Shy? Nervous around the camera? These tips will help even the most reserved and introverted couples shine in front of the lens.
Being nervous about the photography on your big day is completely normal! Most people don’t necessarily enjoy having their photo taken and the high-pressure environment can add to the nerves. Personally, I am much more comfortable behind the camera than I am in front of it. Luckily, throughout my career, I have worked with couples of all imaginable confidence levels and I have acquired some great tips and advice along the way.
My first tip is something to think about long before your big day. Get online and do some RESEARCH.
The internet can provide an abundance of useful tools to help you gather photography inspiration. Jump onto Instagram, Google or Pinterest and start saving photos that you like. Create a Pinterest board, an Instagram album, screenshot images and save them to your phone or computer. This is also a great activity to share with your significant other.
Eventually, you will have your very own wedding photography mood board that you can use as inspiration.
This preparation will add to your already bubbling excitement. It will also help you to get an idea of the kind of poses and scenarios that you will be faced with on the big day.
When you have a good collection of inspiration images, share them with your photographer. Most photographers have a vast catalogue of techniques and poses to capture the best shots on your day, but this insight to your preferences will help your photographer develop an idea of the kind of images you love.
For more inspiration, take a peek at some of my previous work here.
Tip #2
GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER.
Getting to know your photographer before the big day comes around can be incredibly helpful to curb some of those photoshoot anxieties.
If you have to opportunity to meet your photographer in person, try to lock in a coffee or drink date. This will give you an opportunity to meet face-to-face, ask any questions that you may have, and just generally get to know them. Any experienced photographer will know how to put your mind at ease.
If you don’t have the opportunity to meet in person, arrange a video chat. Prepare a list of questions beforehand and fire away.
Meeting your photographer means that when the big day comes, you feel comfortable with them, you know them on a personal level and they will feel less of a stranger.
Learn a bit more about me here
Tip #3
BOOK A PRE-WEDDING SHOOT.
If your photographer offers this option and your budget allows for it, then I would highly recommend giving this a go. It’s an awesome way to get a feel for how your photographer works and allows you to essentially test which poses and shots work for you and which don’t.
You will also get to spend some quality time with your photographer which follows up from tip number two.
Most importantly, you will come away with some beautiful images that you can share with friends and family, use for invitations, make an album and cherish forever.
Tip #4
Now, this tip may seem a bit obvious, but it’s also very easy to forget… RELAX.
Take a deep breath and just allow yourself to relax. This can work wonders just before you head away with your photographer for those important photos. Take a moment with your SO, away from the crowds and have a quiet moment together. Breath, talk, laugh and chill out.
Taking this important downtime will allow you to approach your photo session with a clear mind and ease into it naturally.
I know it can be difficult to escape the congratulatory hugs and kisses from your adoring friends and families, but I promise you that it will all be worth it in the end. After all, this is your day!
When you enter the photo session with a relaxed mind and attitude it will make the whole thing a lot more fun and far less daunting. Being relaxed will allow you to enjoy the photo session, have a laugh and come away with some truly unforgettable images.
Bonus tip: Drop your shoulders and relax your hands (you can thank me later!)
Tip #5
STAY CLOSE TO YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, cuddle up, be mushy and lovey-dovey.
Act as if no one is around and don’t worry, you won’t make your photographer feel uncomfortable. They’re used to it.
There’s no doubt that you be filled with a crazy amount of love for your SO. After all, you’ve just married them or are about to marry them. Don’t be scared to let these emotions pour out. Show off your love, flaunt it in front of the camera. Your love for each other will be clear for the world to see in your final images.
If you’re not the kind of person that likes PDA, you don’t have to go as far as a passionate kiss. A simple gesture of a loving gaze into your SO’s eyes, a tight cuddle, interlocking your fingers, placing your hands onto your SO’s shoulders or waist will be enough to let your love shine through the lens. These small details will make all of the difference so don’t overlook them.
Tip #6
Intersperse the romantic photos with some more CASUAL POSES.
Try walking hand in hand and chatting about the day so far. Again, forget about the photographer, look at each other and just enjoy the time together. Talk about getting ready, the ceremony, first look, make a bet on which one of your relatives is going to drunkenly embarrass themselves first. Chat away as you stroll hand in hand and allow your photographer to capture those real and candid moments.
This is also a great photo technique to try with your bridal party.
Tip #7
USE YOUR ENVIRONMENT.
If the weather plays nicely and you choose to take your photos outside, ask your photographer to use the landscape and scenery to create striking images. Taking advantage of the landscape in this way means that you don’t have to be right in front of the camera. Your photographer can position you further away to compliment the surrounding scenery. It can be a lot less daunting if you’re stood further away from the camera.
Try to capture some photos of the two of you admiring the landscape and taking it all in. After all, the venue that you choose and the surrounding landscape plays a huge roll in your day. Take this opportunity to celebrate that.
Bonus tips.
PLAY SOME MUSIC. Play some music during the photoshoot. Your favourite songs will help you to loosen up and fill those potentially awkward silences.
TALK, TALK, TALK. Chat with your SO, joke, laugh, fool around. Keeping the conversation flowing can be a great way to occupy your wandering mind, and again, help you to relax.
BRING SNACKS AND DRINKS. Pack a hamper or picnic basket to take with you. Let’s face it, we’re all a little more relaxed when we have full tummies and drink or two.
No matter how you feel in front of the camera, I hope my Wedding Photography Tips For Introverted Couples have been useful and go some way to making your wedding photos that little bit less nerve-racking. At the end of the day, it’s your time! Just remember to relax and enjoy it. Follow your photographers lead and embrace the time with your SO and bridal party.
If you found this blog useful, have any questions, or just want to say hi, drop me a comment below.
All the best for your big day.
Love.
Ryan.
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