Awkward Poses
By Joel Gresham – aka Wedding Guy
Let’s be honest—some engagement and wedding photos look like they belong in a museum, while others look like they belong on your grandma’s fridge next to her grocery list. And then, there’s a special category of photos that are both awkward and somehow trendy at the same time.
I’m talking about the poses that make you question, “Is this high fashion or just highly uncomfortable?” The ones that make your uncle shake his head in confusion while your artsy friend says, “Oh wow, I love the movement in this shot.” If you’re planning an engagement or wedding shoot soon, here’s a list of awkward-but-trendy poses that you may want to consider—because, hey, nothing says love like mild discomfort!
1. The “Are We Lost?” Stare Into the Distance
This is the pose where you and your partner stand together, looking off into the unknown like you just realized Google Maps failed you on the way to your venue. It’s deeply existential, slightly eerie, and 100% Instagram-worthy. Bonus points if the wind blows your hair dramatically, making you look like a couple in a dystopian romance novel.
2. The “We’re Definitely Not About to Fall” Lean
One of you leans backward, the other leans forward, and you’re both somehow still upright—defying gravity and, honestly, good sense. This pose screams artistic vision while simultaneously looking like you need a third person to spot you. But hey, if you don’t almost topple over, did you even have a stylish photoshoot?
3. The “Notebook But Make It Weird” Rain Pose
Ah yes, the passionate, rain-soaked embrace. Except most of the time, the couple is squinting because they’ve got water in their eyes, and their clothes are now the exact opposite of comfortable. But if you can embrace the damp awkwardness, you’ll end up with a picture that radiates cinematic romance (or at least “we tried”).
4. The “Let’s Hold Hands But Like We’re Strangers” Pose
You’ve seen this one—the couple holds hands but stands at a weirdly far distance, making it look like they’re in a long-distance relationship in the same zip code. It’s moody. It’s artistic. It’s so unnatural. But that’s the whole point.
5. The “Twirl Like You Mean It (Even If You Don’t)”
Twirling is magical in theory. In reality? It’s just one person aggressively spinning while the other stands still, wondering when they should stop. The key to making this look effortless is pretending you’re in a slow-motion romance montage… and praying you don’t get dizzy halfway through.
6. The “Almost-Kiss But We’re Suspended in Time” Pose
This one is for the couples who want all the romance without the commitment (to actually kissing). You stop right before your lips touch and hold the pose for an awkwardly long time while the photographer gets “the shot.” Romantic? Sure. Painfully awkward? Absolutely.
7. The “Running Towards… Something?” Action Shot
There’s no clear explanation for why so many engagement shoots feature couples running hand-in-hand through a field, city street, or suspiciously well-lit alleyway. Are you escaping? Are you chasing a dream? Are you late for dinner reservations? Who knows! But it looks cool, so let’s just go with it.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Awkward!
Here’s the thing—wedding and engagement photos are all about capturing your personality. If that means embracing some trendy-yet-awkward poses, go for it! Years from now, you’ll look back and laugh at the quirks, the weird hand placements, and the moments that felt silly at the time but somehow became your most treasured memories.
So, strike that awkward pose with confidence and have fun because love is a little weird sometimes… and that’s what makes it beautiful.
Need help planning the perfect engagement shoot (awkward poses included)? Check out www.WeddingGuy.com for tips, inspiration, and plenty of wedding wisdom.
