Posed vs. Storytelling Photography: Why I’m All About the Story

When you think about wedding photography, your mind probably jumps to the idea of standing stiffly in front of a camera, waiting for someone to tell you to “say cheese!” Trust me, I get it—that’s the traditional idea of wedding photos. The thing is, I’m not really into those stiff, posed shots. I’m more of a storytelling photographer, and I want to share why that’s my go-to style and why it’s perfect for couples who want their day to feel more like a memory than a photoshoot.

Posed Photography: The Classic Approach

So, let’s talk about posed photography for a second. You know, those perfectly lined-up bridal parties or that iconic “everyone in a row” family shot. It’s great for documenting who was there, but let’s be honest—it can feel a little stiff and scripted. Posed photography tends to focus on creating a flawless image, but sometimes it can miss capturing the feeling behind the moment.

Don’t get me wrong—posed photos have their place, and I totally understand their appeal. You’ll want some traditional shots for Grandma’s mantel or that classic portrait for your wedding album. But when every photo is meticulously arranged, it can take you out of your own experience for a minute. Instead of living in the moment, you’re focused on standing a certain way, placing your hand just right, or faking a smile that might not feel natural after the 20th take.

Storytelling Photography: Capturing the Real Moments

This is where storytelling photography comes in. Instead of stopping you in the middle of your day and telling you exactly how to stand, where to look, and what to do, I’m more about guiding you into moments that are natural and real. I prompt you rather than pose you—think of me as the director of the best moments of your day. Whether it’s having you share a private joke, whispering sweet nothings, or just walking hand in hand, my job is to create moments, not force them.

Because here’s the thing: Your wedding day is made up of tiny moments. The way you look at each other when no one’s watching, the way your hands find each other’s naturally, the laughter that bubbles up from a shared memory. Those moments aren’t something I can pose—they just happen. My job is to be there when they do, and gently help guide the ones that need a little nudge.

Instead of directing you to look at the camera, I’m all about guiding you to connect with each other. You won’t hear me telling you to “look into the camera”; instead, I might ask you to remember how you first met, or to think about something that makes you laugh. Suddenly, that awkward “What do I do with my hands?” feeling melts away, and you’re just two people in love, caught in the magic of your day. And those are the moments that mean the most when you look back at your wedding photos.

Letting Moments Breathe

What I love most about storytelling photography is that it allows moments to breathe. There’s no rush to get to the next shot or nail that perfect Instagram pose. Instead, it’s about living in the moment and letting the camera document what’s already happening. It’s those in-between moments—when you forget I’m even there—that often turn into the most meaningful images. Like when you’re sneaking a quick kiss while no one’s watching, or cracking up over something silly that happened during the day.

This also means less pressure on you! My couples tell me all the time how much they hate having their photos taken (I see you introverts!), but when I start guiding them through moments rather than asking for poses, that stress melts away. You don’t have to worry about standing a certain way or giving me a big fake smile. It’s all about the real connection between you and your partner—and that’s what creates the most genuine, beautiful photos.

Why I Choose Storytelling

For me, storytelling photography feels more authentic. It’s about capturing the feeling of your day, not just what it looked like. I want you to look back at your photos and be transported back to those moments—the laughter, the tears, the goofy in-between moments that are so you. It’s not about creating perfect pictures, it’s about documenting a day that’s perfect because it’s yours.

When you’re able to forget about the camera and just be with each other, that’s when the magic happens. Whether we’re wandering through the woods, dancing under the stars, or enjoying a quiet moment alone after the ceremony, I’m there to capture the real essence of your love story. And that’s something you can’t force or pose—it’s just there.

At the end of the day, I want you to feel like you’re reliving the experience, not just flipping through a series of pretty pictures. And sure, we’ll grab a few of those classic shots your mom will love, but the heart of your gallery will be filled with the story of you two—the story that makes your day one-of-a-kind.