Tips on how NOT to look super awkward in your wedding photos.
Written By: Scott Kendall
Tips on how NOT to look super awkward in your wedding photos.
If the thought of a professional photographer taking photos scares the hell out of you, then I have some top tips that will turn that awkward smile into a beaming one. And the best news is, all of the work will be done way before you get in front of the camera on your wedding day.
Here are my pro tips on how you can look as cool as a cucumber in you wedding photographs.
1. Pick a photographer who you get along with.
This is by far the most important part of feeling good in front of the lens. Remember, don’t feel like you should hire a photographer just because they won a photography award, or they have been voted the best photographer in your area. You have to make sure you get along with your photographer. Because if you don’t, it could be awkward being photographed buy them. Remember, you will be spending your whole wedding day with the photographer, so it had better be someone you can happily share your intimacy with.
You should always meet up with your photographer before you book them. That is the best time to talk. Not just about photography but also about their life, find out what type of person they are, their hobbies, personality etc. Try to imagine them as your friend; if one of your buddy’s takes a photo, it’s likely you will look very natural in front of the camera. If a stranger takes photos of you its very likely you will become tense and awkward looking.
One way you can judge the personally of your photographer is by how long your first meeting with them is. If you talk to your photographer for 15 minuets, and its only about what they offer and what you want out of the wedding, then it might not be a great idea to pick them. On the other hand if you and your partner spend 2 hours talking to your photographer about a whole load of things, family, hobbies, how you met etc. This will tell you that you can spend long amounts of time together and always find things to talk about which is good considering they will be spending the whole day at your wedding.
2. Take engagement photos.
Taking engagement photos with your photographer is a great way to get to know them even more. You will also find out how they work with people, do they quickly get the picture? Or do they like to have a chat with you whilst happily snapping away? All photographers work differently. Many consider the engagement shoot to be a ”test run,” because you can always cancel your photographer after the engagement shoot. Or perhaps decide to book them after the engagement shoot. Either way, it could be another way to convince you that the photographer you’ve hired will make you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
The disadvantage of an engagement photo shoot is the price. If you aren’t planning on spending lots of money for your wedding, then splashing out a couple hundred squids that isn’t even on your wedding day, could not be for you. Never the less it is worth considering if you want to practice with your photog, or you just want get some lovely shots before you a married couple.
3. Wear something you feel amazing in.
If you wear something you love you are more likely to show it off when the camera turns to you. Imagine you have just woken up wearing your Disney themed pyjamas with that ketchup stain that never came out in the wash. Then someone starts to take photos, you are not going to feel comfortable showing off in front of the camera for all to see. Now imagine on your wedding day, you are wearing the perfect dress or suit and your hair and makeup are on point. You are totally going to own that moment someone starts to take photos of you.
Now this one is a little tricky, because when someone says “aww don’t worry, you will be fine” that really doesn’t help any situation. So what I mean is prepare yourself for the day, make extra time in the morning for hair and makeup so you know you won’t be late. You don’t need to add any extra nerves to the situation. Also I say, “don’t worry” because you are hiring a professional. If you are happy with your photographer, you will trust that they know what they are doing. Remember, they are trained to deal with people and nerves. Just tell your photographer you are nervous, they will 100% understand, and will have plenty of ways to get beautiful, natural looking pictures of you.
5. Plan less formal photos.
Maybe it’s the thought of the traditional photos that get you nervous. “The bride and groom, now the grooms family, now the brides family.” Nobody said you have to do those types of photos. Find a photographer that captures the moment, candid photographs with a documentary style to there images. Then they will take beautiful photos without you even knowing about it, and for those romantic shots of just the both of you, your photographer can create some relaxing poses, perhaps sitting, holding something, walking or even running, but not looking directly at the camera awkwardly.
6. Have a drink. But not too much.
A glass of champagne in the morning could help calm the nerves and make you feel more natural in front of the camera. But, be warned. Don’t get drunk. You have all seen the pictures of yourself at the clubs, and you probably don’t want to remember what they look like. Well it happens to a lot of people, getting far too drunk on the wedding night. It most certainly can ruin the wrest of the evening. And not to mention the amount of couples that don’t carry on the party in the bedroom because of it.
7. And finally you should practice.
It might sound a bit silly, but as everyone always says, “practice makes perfect,” and it’s quite true. Remember what we talked about in top tip 2, you can do an engagement photo shoot before hand. And if you can’t afford that, you could get one of your friends to do a practice photo shoot with you. Not just some selfies together try and go to the beach or the woods, somewhere nice for a walk and test different situations to take photos in. You will see what feels comfortable and what doesn’t. And you will also get some lovely pictures along the way for an added bonus.
To conclude, remember it is completely normal to feel nervous at your wedding and in front of the camera. Don’t feel the need to pose in front of the lens every time it is pointed at you. It’s likely the photographer wants to capture that natural moment you were having. And remember to trust them, they are a professional, and will know how to get amazing photographs of you and every one else at the wedding.
