Worried about wedding photographs

5 top tips for overcoming your wedding photo nerves for the camera shy

It’s your wedding day, you know how important photography is, you know those images created on your special day will matter even more to you in years to come. But, let’s be honest – you just don’t feel comfortable having your photo taken. The idea of posing in front of a camera makes your palms go a little clammy, you feel a little awkward.

Firstly reset assured, you are not alone. So many people feel the same. I’ve put together my 5 top tips for making you at ease in front of the camera on your wedding day, making sure you look totally awesome and giving you no reason to be worried about wedding photographs.

Choose the right photographer

This may sound simple, but choosing the right person is so important to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day. Not only do you need to fall in love with their style, approach and images, but you need to connect with the photographer as a person. If you like them, if they are the sort of person you’d happily hang out with, then this is the photographer for you.

You want a photographer who you feel at ease around, someone who makes you forget the camera is there, and someone you can have a laugh with. It all helps you feel at ease. You relaxing and being yourself is the first step to awesome photographs.

I offer a no obligation chat to all my potential couples so we can get to know one another. At the stage of booking your wedding photographer, you may not know all the fine details about the big day, but this chat is more about who you are and what you value. If you feel the photographer gets that, then you’ve struck gold.

I spent time getting to know my couples and what is important to them. I’m always there to answer any questions or queries and happy to chat at any point. By the day itself, it’s like we are old friends, someone you want around on the most important day of your life. Some on who adds to the vibe as is as excited as you for what is to come!

You can book in a no obligation chat here

Worried about wedding photography

Documentary approach

Choosing the style of photography that suits you is essential. A more editorial approach means more posing, but a creative documentary approach means that a more natural approach is taken to your day. I shoot 99% of your wedding day in a documentary style, I mix with the crowd and capture all the moments that matter. Through my images, you will see the real you, and your family and friends personalities will shine through.

But wait…that’s not to say that family shoots or couples portraits are not an important part of the day, these images are invaluable. What is important to me is that group shots shouldn’t interfere with the main part of your day – you all having fun and celebrating. I don’t want you all standing around waiting, so I make sure that in just a few clicks of my camera the group shots you know your family value will be done in around 10-15 minutes. Similarly, for couples portraits, we can find a few minutes on the day to slip away and create some awesome shots that you’ll treasure forever.

Worried about wedding photography

Go with the flow

Pick the right photographer and you don’t have to worry about when you will get the family shots in and couple shots in. Leave that to them, a good photographer will go with the flow. They know the outline of your day and will judge the moment to find the right time to get the shots that they know you want.

I don’t approach my weddings with a formula as each day is unique. Many factors can influence when to create portraits and group shots such as the weather, the light, a natural break in the events and so on. I’ll tap you on the shoulder and suggest the right times. You can relax throughout the whole day knowing I have everything in hand. You can get focus on enjoying yourself and realising how awesome being married is!

worried about wedding photography

Be yourself

Some couples have an idea of what sort of shots they like, they may put together examples. This is all good but in truth, your wedding and you as a couple are not like other couples. You need to be yourselves. Your photographer will get to know you and will seize the opportunity on the day to make amazing portraits that let your character and personality shine through. These are so much more meaningful that replicating a shot seen on Pinterest.

I focus on capturing your story, and that story is not like that of anyone else. Your images will be as unique as you are. Couples tell me afterwards that the emotion and missed moments in their images are what they truly treasure. They are also thrilled that I convinced them that for just five minutes away from the crazy wedding party can create some cracking stunning shots of the pair of you. So be yourself and embrace the opportunities.

Find out more about how I like to work here

Worried about wedding photography

Unlimited coverage

One way to feel totally at ease with your photographer is to opt for unlimited coverage of your day. I only offer unlimited coverage as I believe it’s essential to you. I like to hang with the bride and groom as they get ready, spending some time with both parties. At first, a camera clicking seems a bit weird, but as time goes on you start to forget I’m there. I’m just one of the girls/boys and so excited for the awesome happenings of the day that are still to come!

Not only one of the first to arrive, but I’m also often one of the last to leave. I’ll be on the dancefloor, partying with my camera and getting the close-up shots of your nearest and dearest on the dance floor. Some of the best moments happen at the end of the party. My favourite feedback has been hearing that people thought I was one of the guests.

Pre-wedding shoot

Some couples find that a pre-wedding shoot is a great way to start feeling comfortable in front of the camera. It may seem a bit strange to opt for a shoot when posing for photos is what makes you feel all clammy. It works though! Often suggest to my couples that they pick a place they know and love, be that a beach with the dog, a park, bars and pubs, or even at home. We can hang and get to know one another. I can capture you naturally as we spend time together.

If you want we can create some slightly posed images where I will give some directions of how to stand, where to put your ‘clammy’ hands and so on. It means that when the big day comes, it’s not at the forefront of your mind and it’s all a breeze! You shouldn’t be worried about your wedding photos on your big day!

Be honest

Tell your photographer from the start if you feel awkward in front of a camera. Be clear from the start that you are worried about wedding photographs. It’s their job to make you feel at ease. I prefer my couple to tell me what aspects make them feel uncomfortable and why. I can then either build up their confidence and give top advice or make sure certain situations are avoided on the day. It’s my job to bring out the best. After all, it’s your wedding and you should be having the time of your life!

I want to make sure you get images of your wedding day that you love and make you look extra awesome. If you’d like to have no obligation chat to find out if I’m the guy for you both, then book in a time that suits here:

When you book in a chat, you don’t need a ‘100 questions for your wedding photographer’ at this stage – just tell me all about yourselves, let’s chat and see if I’m the sort of person who’d make you feel right on your wedding day.

Check out my availability and get my brochure by dropping me a quick message here

Worried about wedding photography

“We aren’t a posey couple so need to try and find a way to make this kind of casual but I guess an element of being posed”.

Kiylee and Ben