While many photographers focus most of their efforts on capturing beautiful photos of the bride, groom photos are also an important part of any wedding photography collection. In addition, capturing groom photos can be fun and interesting for the photographer. They offer photographers unique opportunities to flex their creative muscles and utilize lighting techniques and poses that may not fit the overall look and style of bridal portraits. To inspire your creativity and set you up for success, here are some tips for capturing incredible groom photos that will help you showcase the groom’s personality and style on his big day.
The following images are provided by the award winning photographers at the Wedding Maps directory and displayed with permission.
Get a Variety of Poses
A great way to start is to get a variety of poses from the groom. Experiment with both standing and sitting poses to add some variation to your shots. Standing poses are great for showing off the groom’s attire, while sitting poses can be more relaxed and showcase the groom’s personality.
Sitting Pose Example:
Photo by Lets Make a Memory (Website) at Guadalupe Beach in Guadalupe, CA
Standing Pose Example
Photo by Larsen Photo Co (Website) in Breckenridge, CO USA
Use a Variety of Lighting Techniques and Styles
Lighting is an essential element in any type of photography, and using a variety of lighting techniques and styles can make a big difference in the quality and creativity of your groom photos. Natural light is a great place to start, but don’t be afraid to experiment with flash photography for more dramatic effects. See the examples below.
Natural Light Example
Photo by Kristin Cheatwood (Website) at Trail Creek Cabin in Sun Valley, Idaho USA 
Photo by Zack Bradley (Website) at Westin Poinsett in Greenville, SC United States
Flash Examples
Photo by SMJ Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster, PA USA 
Photo by Jindrich Nejedly (Website) at Chateau Dlouha Lhota in Central Bohemia Region Czech Republic
Don’t Forget the Candid and Journalistic Moments
While posed photos are essential, don’t forget to capture candid and journalistic moments throughout the day as well. Photos of the groom getting ready with his groomsmen, for example, can provide some fantastic photo opportunities. If the moment doesn’t present itself naturally, you can always direct the action and create these moments
Photo by Natasha Lamalle (Website) at Adams Morgan in Washington DC USA
Photos of Groom Getting Ready
One great way to capture the groom getting ready is to use a journalistic approach. This means capturing candid moments as they happen, rather than asking the groom to pose. You can get some great shots of the groom getting ready, such as putting on his tie or fixing his cufflinks.
Photo by Kivus and Camera (Website) at The Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina United States 
Photo by Mauricio Urena (Website) at Villa Caletas Hotel in Jacó, Puntarenas Costa Rica
Photos of Groom with Groomsmen
Getting shots of the groom with his groomsmen is another great opportunity to capture some fantastic photos. Again, using a journalistic approach can provide some unique and candid moments, but don’t forget to also take some posed shots with the groomsmen as well.
Have Fun and Showcase Their Personality
Remember that the more personalized the photo experience is to the groom, the more likely he will appreciate the photos. Try to find unique and fun ways to express his personality with your posing and with the props you use in the photo sessions. Involve his pets, his friends, his hobbies and more!
Photo by Jeff Tisman (Website) at The Mansion at Natirar in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ USA 
Photo by Sean Thurston (Website) in Virginia USA 
Photo by Photos by Clay (Website) at Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh, NC United States 
Photo by Vow of the Wild (Website) at Olympic National Park in Washington USA
Embrace the Shadows with Groom Portraits
Shadows introduce a mysterious, impactful element to groom photos. Try finding or creating scenes with shadows for interesting results. For example, close up the blinds in a hotel room to block off light or find darker scenes in the wedding venue. See the examples below:
Photo by Andreas Pollok (Website) at Schloss Neuhaus in Sinsheim Germany 
Photo by Creando Fotos (Website) at Stoney Ridge Villa in Azore, Texas 
Photo by Magda Moiola (Website) at Colico in Lecco, Italy
Get Creative Compositions in the Groom Photos
Using creative compositions is a great way to add interest and variety to your groom photos. After you’ve captured your more standard portraits, get creative and experiment with foregrounds, the rule of thirds, symmetry, and other creative compositions to create visually compelling images.
Use Foregrounds in Groom Photos
Using foregrounds can add depth and interest to your photos. For example, try framing the groom with some foliage or other objects in the foreground to create a sense of depth and add visual interest to your shots.
Photo by JCM Photography (Website) at Crest Center and Pavilion in Asheville, NC United States
Use the Rule of Thirds in Groom Photos
The rule of thirds is a classic composition technique used in photography. By dividing your photo into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, you can create a sense of balance and symmetry that is visually appealing. Try experimenting with this technique in your groom photos to create more interesting and dynamic compositions.
Photo by Lin and Jirsa (Website)
Use Symmetry in Groom Photos
Symmetry is another composition technique that can add balance and interest to your photos. Try framing the groom in the center of the photo, or using a symmetrical background to create a visually compelling image.
Photo by Michelle Arlotta (Website) at Inn at Fernbrook Farms in New Jersey
Find Reflections in Groom Photos
Search for interesting reflections for your groom photos. Reflective surfaces can be mirrors, sunglasses, even water puddles from the rain. See a few examples below:
Photo by Laurentiu Nica (Website) in Focsani, Vrancea Romania 
Photo by Courtland Photography (Website) at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, CO USA 
Photo by Jessie and Dallin (Website) at The Ledges in St. George, UT USA
Find Scenic, Beautiful Backdrops for Your Groom Photos
If a scenic, beautiful backdrop is available, consider utilizing it for a few groom photos. Sometimes the best backdrop is the one outside of the room or wedding venue. While photographers often use these scenic backdrops for couples photos, they often forget to use them for solo portraits as well.
Photo by 4 Eyes Photography (Website) at Wedge Pond, Kananaskis Country, in Alberta Canada
More Examples of Groom Photos
Here are more examples of groom photos for your inspiration!
Photo by Andy Sidders Photography (Website) at Mentmore in Buckinghamshire UK 
Photo by Lazzat Photography (Website) at Margaritaville Resort Orlando 
Photo by In Love and Adventure (Website) at Public Lands in Buena Vista, Colorado USA 
Photo by Jeroen Savelkouls (Website) at Metaal Kathedraal in Utrecht The Netherlands. 
Photo by Nat Orce (Website) at Moonshot in Warsaw, Poland 
Photo by Shukhrat Kamalov (Website) at Residence Inn by Marriott Hartford Downtown in Hartford, CT USA 
Photo by Tove Lundquist (Website) at Örum 119 in Löderup Sweden.
Conclusion
Capturing incredible groom photos requires a combination of techniques and approaches. From striking poses to playing with lighting and composition, there are countless ways to showcase the groom’s unique personality and style. Don’t settle for the same old boring shots – push yourself to think outside the box and capture unforgettable moments that will be treasured for years to come.
And don’t forget to mix it up with a blend of posed and candid shots throughout the day. After all, it’s the unexpected moments that often make for the most memorable photos. So grab your camera and get ready to unleash your inner artist – the possibilities are endless!
