The Groom's Guide to Looking Amazing in Wedding Photos
Every wedding planning article on the internet is written for the bride. And honestly? We get it. But here at Studio55bymich, we photograph couples, and that means the groom matters just as much to us as the bride. So this one's for you, groom. Let's talk about how to show up and absolutely nail your wedding photos.
Start With the Right Mindset
The number one thing that makes a groom look awkward in photos isn't his suit or his stance; it's his mindset. If you're in your head thinking "I don't know how to pose," that energy comes through on camera. Here's the shift: don't think about posing. Think about your partner. When you focus on them, really look at them, touch their face, and whisper something; your body naturally falls into something real and beautiful.
What to Wear (And What to Avoid)
Your suit is the foundation of every photo you're in. A few rules:
- Get it tailored. Off-the-rack suits can photograph poorly. A well-fitted suit does all the work for you.
- Avoid loud patterns. Small checks or thin stripes are fine; large, bold patterns can distract from your face.
- Coordinate, don't match. You and your partner's outfits don't need to be identical, but they should feel harmonious in tone and palette.
- Shoes matter. They get photographed more than you think, especially during detail shots. Polish them.
Grooming: The Week-Of Checklist
- Haircut: 1–2 weeks before (not the day of; new cuts can look too sharp on camera)
- Skincare: Start moisturizing 2 weeks out. Hydrated skin photographs significantly better.
- Nails: Clean and trimmed. Hands appear in more photos than you expect.
- Teeth: Whitening strips for 1–2 weeks before. Skip foods that stain the day before.
On the Day: What We'll Ask You to Do
We don't ask grooms to do complicated poses. Here's a preview of what naturally creates incredible images:
- Walking toward the camera with your partner's natural, confident stride
- Fixing her veil, straightening her dress, small gestures of care
- Laughing genuinely (we're good at making this happen)
- The "look back" one of the most powerful shots in any wedding gallery
"The grooms who get the best photos aren't the ones who practiced poses. They're the ones who stopped thinking and started feeling."
The Getting-Ready Photos
Your getting-ready portraits are some of the most important of the day. Here's how to make them count:
Get ready in a room with natural light ideally facing a window. Lay out your accessories (watch, cufflinks, and tie) the night before so they're ready for detail shots. Have your groomsmen in matching robes or shirts if you want cohesive group shots.
At Studio55bymich, we bring the same energy to your getting-ready portraits that we bring to the first look. You deserve to feel seen on your wedding day too. Let's make it happen.
