One thing I always hear from couples is they’re extremely nervous about wedding photos. They’re afraid of feeling awkward. They’re worried because they aren’t sure what to do in front of the camera. With planning and preparation you can be confident in your wedding pictures. Here are tips to help you be less nervous about wedding photos.
Get to know photographers before you book one.
Being less nervous about wedding photos starts before you book your photographer. Many couples are in a rush to book their wedding vendors. So they ask lots of questions about packages and prices. They skip getting to know photographers on a personal level. When you’re looking for a photographer it’s important to ask your photographer about their experience and who they are beyond the camera.
You should trust and connect with your wedding photographer from the first time you meet. This trust and connection will go a long way to being less nervous about wedding photos.
Find a photographer who directs you.
When a photographer directs you it helps you relax and feel more confident during your engagement and wedding photography.
The one thing I do that will help you when nervous about wedding photos is directing you during portraits. I watch they way you naturally are together as a couple. Then I give you directions on what to do so you don’t feel lost while being photographed.
I might say something silly to get a smile. I’ll ask you to remember a certain time in your relationship that fostered the deep connection you share. I tell you where to stand and where to look.
Don’t skip the engagement session.
Many wedding photographers (including me) offer a portrait session with their wedding packages. You can use this for engagement pictures or pre-wedding portraits.
It’s tempting for couples to skip this session. But don’t because it’s a valuable opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer. Having portraits before the wedding helps you feel comfortable with your photographer which leads to more confidence on your wedding day.
Ask for privacy during your wedding portraits.
Keep your first look and wedding portraits a private time. Ask on lookers to go do something else and leave you alone. This helps you focus on each other, celebrate your relationship and be much less nervous in your wedding photos.
Sneak out of your wedding reception for sunset portraits.
During cocktails or the reception is a good time for portraits. This is because your ceremony (which you were also nervous about) is done. You’re officially married and ready to celebrate! Plus you’ll have privacy if you quickly disappear. Your guests are busy mingling. No one will notice if you leave for 15 minutes. A lot of couples enjoy sneaking away to a secret spot for sunset or night time wedding portraits at their venue.
Get the in-between moments photographed.
Pictures of your candid wedding moments that come in-between the posed ones feel intimate and natural because you forget you’re being photographed. I love documenting the in-between moments in addition to posed portraits.
Leave room for laughter.
When I plan portraits with my couples I want to make sure they’ll have a little fun. We start portraits with a little laughter, which will keep you relaxed and able to transition to some seriously romantic pictures too. You’re going to feel a variety of emotions at your wedding. When you have space to be yourself and feel them all you’ll relax quickly.
Accept that you’re nervous.
Everyone gets nervous about wedding photos so acknowledge that you’re nervous. Realizing the anxiety you have is natural can help banish some of it.
Commit to being present.
At some point you have to step away from your mood boards, shot lists and expectations. You have to take a deep breath, and let go of everything but the moments happening in front of you.
When you commit to being present in the moment for your pictures and completely trust your wedding photographer, you can let go of your anxieties. This helps you fully relax so you can have gorgeous wedding pictures that honor your marriage.
Wedding venues pictured:
Riverview Greens & North Star Farm.
Remember, it’s completely natural to be nervous about the big exciting things in life.
Find a wedding photographer who will encourage you to savor the moment and has experience working with couples who are camera-shy.
Oh hi there, you found my blog! (yay!) I’m a wedding photographer in Minnesota who wants to give you solutions to overcome your photography challenges and help you be less nervous in your wedding photos. Contact me here.
