Portrait of a Groom

There are stark differences in providing a great portrait of a bride and that of a groom. While the bride’s portrait is often bathed in soft light and the focus on beauty, the groom’s portrait is that of a more defined genre. The photograph shouldn’t really come across as hard or moody but rather it should reflect the character of the man as an individual.

wedding partly

Too many photographs of the groom consist of “head and shoulders” shots with a serious look that resembles a grimace. Instead, aim for a look that comes across as natural and be aware of many of the small details that go into making a great portrait.

Because the groom is often wearing black and the tuxedo consists of straight lines you’ll have to be more aware of how those lines fall and interact with the overall composition. Watch for little things like the jacket riding above the waist exposing the shirt and try to ensure that the cuffs of the shirt come out from the sleeves of the coat. This really helps to prevent a look of “floating hands”. Even though portraits are about the face, these details can really make or break a portrait.

While it’s rare to see a full length formal portrait of a groom feel free to experiment with contemporary and flattering posing techniques. Try to keep these things in mind:

• Don’t have the groom’s shoulders parallel to the horizon

• Angle the direction of the face

• Hands or thumbs in the pocket help to add dimension

• Hand in hand is better than fingers interlaced

• Have the groom lean towards the camera

• Weight on back foot for full or 3/4 lengths

The real trick is the interaction a photographer has with the groom. Often times the groom is much more nervous than the bride but is trying his best to reign in those emotions. This is where casual talk or perhaps a funny ice breaker can really soften an otherwise tense session. Have fun and grab some casual poses without the jacket as well in order to provide variety and show off that expensive tux.

DSC_0141 copy

Of course experimentation and thinking in terms of design and modern composition will really help to produce images that are sure to stun. If you’re modern day groom is young, hip, and stylish then show them exactly why they hired you to do their wedding!

Breaking rules sometimes redefines them.

Photographs:

wedding partly by 10 Ninjas Steve who also happens to have a blog at Steve Rideout Photography

DSC_0141 by sam j Stanton

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Related posts:

1. The Formal Bride and Groom Portrait
2. The Formal Bridal Couple Portrait
3. The Bridal Portrait
4. The makings of a great portrait.
5. Love Weddings: Success in Wedding Photography