The Ultimate Guide to Stylish and Cute Kimono Pre-Wedding Poses Without Using Props ♡

2018.01.16 published

Are Pre-shoot Items Essential?

Many couples choose to have a pre-wedding photo shoot in traditional attire during their wedding preparation period. Looking at the pre-wedding images of senior brides, it's common to see many handmade photo items used to take adorable wedding photos.

However, some couples may not have had the time to DIY photo props or might want to save costs as much as possible, so they might be approaching their shoots without any props.

Some may worry, “Can we take various pictures without any pre-shoot items?” or “Will it feel lonely?”

@nyaaannkoo

No Worries! You Can Capture Stylish Photos Without Props ♡

For brides-to-be who plan to have a pre-shoot without any props, rest assured!

Even without any props, you can take plenty of cute and stylish photos.

We will introduce many poses that can be done without props, so feel free to try them out! ♩

@achan.wedding

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 1: Standing Pose

A classic and standard standing shot in traditional attire. It's recommended to capture it with a dignified and formal atmosphere.

Standing shots in traditional clothing are timeless wedding photos you can look back on years and decades from now. Since it’s a traditional pose, it doesn’t fade with time.

@0625.tn.wedding

If you want a few variations in the standing pose, consider using a traditional umbrella, either holding it or placing it on the floor.

Traditional umbrellas can usually be borrowed from photo studios, so there’s no need for you to prepare them!

@sxc0301

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 2: Seiza (Kneeling)

Next is another standard pose! The seiza pose, often used for New Year’s cards, is a typical pre-wedding shot unique to traditional attire.

Many couples place initial decorations by their knees for the photo, but it looks beautiful even without them. It becomes a classic traditional pre-wedding photo!

@amiwdg

If you place traditional umbrellas beside the couple, it creates a festive looking seiza shot.

Many brides also add words like "WELCOME" in the space above their heads and use it as a welcome board. ♡

@0625.tn.wedding

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 3: Holding Hands

The next pose worth capturing is this hand-holding shot ♩ It’s a pose that refreshingly showcases the closeness of the couple.

They can look into each other’s eyes or face the camera—both options work!

If they jump while holding hands, it will turn into a lively traditional photo! ♡

@nakam_no

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 4: Kiss

A romantic kiss shot is also a popular pose. If you actually press your lips together, it’s a bit awkward for DIY videos or paper items (it’s somewhat embarrassing, right?), so it’s recommended to hold hands and bring your faces close enough to almost touch. ♡

Smiling slightly with raised lips will create a gentle impression in a side profile.

@chao.wedding

A pose where the bride kisses the groom's cheek is innocent and cute. *The groom should be either crossing his arms with a confident expression or smiling widely with pure happiness! ♡

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 5: Carrying

The carrying pose is also popular during pre-wedding shoots in wedding dresses. ♡

The bride can wrap her arms around his neck while bending her knees for a cute look. *Since kimonos are very heavy, the groom may need to train for this until the pre-shoot day.

@nakam_no

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 6: Gazing into Each Other's Eyes

The pose where the bride and groom gaze into each other's eyes is also a timeless favorite.

The gentle gazes from both partners bring happiness to those who see them.

If you add the "&" symbol between them in post-processing, it could turn into a stylish welcome board! ♡

@0625.tn.wedding

The pose of facing each other while holding hands is very romantic.

It creates a sense of a closely-knit couple. Natural, genuine smiles look great.

@u3_8.11.17

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 7: Hugging from Behind

A stylish pose where the groom hugs the bride from behind is also lovely. The embrace should be gentle and soft.

If the bride glances back slightly to meet the groom’s gaze, it creates a loving atmosphere. ♡

@atan041228

A pose where the bride gently places her hands on the groom's hands around her shoulders is modest and beautiful.

When taken up close, the wedding and engagement rings on their ring fingers will be nicely captured.

@achan.wedding

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 8: Lap Pillow

If shooting indoors or in a studio, the lap pillow pose is also recommended. If the bride caresses the groom's hair or lightly pokes his nose with her finger, it adds a playful vibe! ♡

@aknaknr.77

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 9: Back View

One shot that tends to be forgotten is the back view! A back shot showcasing the patterns of the kimono and traditional hairstyle is definitely worth capturing.

If there are too many photos showing just the front or side profile, it may make the layout of the profile book's pre-shoot photo introduction page difficult.

(When all the photos are just faces, the impact upon opening the page is overwhelming...)

It can also be used in an image photo context, making it handy to have one! ♡

@achan.wedding

Trying a pose where the bride glances back over her shoulder is great too! This is the essence of the "turnaround beauty!" ♡

Holding hands or linking arms with the groom conveys the feeling of closeness.

@sxc0301

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 10: Proposal

The increasingly popular proposal shot. This wedding photo captures the scene of the groom kneeling and saying, "Will you marry me?" ♡

Many proposal shots involve presenting ring boxes or bouquets, but it’s perfectly fine without props! The bride can either hold the groom's hand or pose as if slipping on the ring.

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 11: Hand Detail Shot

Don’t forget to capture a hand detail shot focusing on the couple's hands! In a hand shot without props, poses like holding hands tightly or making a pinky promise are recommended.

When combined with the elegance of traditional attire, it results in a beautifully atmospheric photo.

@keny.wedd

If you already have the marriage ring, let’s take a hand shot with the ring resting on the palm! ♡

The key is to gently wrap the bride’s hand in the groom’s palm.

@jh0617.wd

No Need for Props ♡ Beautiful Traditional Pre-shoot Pose 12: Foot Detail Shot

Don’t forget the foot detail shots along with the hand shots! A foot shot deliberately omitting the face can create a stylish atmosphere for the photo.

If you want to keep your bridal look a secret until the ceremony day, this kind of foot shot could work beautifully as a welcome board! ♩

@hro0808

A foot shot reminiscent of the bride kissing the groom is also recommended.

The bride stretching up slightly looks adorable! ♡

@st.wedding0811

No Problem Without Photo Props! Enjoy Your Traditional Pre-shoot ♡

We have introduced various poses for traditional pre-shoots that can be taken without photo props.

Even without any items, each pose can lead to incredibly beautiful photos. ♡ Brides-to-be who cannot prepare pre-shoot items can approach their photo sessions with peace of mind.

For your favorite poses, it’s smooth to compile them into an instruction sheet and hand it to your photographer! ♩

@ma0408_wed