Wedding Photography Tips for Camera-Shy Couples: Stay Relaxed & Natural
For many couples, the thought of being photographed all day can feel overwhelming. If you’re camera-shy or feel awkward being photographed, the last thing you want is to feel like your wedding is a staged photoshoot. The good news? It doesn’t have to feel that way! Documentary wedding photography is all about capturing the real, unscripted moments—no awkward posing, no forced smiles. Here are my top tips to help you relax, forget the camera, and fully enjoy your wedding day.
1. Choose a Photographer Who Makes You Feel Comfortable
Your photographer will be with you throughout the day, so it’s important that you feel at ease with them. Meet beforehand, whether in person or via video call, to ensure their personality and approach match what you’re looking for. A good documentary photographer will not only blend into the background, allowing you to stay in the moment while they capture the magic as it unfolds, but is also empathetic and able to read the energy of you and your guests.
2. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
Your wedding day is about you and your partner—not about posing for pictures. Instead of worrying about how you look, focus on each other, your vows, and the emotions of the day (although you will look incredible anyway!) When you’re lost in the moment, the most genuine and beautiful photographs happen naturally.
3. Keep Moving and Stay Present
The best way to avoid feeling self-conscious is to keep busy with the natural flow of your day. Laugh with your bridesmaids, dance with your guests, hold hands with your partner—these little moments create stunning, heartfelt images that feel real and spontaneous. Every now and then, stop to take it all in and take a mental picture for yourself.
4. Trust Your Photographer’s Process
A documentary photographer knows how to capture flattering, emotive images without making you feel constantly watched. Trust their expertise and let them do their thing! The less you worry about the camera, the more authentic and beautiful your wedding photos will be.
5. Embrace the Emotion of the Day
Your wedding is full of incredible emotions—joy, excitement, love, maybe even a few happy tears. Instead of worrying about how you look, embrace those feelings fully. Laugh with your whole heart, no soft smiles here! The best wedding photos aren’t about perfection; they’re about capturing real, meaningful moments.
6. Skip the Forced Poses
If the idea of traditional, posed portraits makes you anxious, let your photographer know. There are ways to capture beautiful couple portraits without stiff posing—whether it’s a quiet walk together, a spontaneous hug, or a quick practice of your first dance. The key is keeping it relaxed and authentic.
7. Have a Pre-Wedding Shoot
If you’re really nervous, consider an engagement session with your photographer before the wedding. This gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and see how effortless and natural the process can be. Plus, you’ll have some gorgeous pre-wedding photos to cherish! You can see some of my pre-wedding shoots here!
Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, not stressing about the camera. By choosing the right photographer, staying present, and focusing on the emotions of the day, you’ll naturally forget the lens is even there. And when you look back at your wedding photos, you’ll see genuine moments of love, laughter, and joy—just as they should be.
If you’re looking for a photographer who captures real moments in a natural and unobtrusive way, I’d love to chat! Get in touch, and let’s create a beautiful, stress-free wedding photography experience together.
