June 5, 2025
A Look Into My Posing and Editing Style: Honest, Intentional & Real
By Mercedes Santana
When you’re looking for a photographer—especially for something as meaningful as your wedding or elopement—you’re probably wondering how they actually work. How do they pose you? What do their photos feel like? Will you look stiff or awkward?
So I wanted to take a moment to walk you through how I approach both posing and editing. Because while the landscapes are always stunning, I believe what makes a photo unforgettable isn’t just the background—it’s you. Your connection. Your energy. Your story.
And that’s exactly what I try to bring out in every session.
Posing That Doesn’t Feel Like Posing
The word “posing” can feel… intimidating. But here’s the thing—I’m not going to stand you in front of a glacier and say, “Okay, now smile at the camera for five minutes straight.”
I focus more on guiding than posing. Think of it like gentle direction to help you feel natural and at ease, without turning it into a stiff photo shoot.
Sometimes that looks like:
Walking toward each other like you haven’t seen one another in weeks.
Whispering something sweet (or ridiculous) into each other’s ears.
Wrapping up in a blanket when the wind picks up and just holding on.
Instead of creating perfect poses, I create space for real moments to happen. My favorite photos are usually the ones where you're halfway through laughing or tucked into each other like no one else is around.
Movement > Posing
I always encourage some kind of movement. Whether we’re hiking up a ridge, running barefoot on the sand, or just walking through the forest holding hands, movement helps you relax and forget the camera’s even there.
It’s also perfect for Alaska’s landscapes—when you’re walking along a ridgeline or getting cozy under the rain, it brings a cinematic, storytelling feel to your gallery.
And yes, I’ll still capture a few “smile at the camera” moments for grandma (because she will ask), but 90% of what I do is focused on how you feel, not how you look.
Editing That Feels Like the Day Felt
My editing style is natural, moody, and emotional—but not overly filtered or trendy. I want your photos to feel timeless years from now, not tied to a passing Instagram aesthetic.
When I edit your gallery, I’m looking to preserve the actual vibe of your day. That means:
True-to-life skin tones (so you look like you—not overly airbrushed)
Warm, earthy colors that match Mother Nature’s natural tones
Rich contrast to add mood without losing detail
Consistent tones throughout your gallery so the whole day flows beautifully
I don't do heavy retouching or “perfecting” people. I want your images to feel real and grounded, just like your love.
Every Gallery Tells a Story
One thing I’m intentional about is how your photos come together as a story, not just a collection of pretty images.
Your gallery will include everything from:
Tiny, quiet details (your rings, the wind in your hair, his hands on your back)
Emotional moments (tears, laughter, the way your people look at you)
Wide, sweeping landscape shots
Close, intimate portraits that feel like you're the only two people in the world
When you scroll through your gallery, it should feel like reliving your day from beginning to end.
I Get to Know My Couples First
This might be the most important part of the process. Before I ever start clicking the shutter, I take time to learn about you both—how you met, what you love to do together, what kind of experience you're dreaming of.
That helps me personalize your shoot so it reflects you, not just a checklist of poses or a cool location.
During our planning calls or emails, I’ll ask things like:
What kind of photos make you feel most like yourselves?
Are you more introverted and cozy, or playful and adventurous?
Do you want a full hike-in adventure or something simple and sweet?
Your answers help shape everything—from the pacing of our session to how I guide you in the moment.
Real Couples, Real Examples
If you’ve browsed my Instagram or my portfolio, you’ve probably seen how different each session feels—and that’s intentional. I don’t approach every couple the same way because every love story is different.
Some couples laugh their way through the whole shoot. Some are quiet, tender, and soft-spoken. Some want to explore and adventure. Others want to slow down and just be together. And I’m here for all of it.
No matter the vibe, my job is to reflect your energy—not turn you into something you’re not.
Final Thoughts
If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, I get it. A lot of my couples say the same thing—and then end up saying how fun and natural it felt. That’s my goal.
I want you to walk away from your session feeling like you just had the best time with your favorite person—and you just happened to get incredible photos out of it.
So if you're looking for a photographer who will:
Make you feel comfortable (even if you hate photos),
Help you create a day that feels like you,
And give you photos that are full of heart and story…
…I’d be honored to document your love.
Let’s create something beautiful together.