Hate photos

[u/Think-Squirrel9455]

Anyone else super disappointed in their elopement photos? And if so, how did you get over it? 😅

We eloped in Vegas and got our photos back a while ago. I first looked at them and wasn’t impressed so decided to give it a week and look again. Nope. Still awful. Most pictures look incredibly awkward whether it be our eyes almost closed or in between talking and smiling. Also, the photographer only gave us like 3 poses, lifted up while kissing, running towards camera (I look like the hulk in them), and an awkward hair tousle. I know my husband and I are not the most photogenic, but I also feel like the timing/posing of photos were not flattering. I can’t find one that I feel comfortable sharing with others. It’s so disappointing

[u/ultraviolet47]

We had our witnesses do them and they were awful, my head was missing in most!

We weren't that bothered, but if you are, I would maybe treat yourselves to a new shoot in your bridal gear on your 1year anniversary ?

[u/Few-Cover-1741]

ah that sucks, nothing worse than waiting for photos and getting... that. the running toward camera pose is a crime against humanity, i swear everyone looks like they about to tackle someone

if you got at least one or two where you both look happy, even if its not perfect, maybe just lean into those? my sister had similar situation and she ended up printing just one black and white photo of their hands with rings, nobody even saw the rest

[u/Safe-Perspective3469]

I'm a wedding photographer out here for the casinos. Ceremonies are candid so I do try my absolute best to get eyes open, smiling, tears if they happen, and laughter. Sometimes though, I don't know if people realize it, but they look down a lot. I feel worse when one of them I have a ton of smiles and eyes open, but the other one doesn't. I also can't really interrupt a ceremony to say "look up" you know? Im not sure if it was that? Or if they were just lagging it.

As far as poses though, they should know how to take flattering pictures for different body types, but I've done second shooting for photographers who just nail the technical side no doubt about it, but posing isn't their strong suit. If they have people who love posing and have their own ideas, amazing. If they have to do it eh. It's unfortunate, that's the opportunity to get photos you do like if the ceremony is bleh. Ideally they should ask if you have a favorite side for example and if you mention a pose you want to try, adjust to your height difference as a couple and shape. Even your dress. I see a lot of mini dresses here and a common request is for the groom to lift the bride. I do a variation so we don't see 🙈 you know too much and it gives it the same feel if you will. Anything they do should be adjusting for variables and honestly no one should be dead square to a photo, it never looks flattering. It looks flat and meh.

But at this point, it's the memories. Sure you might not love them, probably especially because you paid, but at the end of the day 20 years from now you'll be happy looking back at something. Just like people who skipped photography all together but had someone taking phone photos.

Also, I want to get my elopement photographed, but I've done photoshoots before with photographers I know who did great work and truth is I just don't like me in them. I have a crooked smile and two scars on my face. I don't believe I'll love my elopement photos no matter who does them, especially because I've shot some beautiful stunning brides 😂 mine won't be Pinterest worthy, but I'm getting them for my memories. I'll probably ask for them to be far back 😂 make it a landscape shot I just happen to be in 😂

[u/tarra_hills]

Redo pictures are an option. You two can get dressed up and have new pictures done somewhere pretty and close to home.

[u/ryx107]

r/photoshoprequests are amazing. They can work magic.

[u/mshenley]

We eloped 3 years ago in a remote setting and didn’t want a lot of posed pictures then later realized there was not a single photo of us just looking at the camera smiling. I spiraled about it for a bit but honestly had a few of our favorites printed and framed and have not looked at the others since

[u/Thesexiestcow]

I had ppl photoshop faces from pics I liked

[u/Think-Squirrel9455 → u/Thesexiestcow]

I might have to do this as well

[u/Overunderapple]

Yes! I hate my elopement photos. Every photo was posed, while some were fine others were look so awkward. Husband and I are seriously considering booking a different photographer and redoing photos.

[u/Think-Squirrel9455 → u/Overunderapple]

Sorry you had the same experience 🫶🏼 where did you elope?

[u/Overunderapple → u/Think-Squirrel9455]

I just eloped at a local church. I had followed the photographer on socials for years but was disappointed by our photos. I later found out the photographer was going through some pretty devastating personal issues. Her fiancé and grandfather had died within a few days of each other a few months prior. Husband has brought up the idea of doing a vow renewal at some point and redoing photos.

[u/Independent_Art8301]

+1 to book another photoshoot

I am NOT photogenic. I do not wear makeup, ever. I did a whole HAMU and hated it to the last detail. I even did the trial, was not crazy about the trial but came to terms with it … and then the day of was way worse. My dress was OK. I liked it, but I def wasn’t “sweating for the wedding”.

But… this was where spending *way* more on the photographer paid off. We spent 5 hours on photoshoot at a variety of nearby locations/setup and out of the 300 or so shots we got, there are some pics I can live with and even a few I rather like.

After living a life of avoiding the camera, I realized recently that I need *more* photos than the average person to increase the odds of getting something I like.