5 Cheesy Poses Your Photographer Probably Hates

Don't fall victim to the photo faux pas

Updated 06/27/18

Heather Waraksa

Wedding and engagement photos aren't as easy as they look. Most of us aren't models (let alone photogenic) so creating a romantic pose with your partner doesn't always come naturally. We get it. But we also know that there are a few poses that you don't need to be an expert to realize they're just bad. You know what we're talking about: that junior high shot of two hands making a heart in front of the sunset. Or that unnecessary groom-crawling-up-the-skirt pose that literally no one, probably not even the couple, wants to see.

But time and time again, wedding photographers are asked to capture these cringe-worthy moments on camera, much to their chagrin. If your photographer is recommending to nix a pose, they probably know what they're talking about. (Remember, these people do this for a living.) So think twice about that beach-front jump for joy—we promise, you'll probably regret it.

These are photographers' five least favorite wedding and engagement photo poses, so cross these off your list now.

The Prom Pose


One person behind the other, hands clasped in front in a proto-Heimlich. You know it. You did it.

The Jump for Joy


Please leave the stop motion animation to Wes Anderson.

The Heart Hands


Like a BFF locket sprung to life—or a Taylor Swift concert, circa 2011—your hand makes one half and bae’s makes the other.

The Garter Anything


Too many issues to fully enumerate, but here’s a tip: Take a hard pass on anything that entails a camera (or a groom) up your skirt.

The Kitschy Class Pic


Avoid posed group shots, including hiding your faces with bouquets or showing off matching socks. (We see you, groomsmen.)

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