Helping You Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
The question I hear most often—whether I’m photographing a family, a headshot, an engagement session, or a wedding—is: “I don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera… What should I do?”
My answer is always the same: be yourself.
This advice is especially important on your wedding day. You’ll take many portraits over the course of your life be it a family shoot or a work related headshot, but your wedding happens once and there is no change for a “redo” The job of a wedding photographer is not just to document the day, but to capture the emotion, the joy, and the connections that make the day uniquely yours.
As someone who has photographed over several hundreds weddings in my career, I decided to put together this blog post, to give couples some ideas on how to make the big day more fun and less stressful, to help couples feel at ease, look their best, and walk away with photos that are anything but ordinary.
A couple of tips that make the big day flow
Work with your photographer before the big day:
One of the best ways to eliminate the stress of “being in front of the camera” that many couples feel is to work with your photographer before the wedding day. You can have an engagement shoot done or have a photographer there for the proposal.
Meeting your photographer before the big day truly makes a huge difference. Don’t forget, the photographer is there for some of the most personal moments of the wedding: the getting ready, the first look, the ceremony. You don’t want a stranger there, you want someone you know and someone who makes you comphortable.
Over the years, I’ve built relationships with couples that continue long after the wedding: they come back for family portraits, reunions, even send their friends my way. I love coming to a wedding shoot and seeing my clients again. That sense of connection is my favorite part of being a photographer!
Designate a family member, a best friend, someone who knows all the key players to work with the photographer.
This person will be the photographer’s “go to person,” with questions. It is important that the couple leave the management of the photography to someone else. Whether it is making sure that I photograph all the important people in your life or bringing people together for the group shoot. Pick someone who is a little bossy, disciplined and most importantly, someone with a sense of humor.
How to feel yourself in front of the camera?
The first rule: forget I’m there.
I know that sounds odd—but the best photos happen when you stop thinking about the camera and start enjoying your day. When couples relax, the event and the photography starts to flow: the smiles, the jitters, the chemistry—it all becomes real. My job is to help you be the best version of yourselves so that years from now, you’ll look at your photos and remember how it felt.
The most meaningful wedding images don’t come from flawless poses, straight backs or forced “say cheese” smiles. They come from movement, emotion, and connection; the bursts of laughter, the quiet glances, the joyful tears. These are the moments that tell your story, these are the moments you will treasure.
Fun and Playful Photo Ideas
I love when couples lean into the joy of the day. When they let go of the pressure and just have fun, that’s when the photos come alive. A few playful ideas that always bring out the laughs:
Jump shots: the couple, the members of the wedding party, the family, any combination of guests, you name it. We will have everyone jumping! Trust me when I tell you, those shots never come out badly!
Piggyback rides bring back childhood memories, and feel incredibly silly but that’s the point!
Twirling and spinning adds movement and a touch of romance
Any type of props or inside jokes, are little the touches that make the photos – you.
Romantic and Intimate Photos
I am all about fun and laughter at any event, but let’s be honest, a wedding is about love, and romance, the quiet, heartfelt moments that ground everything. We need those in your wedding album!
The intimate, romantic images that speak volumes without a word being spoken. These poses aren’t about perfection – they’re about vulnerability, stillness, and connection. I often guide couples into these moments by prompting reflection: “Take a second to really soak this in. This is your person. This is your day.”
From that space come timeless images:
- A soft forehead kiss
- An unspoken moment of eye contact
- A tender embrace
- Hands held tightly
Group and Family Shots
Yes, we’ll take the traditional group shots—but they don’t have to feel stiff. I like to use natural layers, like steps or subtle elevation, and I always take time in editing to make sure everyone looks their best.
But once we’ve got the formalities covered, we go back to fun. Some of my favorite group moments include:
- Walking and talking shots with the bridal party or family
- Generational portraits—3 or 4 generations in one frame
- Action shots: popping champagne, a spontaneous group hug, celebratory cheering
In the end, group photos are about honoring the people who love and support you—every day, not just on your wedding day.
In short, Wedding photography is not a check list of formal photos. It’s about capturing the spirit of your day, the emotions that passed between you, and the unique feel that made it yours. Trust your photographer, be in the moment, and be yourself!
Your wedding will go by in the blink of an eye, but the memories captured in your photos will last a lifetime.
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