For Couples Searching for Their Perfect Wedding Photographer in 2025: Part 4 of My Series : Posing Guidance!
You absolutely ate up the first 3 posts in this series (Storage of Images, Double Recording, Engagement Session Included) and I'm here to share more with Part 4, which is all about Posing Guidance and Direction! If you're new here, this series is aimed help couples like you better understand the world of Wedding Photography. While I can’t speak for every photographer out there (or every market), I can share insights from my own journey and how my offerings, services, and experience have evolved over the years and how that's affected my rates.
While researching Wedding Photographers, you've probably noticed there's a a wide range of offerings in packages and pricing. There's a reason for that! Pricing can range anywhere from $2500 to $6000+ (and sometimes even higher) for 6-8 hours of Wedding Day Coverage. Why is there such a wide range in rates?? Let’s continue this journey together by talking about Posing Guidance and Direction and how that factors into different Wedding Package rates.
Before we dive in, I want to say that there's no right or wrong way for photographers to create their Wedding Packages. Some include a lot of different, unique, gorgeous posing whereas others are still working on it. Just because someone is charging $2500 for all-day wedding coverage doesn't automatically mean they don't know how to pose! But since this is about my journey and growth throughout my career, I'm going to tell you how my Posing Guidance and Direction has evolved over the years and how my Wedding Packages have adjusted from when I was charging $2500 for all day Wedding coverage vs what I offer now at $6000+ for Wedding Day coverage.
Most Couples Ask For Posing Guidance
Honestly, this one is going to vary greatly depending on each photographer. When I was new, my weakest skill by far was posing and I was very insecure about it. Took me forever to work on and gain the confidence I needed to take charge and guide my clients on how to pose.
Along with following some of my talented friends and seeing what they were doing, I used the Unscripted Posing App (use code "JeLauPhotography" and save $20 when you sign up!) which really helped me develop and refine my posing skillset.
I prefer to pose my clients based on how they naturally exist. move, and interact with one another. No two couples are the same so I don't apply the same poses to every couple! I don't live by some cookie-cutter posing guide, I customize posing to each of my couples and their personalities.
Don't you dare think I'm done! Photography is an area where we should always be growing and evolving. Ebbing and flowing with the trends and needs of the industry. Never stop learning!
The Posing Guidance Difference: $2500 vs $6000+ Photographers
Here’s how Posing Guidance in a Wedding Package differed for me as a Wedding Photographer at different price points:
$2500 Photographer
- Did not offer much diversity in posing, mostly just had people walking
- Galleries lacked diversity in poses and composition
- Would overshoot and deliver a lot of similar photos hoping you'd like at least 1
- Had a lot of photos of subjects smiling + looking at camera
$6000+ Photographer
- Offers a variety of poses such as standing, walking, sitting
- Galleries have lots of diversity from wide-angle to close-up detail shots + diversity in posing
- Curates a gallery of unique images that tells a story
- Mixture of photos smiling + looking at camera while also showcasing clients' personalities
Why Does This Matter?
Here's why you want to book a Wedding Photographer who gives Posing Guidance and Direction:
- Natural and Relaxed Photos
Many couples feel nervous or unsure of how to pose in front of the camera. A photographer who provides clear direction helps you feel at ease, resulting in more natural, authentic, and comfortable photos that capture the true emotions of the day.
- Polished, Timeless Shots
Proper posing ensures that you look your best in every frame. A photographer who knows how to guide you through different poses will create flattering compositions, enhancing the overall quality and timelessness of your wedding photos.
- Confidence in Front of the Camera
Even couples who are typically confident in front of the camera can benefit from expert direction. A photographer who takes the time to guide you through each moment will help you feel more comfortable and confident, ensuring your photos reflect the best version of you both.
The Bottom Line
If you want a little bit more support with Posing Guidance and Direction on your Wedding Day, hire a Wedding Photographer who offers that!
This will vary greatly from one photographer to the next and will also depend on the style you want! If you're looking for a documentary-style photographer, then they will be more hands-off capturing the day as it goes on. Maybe you want a photographer who is going to be more structured and poses you every step of the way. Or maybe you want someone who is perfectly in between the two (hiiiiiiii 🙋♀️) who likes to give input and Posing Guidance at the right time and know when to sit back and capture moments as they unfold.
My job here is to address the issue of Posing Guidance and Direction and educate you based on my journey so you can make the most educated decision when choosing the right Wedding Photographer!
Questions to Ask Wedding Photographers
If having the best Wedding Day Photography experience is important to you and you know some Posing Guidance and Direction will make your day better, here are some questions to ask photographers during consultations:
- How do you guide couples through posing throughout a Wedding Day?
- Do you provide posing instructions for during the ceremony? What about guests and during portrait segments?
- How do you help couples who feel nervous or awkward in front of the camera?
- Can you share some examples of how you’ve worked with couples like us to create natural, relaxed photos?
Stay tuned for more in this series as I dive into more factors that separate photographers at different price points (based on my own experience).
As always, remember it's 100% fine to stay within budget, I just want to make sure you're making the most informed decision. Your wedding photos are priceless—they deserve to be treated as such.
Vendor Team
- Photography: JeLau Photography
- Wedding Planner: Cedar and Stone Events
- Videography: Gown & Tie Films
- MUAH: A Touch of Muah
- Officiant: Judge Hannah Blumenstiel
- DJ: Verducci Productions - DJ Brandon Beach
- Live Music: Ivy Hill Entertainment
- Outfits: Lily - Winnie Couture, Bailey -Grace Loves Lace
- Rings: JK & Co. Jewelers
- Other Jewelry: Lily - Lisa Kaufman
- Shoes: Lily -Christian Louboutin, Bailey - Jimmy Choo
- Florals: Jacqueline Ching Design
- Cake/Dessert: Pretty Please Bakeshop
- Photo Booth: Exposure Photo Booth
- Welcome Table Phone: After the Tone
- Vintage Car: Vinty
- Catering: Salt & Honey Catering & Events
- Linens: Bright Rentals