How to Avoid Feeling Awkward in Wedding Photos: A Photographer’s Guide to Looking (and Feeling) Natural
Being the centre of attention is not for everyone, but there are ways to feel relaxed and confident throughout your big day. If I had a dollar for every couple who admitted to feeling awkward in front of the camera, I’d be sitting on a pretty sweet nest egg right now! You’d be amazed at how many of my clients feel anxious, as I imagine you do, about taking centre stage on their wedding day. Knowing that all eyes are on them and that the photos of themselves and their partner will be looked over for generations to come. It adds extra pressure to the entire event, not going to lie. But, crucially, there are many genuine ways you can avoid feeling awkward in wedding photos, and actually enjoy the experience.
In this post, I’m going to help you manage the pressure of looking good on camera, while mentally spinning multiple wedding planning plates. Together we’re going to reduce your anxiety, and ensure your most comfortable self is the one being photographed on the big day. Sound impossible? Not with my hard-earned experience as a wedding photographer in Kitchener.
How to Avoid Feeling Awkward in Wedding Photos
It’s totally normal to feel nervous in front of the camera, and the sooner you accept it, the faster you’ll be able to enjoy the moment and let those nerves slide right off you.
Work with a Wedding Photographer You Feel Comfortable With
As I mentioned above, couples often share their insecurities about being on camera. And often times it takes a lot for my clients to open up like that, especially the guys… Which is why, if you do anticipate feeling awkward in your wedding photos, it’s important to find a photographer you feel free to open up to, and be around.
A good photographer will put you at ease. They’ll remain patient throughout the wedding day, guiding when needed, and giving peace of mind whenever necessary. They’ll make you feel relaxed, free to express yourselves and react in the moment. This kind of natural confidence really shines on camera, and it’s what every experienced wedding photographer strives to bring out in their clients.
An essential thing to remember is also that your photographer will be with you for the majority of the celebrations. Be it near or far, you will feel their presence throughout. Therefore, both of you must like your photographer. Sounds silly, but a large part of finding the perfect wedding photographer does come down to whether your personalties gel. Which is why you should take the time to interview potential vendors thoroughly, get a feel for their ethos, and then decide on them as a professional photographer.
Invest in an Engagement Photo Session
If I had one critical piece of advice for those wanting to avoid feeling awkward in wedding photos, it’s book an engagement shoot. Getting first-hand experience in front of the camera, with your chosen wedding photographer, will undoubtably ease anxiety on the big day. Plus, you’ll have some professional shots to put on your wedding website and use on stationery.
Every wedding photographer has their own way of getting the best out of their couples, and the best way for them to understand what approach will work best with you, is experience. An informal, fun and relaxed engagement photo session is a wedding investment you genuinely will not regret.
Focus Only on Each Other
The easiest way to rid each other of any awkward feelings during wedding portrait photos is to focus solely on yourselves as a couple. Get lost in the moment by chatting to each other, complimenting, flirting, sharing your experiences of the day thus far. As a wedding photographer, I want to capture these natural, candid moments because I know this is where the ‘photographic gold’ so often is.
You might not be the type of couple who feels comfortable kissing, or stroking one another in public. And that’s ok. But how do you show tenderness to your partner? Is it whispering something in their ear? Holding them close? Making them laugh?
Embrace what affection style feels natural to you during your portraits and immerse yourself in the experience. It’s not easy to do, I’ll admit. But by focusing on trying to make your partner laugh, blush or smile from the inside out – every other pressure will start to melt away.
Prioritise Movement in Front of the Camera
The more you stand still, doing nothing, the quicker the feelings of awkwardness will start to creep into your psyche. You’ll overthink what your hands are doing, second guess where you’re looking and soon start to feel silly for no reason at all. All of this can be avoided by taking a walk, spinning in your dress, embracing each other – whatever feels natural there and then.
There will be moments when you will need to stand in one position, to get a particular shot. But that doesn’t mean you should stop moving. Explore each other with your hands, talk to one another naturally. You’d be amazed at how much movement is created by simply having an intimate conversation.
By focusing on getting movement into every situation, you’ll avoid feeling like you’re part of an awkward, staged wedding photo moment. And in turn, you’ll create more naturalistic portraits. Captured moments you loved being a part of.
Introduce Props that Feel Natural
Photographers say, ‘never work with kids or animals’, for obvious reasons. But if you really need something to distract you from feeling awkward during wedding photos, there’s nothing better than bringing in your little ones, or a furry companion.
Playing with a dog, stroking it, talking to it, walking it. These are all really natural movements you’ve done countless times over as dog owners. Second nature actions that look great on camera, and help you to think about something else besides being photographed. Children create the same effect, but can sometimes be harder to control. Something to keep in mind before bringing your kids along to a portrait session.
You can keep your hands busy with any number of things though, not just kids and dogs. You could play with your bouquet, a (nice looking) drink, your dress, the environment, each other’s outfits. Trace your fingers along seam lines, play with pocket squares, find pockets your partner never knew they had! Interact with what’s in front of you, or bring something in that fits within the scenario without looking too staged.
Ignore the Photographer and Be Yourself
If you’re feeling super awkward while having wedding photos taken, remember what this day is about. Don’t think about the angle you’re being shot at, the poses you learnt off YouTube the night before, or how you think you should look in your portraits. Just be yourself, whatever that means to you.
At the end of the day, it’s our job as wedding photographers to capture the very best of you. To get the lighting, angles and composition right. Your job is to enjoy the day. That’s why trust is so important in wedding photography.
When you find someone you trust to capture your day in the way you desire, you’ll quickly find the entire process becomes a lot easier.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Kitchener, Toronto, or anywhere in-between – I’d love to have a chat with you! I’ve shot over 366 weddings, across the world, and every photograph I’ve taken has been with the upmost care for the couple. So if you’re feeling nervous, or anxious about being awkward during your wedding photos, don’t worry. I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
You are welcome to browse my various portfolios, and if you like what you see, please feel free to inquire about availability for your wedding date.
