6 Tips for feeling relaxed and confident in front of the camera on your wedding day!

Being in front of the camera can be an intimidating prospect to people, myself included! Whether you feel like you aren’t particularly photogenic or you don’t know how to pose or you are someone who hides every time a friend whips out their camera phone (hi, it me!), you can be sure that on your wedding day, you’ll be the one in focus!

If you’re feeling nervous, here are my top tips to help you feel more relaxed and confident in front of the camera. These will arguably be the most important photos you will ever have taken. These tips have helped me in my role as a celebrant so far - it helps me think about where to stand and position myself so that am both visible but not detracting from my wonderful couples, while also feeling good that my best angles are being captured (and the ones I’m not so comfortable with remain out of view).

Talk to your photographer

Don’t be shy about telling your photographer about your fears and worries regarding your wedding pictures. We all have things that we may not like about ourselves (though we should practice body acceptance as much as we can!) and having an honest conversation with your photographer will enable them to make suggestions on how you can feel more comfortable. The more relaxed and chilled you can be around your photographer, the better your wedding photos will be! Your photographer wants you to ADORE your wedding photos, so will be more than happy to come up with suggestions! Make sure their style matches your idea of what wedding photos should be, some want light and bright, some want dark and moody and others want quirky and fun. Make sure their vibe matches yours for best results!

Think angles

Angles are your best friend! A slight twist of the waist or lean back can pull in your waist and change your silhouette. If you are someone who feels they need direction from your photographer – let them know! They’ll be more than happy to suggest some poses.

Think positive thoughts

I know it can sound a bit out there, but thinking positive and confident thoughts will shine through in your stance, smile and then in your photographs. Try and get out of your head a little and try not to overthink things (again, hi, it me!). Be happy and enjoy yourself and you’ll get great photographs. You can also ask your photographer to take more candid, natural shots. Concentrate on your partner, a great photographer will fade into the background of the day in those moments rather than be bossing you around. These unstaged moments look stunning, and you won’t feel like you are being photographed!

Set up the PDA shots away from your guests

If you are worried about having an audience for your more intimate and kissing pictures, ask your photographer to take you to a more secluded spot. What can feel a little awkward for a few moments can translate into a natural and beautiful moment in the picture. It then also gives you that precious time together in a day where many couples admit they hardly see one another outside the ceremony and wedding breakfast!

Have a giggle

Laughing is a great way to loosen up and is a great way to avoid looking stiff or like you are actively posing.

Trust your photographer

Finally, and most importantly, trust your wedding photographer. You hired them for a reason, and although this is all new to you, your photographer’s job is to put you and your partner at ease. Trust their experience and trust that they want to give you beautiful photographs that you’ll look back on for years to come.