“We don’t feel very comfortable in front of the camera”, that’s what I hear almost every time during each of my video calls with my potential couples.
And that’s completely fine!
I don’t feel entirely at ease in front of the camera either. However, over the years of shooting weddings and challenging myself by occasionally switching from behind the camera to being in front of it, I’ve learned some things that might help you, and I’m here to share them with you.
I’ll split this into two parts:
First – 5 tips on how you can prepare yourselves before your wedding day
Second – 5 things you can expect from a professional wedding photographer.
Part 1
So without further ado, let’s dive into my 5 tips for couples getting married and wanting to book a photographer for their special day.
➨ Tip No . 1 - Find the Right Photographer for You
First of all, choose your photographer intentionally. Take your time, have a video call with the potential photographers, and choose the one with whom you connect the best.
If I were you, I would check out all the potential photographers, choose the ones whose portfolios I like the best, and whose vibe feels close to mine, and then I would organise a video call with 1-3 photographers.
After the call, it will be much easier to make the decision.
➨ Tip No . 2 - Be Present with Each Other
I know that might sound obvious, but sometimes, especially if you are not used to the camera facing you, you might think that you have to do something more special and that you are doing something wrong.
But the secret is that the best photos are when you stop controlling and just start letting the moment guide you. Just look at your partner. You have found someone you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Focus on each other, be there, be happy, and enjoy your day. Your photographer will take care of the documentation part.
You are not responsible for taking the photos. The only responsibility you have on your wedding day is to have a great time!
➨ Tip No . 3 - Take Deep Breaths, Be Yourself
Your body is smart. Often when we feel uncomfortable, our body is the first to show it by using closed poses or suddenly not knowing what to do with our hands. But that’s normal.
In that moment, just take a deep breath in and out, ground yourself. Be intentional with your hands and body language. This is your day. Forget about anything else. Just be yourself. Hug your partner as you would normally hug, hold hands as you hold them daily.
Don’t think about what would look better for photos because the best photos come from natural movements, how you normally react.
➨ Tip No . 4 - Focus On The Experience. Don't Wait for Permission to Express Yourself.
Remember, your wedding day isn’t just about the photos; it’s about the experience itself. If you feel like hugging or kissing your partner, go for it!
After all, your wedding day is about celebrating your connection and love for each other, so seize every opportunity to express it freely.
Let’s shift the mindset from “We have to do something fun for the photos” to “Let’s do something fun for our wedding day.” So think about what you could do to make your day truly special. If you can’t decide, feel free to ask your photographer or wedding planners; we’re here to help you with ideas.
Genuine and spontaneous moments like these make the best photos, and your photographer will take care of documenting these moments for you!
➨ Tip No . 5 - Surrender to the Awkwardness and Don’t Resist It
Yes, especially during the first 20 minutes, you might feel odd and silly, but own it. Let yourself be free like a kid. Feel vulnerable. Perfect is imperfect.
Yes, you probably are not a professional model who is used to posing for Vogue, but so what? That’s not what you want anyway. Think about your favorite photos ever. Often those are the most imperfect ones, right? The ones during which you didn’t even think about how you look, you were just enjoying the moment.
So don’t be afraid of being silly. Be yourself. You are imperfectly perfect!
Part 2
As much as it’s important for you to feel comfortable in front of the camera, it’s equally important for your photographer to create a welcoming environment.
Here are five aspects you can expect from a professional wedding photographer to help you feel more at ease:
1. Building a Connection:
A professional photographer will take the time to get to know you and your partner. They’ll ask about your personalities, preferences, and any concerns you may have. By building a genuine connection, they’ll create a relaxed atmosphere where you can be yourselves. For example, it is important for me to know if you have any insecurities or things that you feel are very special about you as a couple.
I will share a personal story from my experience. During a video call with a bride, she opened up to me and told me that her mom had passed away. She recalled how her mom adored ladybugs, which still reminds her of her mom. Surprisingly, on her wedding day, we saw an unusually large number of ladybugs. I captured a photo of one gently sitting on her wedding dress. It’s now one of her favourite photos, remembering her mom on her big day.
So, once again, feel free to share stories with your photographer; don’t be afraid of connecting on a deeper level. The photographer will not judge, will not interrupt, but will simply listen and keep this information in mind while creating your wedding photos.
2. Providing Guidance
If you’re feeling nervous about posing for photos, don’t worry! Your photographer will provide clear direction and guidance every step of the way. From suggesting poses to offering gentle prompts, they’ll help you feel confident and natural in front of the camera.
3. Creating a Fun Atmosphere
Laughter is key to easing nerves, so expect your photographer to bring a sense of fun to the photo session. Whether it’s cracking jokes, sharing stories, or playing music, they’ll create an enjoyable atmosphere where you can relax and have fun together.
4. Personalized Music
Some photographers may play music during the photo session. I like to ask couples about their favorite songs, and if the mood is right, I might find a more private corner to create an intimate atmosphere with their favorite music. This personalised touch can help set the mood and make the experience even more special for you and your partner.
5. Focusing on Moments, Not Perfection
Instead of striving for perfect poses, your photographer will focus on capturing authentic moments and emotions. They’ll encourage you to be yourselves and enjoy the moment, resulting in timeless photos that reflect your true relationship.
That’s it! I hope that by knowing what to expect from a professional photographer, you will feel more confident and relaxed during your wedding day. I believe together, you and your photographer will create beautiful memories that you will look at with a big smile on your face.
Ps: all of this information is simply to make you feel more prepared and at ease before your wedding day. Don’t dwell too much on this during your special day – just enjoy it. And if stress kicks in, remember just one practical tip from me – take a deep breath in and out, and be yourself! You are gorgeous!
Written by Renate Meimere, wedding photographer in Denmark
English 
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