How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day
Almost every couple tells me, “We’re awkward in photos.”
You’re not awkward.
You’re just in love and a bit nervous.
That’s completely normal.
I guide you into good light. I tweak the little details. You focus on each other.
And do you know what?
You’re not awkward. You’re just not models. There’s a difference.
Your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot with a side of marriage. It’s your actual day. My job is to capture it without turning you into someone you’re not.
First Things First.
You Don’t Need to Perform.
You don’t need to know how to pose.
You don’t need to practise smiles in the mirror.
You don’t need to worry about what to do with your hands.
That’s my job.
I give gentle direction, not stiff poses. Think movement over mannequins. I’ll guide you into good light, tweak a hand if it needs it, then let you just be together.
Most of the best moments happen in between the “posed” bits anyway.
Before the Wedding, We Actually Talk
This isn’t a turn-up-and-hope-for-the-best situation.
We’ll have a consultation before your wedding, and we can chat as many times as you need in the lead up. I want to know what matters to you.
Do you love natural, candid moments?
Do you secretly want a few editorial-style shots?
Do you hate being centre of attention?
The more I understand you, the better your photos will feel.
It gives me a guide. It helps me get a feel for your vibe. I’ll know how far I can gently push for that extra little moment, and when to step back.
And if I suggest something and it’s not your thing, just say. We move on. No drama.
This is your wedding day.
I’ve not had one couple yet who’s hated what I do. So let’s keep that track record going.
What Actually Happens During Couple Portraits?
This is the bit couples build up in their heads.
Here’s the reality.
We don’t disappear for huge chunks of the day. It’s normally short pockets, 10 to 15 minutes here and there, depending on your location and what you’ve asked for.
After the group photos, we’ll usually go for a quick couples walk. Nothing dramatic. Just relaxed, chilled, and away from the crowd for a few minutes.
It’s often the first time you get a second alone together. You grab a drink, breathe it in, and realise, “We actually did it.”
I’ll:
Find the nicest light
Try to keep you away from wandering guests where I can.
Give you simple prompts, not complicated instructions
You might walk hand in hand.
You might cuddle in.
You might laugh because it all feels a bit surreal.
It’s relaxed. It’s quick. Then you’re straight back to your party.
If we’re doing sparklers in the evening, that’s usually about 10 minutes. Short, fun, and a bit chaotic in the best way.
And if we get a crazy sunset, or even a rainbow, I’ll come and grab you and ask if you fancy nipping out for five minutes. Those are the things I can’t control on a wedding day. But if they show up, we’re absolutely making the most of them.
“But We’re So Awkward…”
Honestly, awkward usually just means nervous.
The first five minutes can feel a bit “what are we doing”. That’s normal. After that, you forget I’m even there.
You focus on each other.
I focus on angles and light.
Everyone wins.
I’ll never leave you standing there thinking, “Is this right?” If something feels off, I adjust it. Quietly. Calmly.
Sometimes we can do dramatic posing.
ocasonaly we forced a HAHA which turns into proper laughs.
No cringe, well, this is down to you.
As for me, I’ll just give a bit of guidance, add a few giggles, and you two just be yourselves.
How Long Do Photos Really Take?
This depends on your day, but here’s a rough idea:
Couple portraits, 10 to 15 minute pockets.
Family photos, around 10 to 25 minutes if we’re organised and our list isn’t huge.
Sparklers, about 10 minutes.
Everything else, captured naturally as it happens.
You’re not missing your drinks reception.
You’re not losing hours with your guests.
Your wedding day should feel like your wedding day
What If We Hate Having Our Photo Taken?
Then you’re exactly the kind of couple I love working with.
Because you don’t want stiff, over-the-top photos. You want real ones.
The hand squeeze when no one’s looking.
The breath before you walk down the aisle.
The way you look at each other during the speeches.
And the giggles in between.
You don’t need to be confident in front of a camera. You just need to trust that I’ve got you.
And I do.♡
