How to Feel Relaxed in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and the last thing you want is to feel awkward or uncomfortable while having your photo taken. If you’re someone who’s camera-shy or doesn’t love posing for photos, you might be wondering how you can relax and enjoy the process while still getting beautiful, authentic images that reflect the true you.

The first step is to make sure you are booking the right photographer for you, not just from their photographic style but also how they work and how they produce their photos. For exmaple: a documentary style photographer (like myself) will give you a “fly on the wall” approach and you will barely notice their presence. They might allocate 10-30 minutes to take a handful of group photos and couples photos, but the rest of the day will be entirely uninterrupted and unposed. In contrast to this, an editorial style photographer will be very good at posing you and will be very understanding of composition and lighting, but your couples photoshoot will more than likely take 2 hours to complete. So be sure to research the type of photographer that suits you.

The below tips are written from a documentary-style photographer’s point of view:

Book a full day wedding photography package

Documentary style photography is really well suited for a full day of coverage: A full day from prep through to the evening reception will give you a complete story to look back on from start to finish. Having a photographer there during your morning preparations will give everyone a chance to relax and get used to having a photographer around. By the time the ceremony or celebration starts, everyone’s already more at ease, making it easier to capture those authentic, candid moments throughout the day.

Forget about posing, just be yourself

I know, it’s a really cliche saying, but one of the most common concerns I hear from couples is the fear of having to pose in stiff, awkward ways. Here’s the truth: You don’t have to “pose” at all! In fact, some of the most beautiful wedding photos come from real, candid moments when you’re simply enjoying the day.

Instead of worrying about where to look or what to do with your hands, focus on enjoying the moment and be fully present with your guests. It’s our job as documentary style photographers to work around the moments.

Take a moment to relax after the ceremony

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and nerves on your wedding day, but the best photos happen when you’re relaxed. Everything will fly by in a flash on your special day so before starting any portraits I recommend taking a few moments after the ceremony to relax and debreif with just the two of you. It’s probably the only time during the day where you will get this downtime!

This can help ease any nervousness and make the portrait experience feel much more comfortable. The more relaxed you are, the more natural and beautiful your photos will be.

Embrace the little moments

Your wedding day will be full of emotional and spontaneous moments. Maybe it's your partner’s look as you walk down the aisle, the joy of your first dance, or a quiet moment you share alone during the reception. These are the moments that tell the true story of your day.

Instead of worrying about everything looking perfect, allow these moments to unfold naturally. My favourite shots are the unscripted ones—the little glances, the unexpected bursts of laughter, and the simple, intimate interactions and reactions. These are the moments that really show who you are as a couple, and they’ll become the images you’ll treasure forever.

Ignore the cameras

Remember, the focus on your wedding day should be on the love and joy you're celebrating. Try to forget about the camera and just enjoy the moments. Whether it’s the joy of getting ready with your friends, the laughter during speeches, or the excitement of your first dance as a married couple, these are the memories that will last a lifetime.

The photos are simply a way to preserve those moments so you can look back on them for years to come. So, keep your focus on each other, and the photos will follow naturally.

Book an engagement photoshoot

You should consider booking an engagement photoshoot around 6-12 months before your wedding. Engagement shoots are a perfect way to get comfortable with your photographer and get used to having your picture taken. Doing a short 20-40 minute enagegement session in a relaxed setting can go a really long way to help you feel at ease. Plus, they're the perfect photos for your save-the-date cards or table decorations.

In Conclusion

Your wedding photos should reflect the true essence of your love story—raw, authentic, and filled with emotion. The best way to ensure that happens is to embrace the day, stay present in the moment, and let go of any pressure to look perfect.

It’s our job as your wedding photographer to capture all the unposed, unscripted moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and trust that the photos will reflect the beautiful, natural moments of your special day.

If you have any questions or need more tips on how to feel relaxed in front of the camera, I’d be more than happy to chat. Let’s create memories you’ll cherish forever.