Behind the Lens: A Photographer’s Guide to Being a Groom

When you look at your wedding gallery years from now, we don’t want you to just see what you looked like, we want you to remember exactly how you felt.

As wedding photographers, we spend the entire day observing the unspoken dynamics, the lighting, and the pacing of a wedding.

From our side of the camera, a groom isn’t just half of the couple; you are a primary anchor for the day’s energy.

To help us get those epic, cinematic shots you’ll want to hang on your wall, here is our best advice for the groom, straight from behind the lens.

1. The Prep Room: Clutter is the Enemy of Cinematic Shots

We love capturing the candid camaraderie of the guys getting ready. But visually, a background filled with plastic garment bags, half-eaten fast-food wrappers, and scattered luggage can take a photo from "timeless editorial" to "college dorm room" real quick.

• Designate a "Clean Corner": Keep one area of the groom's suite completely clear of trash and bags near a window. That way, when we arrive to shoot your portraits and the tie-tying moment, the background is pristine.

• Keep your details together: Have your shoes, watch, rings, custom socks, and cologne sitting in one spot ready for us. It saves 20 minutes of hunting things down and gives us more time to focus on you.

2. Slow Down by 50%

When nerves kick in, human beings naturally speed up. You might rush down the aisle, rip the rings out of your pocket, or plow through the first kiss.

For the sake of your photos, hit the slow-motion button.

The Ring Exchange: Don't cover the ring with your hand when slipping it onto their finger. Hold it by the sides so the camera can actually see the moment.

The First Kiss: Hold it for at least three full seconds. Don't just do a quick peck and pull away. Give your partner a real, meaningful kiss, and give us enough time to lock focus and capture different angles.

3. Pocket Etiquette (Free Your Fit)

Nothing ruins the clean lines of a well-tailored suit quite like a massive bulge in your front pockets from an iPhone, a bulky leather wallet, and a ring box.

The Golden Rule: Empty your pockets completely before the ceremony and portraits. Hand your phone and wallet to your Best Man or a coordinator. The only thing in your pockets should be a lint-free handkerchief (in case your partner needs their tears dabbed).

4. How to Face Your Partner at the "Altar"

During the ceremony, a lot of grooms instinctively face the officiant, standing rigid like a soldier. This means the camera only gets the back of your head or a harsh profile view.

Instead, turn inward and look at your partner. 

Hold both of their hands.

Not only does this ground you and calm your nerves, but it also allows us to capture the genuine expressions on your face, the smiles, the tears, and the laughs, from the sides of the altar.

5. Trust the Prompts, Forget the Camera

The most common phrase we hear from grooms is, "I’m awkward in front of the camera." We get it. You aren't a professional model.

But our job isn't to make you hold stiff, awkward poses. We use dynamic prompts, ie asking you to whisper something ridiculous in your partner's ear, walk together, or spin them around.

When we give you a prompt, don't look at the lens to see if you're doing it right. Keep your eyes on your partner. Lean into the laugh. The magic happens in the candid, unscripted moments between the poses.

The Big Picture

At the end of the day, the best thing you can wear is confidence. If you are having fun, relaxed, and entirely present with your partner, it will radiate through every single photograph.

Let us handle the lighting and the angles, you just focus on marrying the love of your life.