Given that your wedding is such an emotional and happy experience, you’re definitely going to want to document it. But if standing in front of a camera sounds like your worst nightmare, taking wedding pictures can cause uneasiness. To help with this, we tap professional wedding photographers to get the best tips for taking wedding pictures especially if you’re camera shy.
It’s super common for couples to be nervous about being photographed, but there are tangible tricks to make your photo shoot go smoothly. Wondering what they are? See all the best tips for taking wedding pictures if you’re camera shy.
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU TRUST
The pros are unanimous on this one. The absolute best way to ensure that you feel comfortable while taking your wedding pictures is by working with someone you trust. While it’s super important to check out a pro’s portfolio and make sure you like their style, you should also make sure you like their personality. If you are super awkward and hate taking pictures, your choice of photographer must go beyond picking someone with a good portfolio.
A great way to gauge if you’ll work well together is to ask them how they can put you at ease during the session, Working with your wedding photographer is an intimate process, so it’s important for both you and your spouse connect with them.
SCHEDULE AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Practice makes perfect – and wedding pictures are no exception. If you’re worried about getting great photos on your wedding day, schedule an engagement session with your photographer. This will allow you to get to know your photographer and to help you get comfortable in front of the camera. You don’t want the first time you’re meeting your wedding photographer to be on your wedding day. Another pro of scheduling an engagement session is you’ll feel more confident while posing. Since you’ll be familiar with your photographer, another perk is knowing your preferred angles.
FOCUS ON YOUR PARTNER
If looking at the camera gives you jitters, take your focus off the camera and concentrate on other things. One of the best options? Your partner, of course. That’s your safe space, so focus on your person. The photographer will work around you. You don’t have to stare at the camera to get great pictures.
HAVE A DRINK
Yes, really. There’s nothing wrong with having a little liquid courage before your wedding photos. In fact, the pros recommend it for couples who feel extra uncomfortable in front of the camera. If you’re really nervous, have a glass of champagne or a cocktail. It gives people their wings, and they’re less likely to be stiff or give their fake smiles. But it should be limited to just one. You don’t want to have a bottle of champagne because that will take it too far. But just a glass of bubbly sometimes helps people relax.
LAUGH (EVEN IF IT FEELS FORCED OR AWKWARD)
As the old saying goes: Fake it ‘til you make it. If you’re feeling nervous, laugh out loud with your partner. It may feel awkward, but it works really well. Awkward laughs actually make for great pictures.
This method works extremely well for photos since people won’t know what was happening at the moment. When it’s a still photograph, nobody knows what you’re saying to each other and they don’t know why you’re laughing. So hold hands or just laugh awkwardly because sometimes those little moments in between can be really cute.
TALK TO EACH OTHER
Chatting with your partner is also a great way to elicit authentic emotions during a photoshoot. It’s a go-to method to loosen up shy couples. Have the couple reminisce on something in their past – either funny or romantic.
Chat about anything that brings a smile to your face. Maybe it’s your first date or the moment you knew your partner was the one. Focusing on the story will distract you from the camera and you’ll get some adorable pictures out of it.
START WITH YOUR BACK TO THE CAMERA
Ease into your photo session by turning away from the camera. If you are extremely nervous just hold hands and walk away from the camera. Talk to each other, make sure you’re looking at each other as you walk away. Talk about wedding plans. Eventually, you’ll want to turn and face the camera, but this can be a great way to start off your session.
HAVE SOME PICTURES TAKEN FROM A DISTANCE
You can also work with your photographer to take pictures that are far away so you don’t have the camera in your face. This can be great for some romantic scenic shots, but you definitely want to get some closer shots as well because when you look back in 10 years, you’ll regret not seeing yourself. Having those photos from that time in your life is incredibly important for documentation purposes and for the history of your family. They are irreplaceable.
ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER FOR DIRECTION
A good photographer will give you some direction no matter what. However, if you’re feeling especially nervous or awkward in front of the camera, it doesn’t hurt to ask your pro to give you extra encouragement. It’s important to ensure your photographer has experience guiding couples who need a little more help in front of the camera.
GET YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP DONE
Looking for an extra confidence boost? Consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done (for the engagement session and on your wedding day). Feeling good is the key to getting great photos, which is why we recommend getting a pro to give your look a little boost. They will make you look and feel your best, and when you feel your best, that’s what comes across in the photos.
WEAR SOMETHING YOU FEEL GOOD IN
For engagement pictures, it’s best to wear something that you’re comfortable in and that you feel great in. The better you feel, the better you look in photos. This is why wedding pictures are usually so successful: because people feel great in their wedding outfits – and it comes across in their photos. Make sure you pick an outfit that makes you feel confident, and you’ll have a much easier time during your photo shoot.
PLAN AN ACTIVITY
This tip is mostly for engagement photos, but you can steal it for your wedding day. Since distraction is the best cure for camera-shy couples, bringing an activity is a great compromise. It could be popping a bottle of bubbly or grabbing ice cream at your first date spot. Not only do those things help you loosen up, but it also brings a little more meaning to your pictures. Other ideas include bringing an instrument you play or involving your pet – the options are endless.
TAKE YOUR PICTURES AWAY FROM YOUR GUESTS
While this sounds like a simple tip for taking wedding photos, it’s an important one. If you freeze up in front of crowds, it’s best to take your wedding pictures away from your guests. Work with your photographer to find a more secluded, private spot where you and your partner can pose comfortably.
REMEMBER THESE ARE YOUR PHOTOS
First thing’s first, remember that this is not going to be some magazine glamour shot. This is your own personal memory, so you don’t have to worry about impressing anyone. Remembering that these pictures are just for you and your partner always helps you relax a little bit more.
DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF
Turning to Instagram or Pinterest for some photo inspiration is great, but falling into a comparison game can be dangerous. Just let it be you. Let this be your experience. Don’t try to imitate or duplicate someone else’s experience. Trust your photographer (they are professionals, after all) and focus on what really matters: the love you and your partner share.
originally posted on theknot.com by Maddy Sims
