The hand should actually be up higher where his lapel would be if he were wearing a suit.

The pose is supposed to be like pulling into/out of a hug but with a triangle in the arm because triangles are appealing to our eyes and it would look bad to have her elbow directed toward the camera.

Don’t worry, OP. They probably got 100 other photos that were different. But for an announcement, people generally like a classic looking at the camera image.

People say they want candids, but most people are too self-conscious in front of a camera and want to be directed.

Because at one point I was going to join a gang just so I knew what to do with my hands in pics. Lucky for me, DH belly is right there.

Can someone link to a picture to show what you mean?

Anonymous wrote:Being near his belly, it is a pose saying the woman is going to cook for and feed her man for the rest of her life, forever subservient to the Patriarchy.

Or it could be a symbol of the matriarchy, and the desire to make his belly as big as if he was preggers. Real witchcraft stuff.

Being near his belly, it is a pose saying the woman is going to cook for and feed her man for the rest of her life, forever subservient to the Patriarchy.

They don't want the man to grab to bewbs

Also, most people have no camera sense at all, and are clueless how to pose to show off their best sides and features, without looking like they are posing.

One of the main things that sets apart good actors from lame ones. Being comfortable in front of the camera.

Anonymous wrote:In so many pictures I see this over and over. Why do women do this?

They do as they are told by their superiors, in this case the "professional" photographer.

Just look around at how people are easily willing to do whatever they are told if it comes from a "professional" or "government" or "study". It's mind boggling.

Anonymous wrote:The photographer told them to because it makes a pleasing and flattering composition and suggests a connection between the two subjects.

I'm sure bad photographers do suggest this. The problem with it is that most couples do not naturally touch each other in this way, so it will look awkward and, yes, corny in a photograph.

A better photographer will set clients at ease and suggest they interact as they normally would, and find ways to encourage natural moments of physical connection. For some couples this might mean holding hands or leaning heads together. For other couples this will mean playful teasing, a kiss on the cheek, whatever. Some couples are not naturally touchy feely and I think these couples do best with candid photos that might catch them talking or laughing together, rather than posed photos that are unlikely to capture their dynamic.

As for photo composition, this is the whole reason photography is a profession. A good photographer should be able to position themselves and their subject to compose a good photo without resorting to a cheesy, rote pose. I mean, why not have the man stand behind the woman and then they can both make heart hands at the camera?

Corny.

Used to be to show off an engagement ring. Not sure other than that.

Cause if you do it the other way around it looks like a misdemeanor.

Ew. I definitely don't do this. DH has a dad belly - no need to emphasize it!

The photographer told them to because it makes a pleasing and flattering composition and suggests a connection between the two subjects.

In so many pictures I see this over and over. Why do women do this?