How to Feel More Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day.♥️
First off, a massive congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding is such an exciting time, but I totally get it—there’s a lot to think about, and one of those things is probably how you’re going to feel with a camera pointed at you all day.
Let me start by saying: I completely understand. Believe it or not, I’m a wedding photographer, and I’m camera shy. Yes, even I feel a little awkward when someone turns the lens on me! So, if the thought of being photographed makes you feel stiff, awkward, or downright nervous, you are not alone. But don’t worry, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to help you both feel totally comfortable, natural, and even—dare I say it—enjoy being in front of the camera!
Here are some of my favorite tips for shaking off those nerves and making sure your wedding photos feel as fun and relaxed as your day will be!
1. Pick a Photographer Who Gets It
Let’s be real: not every photographer knows what it feels like to be camera shy, and that can make a huge difference. When you’re choosing a photographer, it’s so important to pick someone who understands your vibe and can help you feel at ease. You want someone who isn’t going to force awkward poses or make you feel like you’re on a runway.
That’s where I come in. Since I know exactly how uncomfortable being in front of a camera can be, I go out of my way to create a relaxed, no-pressure environment. We’ll laugh, we’ll chat, and I’ll capture the real you—not some stiff, posed version of you. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, take a look at my wedding photography packages here to see how we can make that happen.
2. Let’s Get to Know Each Other
One of the easiest ways to feel more comfortable in front of the camera is to get comfortable with your photographer. I always encourage couples to meet up before the wedding, whether it’s for coffee, a drink, or even just a Zoom chat. That's why all my enquiries and booking come with a pre-wedding consultation or two! When we’ve had a chance to connect, it makes a world of difference on your big day because I won’t feel like a stranger—it’ll be more like having an old friend around with a camera!
If you’re still feeling a little unsure, don’t panic. ALL of my wedding bookings come with a complimentary pre-wedding photo session. It’s like a practice run! We’ll spend some time hanging out, getting a feel for how things flow, and I’ll make sure you’re never left wondering what to do with your hands. And guess what? You’ll get some gorgeous, relaxed photos in the process!
I’ll find out what you like to do, what makes you tick. Where do you love to go? Exploring the great outdoors? Super! Prefer more of a city vibe? No problem! Want to hang out in an arcade? Trip to the seaside? Want to visit your venue? It is not a problem, where ever you want to do your pre-wedding photo session that is fine by me! The more control you have over the where and when, the more in control you’ll feel on the day. I’ll get to know what level of “posing” you’re comfortable with, AND, I’ll encourage you to say “No”. If you don’t want to do something, or that prompt isn’t for you, it’s fine. Don’t do it, I won’t force you, I won’t try and coerce you into something you don’t want to do. The last thing I want to do is to make you feel more uncomfortable, and leave you dreading the wedding day. I promise… I WON’T DO THAT!
3. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
This is a big one. One of the best ways to ease into having your photos taken is to forget about the camera altogether. Instead of worrying about how you look, just focus on each other. You’re marrying the love of your life—that’s the important part! Share a joke, steal a kiss, hold hands, or just take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. The best, most genuine photos come when you’re just being yourselves, and I’ll be there to capture those real moments as they happen.
No need to force anything or feel like you have to perform. I’m all about documenting those natural, in-between moments that show your real connection.
When it comes to your wedding portraits (sounds formal, but it doesn’t have to be) I’ll give you little prompts, get you moving and interacting with each other. It’s harder to feel awkward if you're moving, and the photographs always look more natural than if you’re stood still and smiling.
4. Trust Me—I've Got You
I can’t stress this enough—trust your photographer. One of the reasons couples feel awkward is because they’re not sure if they’re “doing it right.” Here’s the good news: there’s no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to being yourselves. I’ve photographed so many weddings, and I know exactly how to guide you both in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
If you’re not sure what to do in a moment, don’t worry. I’ll give you gentle direction, like simple prompts or ways to interact with each other, that feel relaxed and easy. But for the most part, I’ll step back and let you enjoy your day while I capture it all unfolding naturally. Trust me, you’ll look amazing without even trying.
5. Embrace the Fun!
Look, weddings are meant to be fun! Whether you’re the kind of couple who loves to joke around or you’re more low-key, let your personalities shine through. If you feel like being silly, go for it! If you’re having an emotional moment, lean into it. The more you embrace the real feelings of the day, the more authentic and beautiful your photos will be. You don’t have to be picture-perfect to be perfect for each other—and that’s exactly what I aim to capture.
At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like your day, not a photoshoot. My goal is to capture all the little moments—the laughter, the happy tears, the inside jokes—so you can look back at your photos and remember how you felt, not how you looked.
If you want to chat about how we can make your wedding day photography relaxed, fun, and totally you, feel free to take a look at my wedding photography packages or get in touch here and let’s chat. Let’s work together to make sure your day is unforgettable—and the photos are, too.
You’ve got this, and I’ll be right there with you every step of the way!