How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day
For many couples, the thought of being photographed all day can feel a little overwhelming. If you’re not someone who enjoys posing for photos or you’re worried about feeling awkward, you’re not alone! The good news? Your wedding photography experience doesn’t have to be stressful or uncomfortable. Here’s how to feel at ease in front of the camera so your photos reflect the real, relaxed, and joyful moments of your day.
1. Choose a Photographer Who Gets You
Not every couple wants the same experience when it comes to their wedding photography. Some love striking dramatic poses, while others just want to enjoy their day with minimal interruption. Finding a photographer whose style matches your personality is key. If you value candid, natural moments over staged shots, look for a photographer who specialises in that approach (hint: that’s exactly what I do!).
2. Get to Know Your Photographer Before the Big Day
A great way to feel more comfortable in front of the camera is to build a relationship with your photographer beforehand. Meeting for a coffee or chatting over Zoom can help you feel at ease. Even better, consider an engagement shoot. It’s a low-pressure way to get used to being photographed, understand how your photographer works, and shake off any initial awkwardness.
3. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
Instead of worrying about how you look, think about how you feel. Weddings are full of real, beautiful moments—laughter, happy tears, quiet glances. Rather than trying to pose perfectly, focus on your partner. Whisper a joke, hold hands, dance together. Those moments make for the most natural and meaningful photos.
4. Build in Quiet Moments
Wedding days can be full-on, and for couples who prefer a calmer atmosphere, it helps to schedule a few private moments away from the crowd. Not only does this give you time to breathe, but it also allows for some truly intimate and relaxed photos without an audience.
5. Ditch the Idea of 'Perfect'
The best photos aren’t about perfection—they’re about personality. Some of the most cherished wedding shots are the ones where something unexpected happens: a gust of wind catching your veil, a moment of uncontrollable laughter, a slightly wonky first dance. Lean into the fun and let go of any pressure to look a certain way.
6. Let Your Photographer Guide You (Gently)
A good wedding photographer won’t make you stand still for ages or force you into awkward poses. Instead, they’ll give subtle direction to help you feel natural—maybe a prompt like "walk together and chat about your favourite moment of the day so far." These kinds of cues create movement and connection, leading to photos that actually feel like *you*.
7. Wear What Makes You Feel Good
Feeling comfortable starts with what you wear. If you're someone who struggles with certain fabrics, tight clothing, or sensory overload, make sure your wedding outfit feels *right* for you. The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed and confident you'll feel in your photos.
8. Trust the Process
Most people aren’t models, and that’s a good thing—your wedding photos should feel real, not like a magazine shoot. Trust that your photographer knows how to capture you at your best. The more you relax and enjoy your day, the more naturally beautiful your photos will be.
At the end of the day, wedding photography isn’t about stiff poses or forced smiles—it’s about capturing your love story as it unfolds. So take a deep breath, be yourself, and let the moments happen. Those are the ones you’ll treasure forever.
Want to chat about wedding photography that feels easy and natural? Let’s grab a coffee and see if we’re a good fit!
