The good news is you don’t have to be a model to feel natural in your own wedding photos! Let’s be honest… not everyone feels like a natural in front of the camera. I myself even struggle with this because I’m so often behind the camera that I feel awkward when I’m in front of it! One of the most common things a couple will say during our first meeting is “We’re so awkward in photos!” or “We’re not photo people.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!
As an Ontario wedding photographer with experience shooting hundreds of couples across Muskoka, Niagara, Toronto and beyond, I’ve got some go-to tips to help you feel relaxed and confident in front of the lens. Here’s how to ensure your wedding photos reflect the real, joyful you:
TIP NO. 1 – GET TO KNOW THE PHOTOGRAPHER BEFORE THE BIG DAY!
Trust and comfort go a long way in making you feel less awkward. Having only talked to me online and then having me put a camera in your face on an already busy day might not be the best way to help you feel comfortable.
TIP: Booking an engagement shoot or a milestone shoot in advance has the advantage of allowing us to have a warm-up together. You’ll be able to learn my poses/prompts, and I get to learn what helps you feel most natural as a couple. When you feel like you’re just hanging with your friend instead of intentionally “posing”, your photos are going to naturally reflect this ease.
TIP NO. 2 – FOCUS ON EACHOTHER, NOT THE CAMERA
Believe it or not, most photographers who specialize in a storytelling or documentary style don’t want you to look directly at the camera the whole time! Instead, you can focus on eachother, talk about a favourite memory, share a quiet moment, make each other laugh, nose boops, you name it.
TIP: Still nervous? Don’t worry, I have lots of prompts like:
“tuck their hair behind their ear, and whisper what you’re looking most forward to on your honeymoon. It’s a secret!”
“tell tell them one thing you love about them”
“I want you to think about your favourite moment with them. Now look into their eyes and try to convey it without any words. See if they can get it”
TIP NO. 3 – MOVEMENT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
When you don’t have experience modelling, still poses can feel stiff and unnatural. Adding in movement loosens you up and creates dynamic and authentic image. Want that cinematic look? That’s alllllll movement!
TIP: Think slow walking, twirling, brushing hair away, pulling partner in towards you, quick kisses. These micro movements make your photos look like a story and less like a posed photo shoot.
TIP NO. 4 – DON’T AIM FOR PERFECTION, AIM FOR EMOTION
Often the most cherished wedding photos are the imperfectly perfect ones. The tears during the vows, a hearty laugh during a toast, a gust of wind that just happened to blow through your veil while you were taking portraits. Don’t worry about being flawless. Just focus on being present, because the real emotion will shine through and that’s what makes them perfect.
TIP NO. 5 – TRUST THE PROCESS
You’ve hired your photographer for a reason, and they care deeply about you and your day. Allow them the opportunity to do what they do best and trust them when they guide you in certain moments.
TIP: if there’s something you know for sure that you want done in advance (ie. a certain pose, a particular person involved, etc.) make sure to communicate that with them before the big day!
Looking natural in your wedding photos isn’t about perfectly posing…it’s about connection, comfort, and being truly present with your partner on one of the most exciting days of your lives! With the right photographer, and a little trust in the process, your photos will feel as joyful and genuine as the day itself was.
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