couch to anchor the image. I placed the groom front-and-center on the coffee table and spread the guys out to give them breathing room.

Pro Tip: Tell them to "sit how you normally would." If it looks awkward, give them a subtle tweak, but keep the mood light.

2. Break the Stare

If everyone stares dead at the lens, the photo feels dry. After I get the "safe" shot, I tell them to interact. Have them look at each other, laugh, or heckle the groom. This creates natural triangles in the composition and injects personality into the frame.

3. The Flattery Angle

Always angle bodies—especially the ladies—slightly away from the camera rather than shooting them straight-on. It’s universally flattering and gives the body a better shape.

Try and look for ways to create a triangle in your composition. There is so much you can learn from classic painters, take a look at renaissance painting for some great inspiration.

4. Match the Vibe

Read the room. Is this group soft and sentimental, or are they tough?

For the image below, I wanted a "tough guy" look. I set up two simple rows using chairs but shot from a low angle. By turning the chairs at slightly different angles, a boring group shot instantly became dynamic and powerful.

5. The "Group Squeeze"

Sometimes you have no props and a blank wall. Don't line them up—bunch them up!

I had the girls below bunch up. I encouraged them to get uncomfortably close and just laugh. Is it technically perfect? Maybe not. Does it have emotion, depth, and joy? Absolutely.

6. Fun Trumps Composition

Finally, let them play. In this last shot, the composition isn't winning any awards, but the bride wanted to jump in the tub. We made it happen.

Years down the road, they won't care about the rule of thirds—they will care about the memory of that moment.

Want more tips on composition and directing?

I’m writing a new series on using classical painting techniques to improve your photography. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don't miss it!