I am Nick, a Melbourne wedding photographer specialising in the Neo-Romantic style.
Over my six-year career, one question has surfaced more than any other:
“What if we aren’t ‘photo geniuses’? Will you guide us?”
The answer is always yes.
This article is not here to deliver an obscure lecture. Instead, I want to show you—in a simple, relaxed way—how posing actually works, and how gentle direction can naturally elevate your wedding imagery to the level of fine art.
“We Hate Posing” — And That’s Completely Normal
Many couples tell me,
“I hate posing,” or
“I don’t want cheesy photos.”
I feel the same way.
I understand why the word “pose” scares couples who prefer a documentary or editorial style. Deep down, many people instinctively resist posing before they even understand what it truly means.
My first goal is to clarify the essence of posing and remove the unnecessary fear and negative bias surrounding it.
Why Do We Hate to Pose?
As humans, we naturally resist the unfamiliar.
Our ancestors feared exploring dark caves because of the unknown beasts hiding inside.
In the same way, we fear posing—not because it is wrong, but because we are not professional models. We worry about looking awkward. That beast of self-consciousness lives quietly in our hearts, pulling us away from the camera before we ever give ourselves a chance to be truly captured.
But posing itself is not the problem.
Lack of direction is.
When a pose looks awkward, it is usually the result of mechanical or rigid direction from an inexperienced photographer. With an experienced eye, posing should feel as effortless as breathing.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Posing is an elegant, romantic way to elevate your story.
Consider the statues of David or Venus de Milo in the Louvre. They are “posing,” yet they represent the pinnacle of timeless grace.
As a Melbourne wedding photographer, I don’t try to reinvent the wheel. I absorb the essence of Renaissance masterpieces by Da Vinci and Raphael. There is nothing truly new under the sun. I simply stand on the shoulders of giants to enhance your natural beauty.
If I could create an entirely new pose, my name would already be on Wikipedia.
The Law of Universal Harmony
Even when photographers proclaim that everything should be “candid,” true art still requires a framework.
The universe runs by rules, and aesthetic beauty is no different.
Posing is the manner in which we approach ultimate harmony and balance. It does not impede beauty—it reveals it.
There are only 20 to 30 timeless poses, based on universal principles of the human form that have not changed in over 2,000 years. My role is to select the form that best matches your personality, your location, and your wedding theme.
A Partnership of Co-Creation
A healthy relationship between a couple and their photographer is not one of command or subordination. It is a cooperation—a shared act of creation.
The direction I provide gives you a clear structure and system. Within this structured elegance, you are free to express your true inspiration, character, and emotion.
By following the guidance in this article, you will already be ahead of 70% of couples who walk into their wedding day with no understanding of posing.
While the top 5% may be professional models, you will have something far more valuable: confidence, clarity, and ease.
Unravelling the Puzzle of Posing
Many brides tell me, “I’m not photogenic—I don’t know how to pose.”
But in truth, you already do.
You learn how to pose through everyday life—by admiring statues like David and Venus, by standing before the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, by watching romantic films such as Titanic or Roman Holiday. The essence of posing is deeply rooted in your subconscious. It simply hasn’t been formed into a clear, conscious chain yet.
The problem is not ability—it’s that the pieces have never been connected.
A great wedding photographer does not teach you how to pose on your wedding day. That would be impossible on such an important occasion. Instead, the photographer’s role is to awaken what already exists within you.
Once the subconscious is unlocked, posing feels natural—almost as effortless as breathing. You already know most of what you need. You’re simply missing the final piece of the puzzle.
So let’s not waste time.
Read on, complete the puzzle, and discover how elegant, timeless posing can feel as natural as breath itself.
To be continued. This blog is updated on a regular weekly schedule.
