The Ultimate Guide to Relaxing in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day

Let's address the elephant in the room…

You think you're awkward.

I know you think you're awkward because almost every couple who enquires with me says exactly the same thing. They tell me they're terrible at photos, that they never know what to do with their hands, or that one of them absolutely hates being in front of a camera. Yet, somehow, those same couples end up with natural, joyful photographs that genuinely look like them.

The truth is that nobody turns up to their wedding day as a professional model. The couples you see in wedding photography portfolios aren't secretly trained in posing. Most of them felt exactly the same way you do before their wedding. The difference isn't that they knew what they were doing. It's that they relaxed enough to enjoy the day. And that’s what I most want to achieve, you being relaxed in my presence!

Stop worrying about posing

One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding photography is that you'll spend hours being directed into awkward poses while someone shouts instructions from behind a camera. Yep, that sounds exhausting. (It would be for me too!)

The reality is much simpler. My job isn't to expect you to know how to pose. My job is to guide you in a way that feels natural. Most of the time, I'll ask you to walk together, have a chat, hold hands, or focus on each other rather than the camera. Those little interactions create genuine reactions, and genuine reactions always photograph beautifully. I may suggest some daft things to do together, to break the ice and that genuinely get you laughing - and look great on camera!

The best wedding photographs rarely come from perfect poses. They come from real moments. A laugh that wasn't planned, a glance between the two of you. A joke that makes one of you snort unexpectedly. Those are the moments that feel like you.

Choose a photographer you feel comfortable around

Your photographer is one of the people you'll spend the most time with on your wedding day. We'll be there while you're getting ready, during emotional moments with family, throughout your ceremony and often right until the dance floor gets going.

That's why finding someone whose work you love is only part of the decision. You should also enjoy talking to them. You should feel comfortable around them. If you spend your consultation feeling relaxed and understood, chances are you'll feel the same way on your wedding day.

Comfort creates confidence, and confidence shows up in your photographs.

Focus on each other, not the camera

One of the easiest ways to look natural in photographs is to stop thinking about the photographs.

When couples become aware of the camera, they often start overthinking everything. Suddenly they're wondering where to put their hands, whether they're standing properly, or if they're smiling too much. The more attention goes onto the camera, the more self-conscious people tend to become.

Instead, focus on your partner. Talk to each other. Take a moment to appreciate what's happening. Hold hands. Share a private joke. Those little moments of connection are what create authentic wedding photographs because they're based on real emotions rather than forced expressions.

Trust the process

Almost every couple starts by telling me they're awkward. Almost every couple finishes their portraits saying, "That was actually much easier than I expected."

You don't need to know what you're doing. You don't need to practise poses in the mirror. You don't need to perform for the camera.

You simply need to show up, enjoy your wedding day and be yourselves.

The laughter, the nerves, the happy tears, the terrible dance moves and all the beautifully chaotic moments in between are what make your wedding unique. Those are the things worth capturing.

And if you're worried about being awkward in front of the camera, you're in very good company. Every couple thinks that.

Very few of them are right.

If you’re looking for a photographer who can bring the fun, who can put you at ease - I may just be your girl!