Capturing Cute and Natural Photos: What Are the Best Ways to Take Off-Shot Style Shots During Pre-Wedding Japanese Attire Photoshoots?

I Want to Take Natural Photos!

What kind of photos are ideal when taking wedding photos?

I love photos that are natural and dynamic, capturing moments like those of couples from abroad.

Don’t you think it looks stylish when it expresses “the everyday essence of the couple” and “one’s true self”?

What Should We Do with Traditional Attire???

It seems that photos that feel like “moments captured” are relatively easy to take with a wedding dress, as there are many reference examples from past brides.

But what about traditional attire?

While it’s important to express our individuality, if we go too far, it may overflow with energy and lose the beauty of traditional attire, so we must keep in mind the essence of being “natural”!

Rather than stiff and common pose requests, I will share tips for capturing beautiful shots in traditional attire that look like off-the-cuff moments♡

How to Take Natural Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Attire ① Smile Brightly!

With traditional attire, there’s a focus on “gracefulness,” which might lead photographers to request:

☑ “Please smile with your mouth closed!”

☑ “With a shy expression!”

☑ “Please look into each other's eyes seriously.”

But don’t you think that such serious expressions look cute only on exceptionally beautiful people?!

For ordinary people, a smile is the cutest and most genuine expression♡

A few serious expression photos are fine, but please express the overwhelming happiness of marrying the person you love with a big smile!♡

This way, you should be able to capture photos that look like snippets of a fun, everyday moment where you’re chatting and laughing together＊

How to Take Natural Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Attire ② Photos Facing Forward

Just like with wedding dresses, many photos taken by photographers tend to be slightly tilted or posed, and there are very few photos where you’re standing and facing forward properly.

There may even be brides who don’t get any such photos taken.

This is because the concept in photography suggests that a diagonal body line looks more beautiful.

To capture beautiful photos, both dresses and traditional attire look best with a triangular silhouette, hence it’s common for couples to face each other or slightly angle their bodies.

However, wedding photos not only want to capture beauty but also serve as a record where you can look back at your favorite attire later!

Photos taken from the front are quite important.

Your family members surely think, “We want at least one photo facing forward,” so be sure to include this in your instruction sheet＊

A photo of the two of you walking in the same direction is much more natural and adorable than a common pose photo♡

How to Take Natural Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Attire ③ Back View

A photo capturing you both playfully leaning on each other and laughing from behind feels like a candid shot from the shoot—so good!＊

It gives off an off-the-cuff vibe and is highly recommended♡

Not only from straight behind but also a side view looks natural and nice♩

The key is to avoid getting stiff; talk casually while having your photos taken.

Rather than forced smiles, the natural essence of the two of you is most important! If your partner seems tense,

try asking, “What should we have for dinner?” “You look great!” “Do you think I look pretty??” to ease their stiff smile＊

How to Take Natural Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Attire ④ Use Props

The best way to ease any stiffness is by using “props” as shooting accessories!

Simply holding onto the pillars inside a shrine can result in such cute photos♡

Just doing “something” makes it possible to capture softer images＊

If there is a chozu (water basin) at the shooting location, please try using a ladle to wash your hands!

Including some action will soften both your movements and smiles＊

Capturing that moment of washing hands can create a cinematic vibe,

and anyone who sees just that one photo can envision a story, thinking, “They must be visiting to pray afterward!”♩

How to Take Natural Pre-Wedding Photos in Traditional Attire ⑤ Eating

A tip for getting off-the-cuff photos is to incorporate movement into your poses.

Photos of you holding and eating food can create a nice, cute vibe with movement♡

Please choose seasonal and visually appealing treats like three-colored dumplings, sakura mochi, cotton candy, etc.♩

[Off-the-Cuff Style] I Want to Take Natural and Cute Photos in Traditional Attire♡

Even while dressed in traditional attire, I want to capture soft and genuine photos＊

If all the photos are stiff and following specified poses, you might feel disappointed when seeing the completed images,

so please prepare and plan to capture the natural essence of the two of you as a couple♩