A lot of people, photographers specifically, often find it challenging to come up with groomsmen photos and poses. Bridesmaids are significantly easier to pose since they have bouquets to utilize as props. On top of that, bridesmaids typically love incorporating laughing and cuddling photos, unlike groomsmen. Throughout my time as a wedding photographer, I have captured many groomsmen photos. I’ve learned that men typically don’t like having their photo taken for hours, so quick photos and poses are best. I have also put together a list of groomsmen photos that are must haves on a wedding day. They are all options that are fun, timeless, and easy to do regardless of the amount of groomsmen present.

#1 Groomsmen Photos: Smiling in a Straight Line

Lining up all of the guys in a straight line and having them smile at the camera makes for the most classic groomsmen photos. These are the photos that will most likely be framed in the bride and groom’s house and displayed in their wedding album.

How to set up this photo: Have the groom stand in the middle of the group with his body facing the camera straight on. Position half of the groomsmen on the right side of the groom slightly angled in. Then, position the other half of the groomsmen on the left side of the groom slightly angled in. Tell all of the men to put their hands in their pockets and smile while looking directly at the camera. Make sure to take several photos in case someone’s eyes are closed.

#2: Straight Face in a Straight Line

This pose is very quick and easy to do since the groom and groomsmen will already be in the correct position from the photo above. I always love having groomsmen do this pose because it looks amazing in black and white.

How to set up the pose: Follow the same steps from the photo above, except this time ask the men to pose with a straight face.

#3: Flying V While Smiling

Most groomsmen are familiar with the popular movie, The Mighty Ducks. In this movie, the players do a pose called “the flying v.” So, when you recommend doing this pose for groomsmen photos, they typically love it.

How to set up the pose: Have the groom move a few steps in front of everyone else and look at the camera straight on. Then, angle the groomsmen so that they are one behind the other and spread out to make a V shape. Tell all of the groomsmen to also face the camera straight on and to have 1/3 to 1/2 of their body behind the person in front of them. Next, tell all of them to smile and put their hands in their pocket.

#4: Flying V with a Straight Face

Similar to the straight face while in a straight line pose, this pose for groomsmen photos takes no time at all! Since the group of men will already be in the flying V position, simply tell them to pose with a straight face. Play with focal length too in order to get more photos. Take one horizontally, diagonally, full body, up-close, etc.

How to set up the pose: Follow the same steps from the photo above, except this time ask the men to pose with a straight face.

#5: Flying V with Turned Heads

This pose can also be done very quickly since the groom and groomsmen will already have straight faces and be in the flying V position. The only difference this time is that the groomsmen will be looking in different directions. This is another pose that looks amazing in black and white, it gives off magazine and editorial vibes.

How to set up the pose: Follow the same steps from above to get the men in a flying V. Then, tell all of the groomsmen to the left of the groom to move just their heads to look to their right. Next, tell all of the groomsmen to the right of the groom to move just their heads to their left. As for the groom, you can take a few photos of him looking directly at the camera and a few of him looking to either side.

#6: Walking Straight On

Walking groomsmen photos are a great way to get some candid and unposed portraits. These photos are typically a fan favorite amongst grooms and groomsmen since they are less posed, more natural, and always look cool.

How to set up the pose: Tell all of the groomsmen to line up in a straight line with the groom standing in the center. Next, tell them all to naturally interact with each other, talk, and joke around while walking directly towards the camera.

#7: Walking From the Side

To have a wider variety of photos, have the groomsmen walk straight ahead again. However, this time, stand to the side and capture them walking from a different angle. It is always nice to have a variety of angles for different poses.

How to set up the pose: Have all of the groomsmen line up in a straight line with the groom in the center. Then, stagger them all slightly so that you can see everyone. Next, tell them to walk straight ahead while you run to the side in order to get the shot.

#8: Hype Up

This action pose always creates my favorite groomsmen photos. It allows all of the guys to be excited, get their energy out, and hype up the groom. Each set of groomsmen I have worked with always seems to do this action pose slightly different. It is so fun to see what they come up with!

How to set up the pose: Line up all of the groomsmen in a straight line. Then, place the groom a few feet in front of everyone else, looking at the camera. Next, tell all of the groomsmen on the count of 3 to run up behind the groom and hype him up. I also always make sure to remind the groomsmen not to hurt the groom in the process, I have seen a lot of grooms get lifted during this pose.

#9: Smiling Individuals

While group groomsmen photos are a must on a wedding day, it is also important to capture a photo of the groom with each individual groomsmen. These photos are great to have for a wedding album and to give to each of the groomsmen.

How to pose: Call up each groomsmen one at a time to take a photo with the groom. Tell them to stand next to each other with their hands in their pockets. Then, have them both look at the camera and smile.

And Finally… #10 Groomsmen Photos: Fun Individuals

After having each groomsmen smile with the groom, I always tell them to pose however they’d like for the next photo. A lot of men really embrace this prompt and come up with some creative ideas. It is also very common for groomsmen to do a hug or handshake photo with the groom during this time.

How to pose: Tell them to do whatever they want for this photo.

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