Let’s face it… most of us don’t like having a camera stuck in our face. We feel self-conscious. We feel exposed. We all have our various levels of body issues. I mean, that’s why I love being behind the camera instead of in front of it. :)
But this doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to overcome this. And Some of the best feedback I get from clients is how easy I make things… and how after a while they seemed to forget the camera was even there.
The key is to get you comfortable enough that you can let your guard down and just BE.
Whether it’s an engagement session or your wedding day, the more fun you’re having together, the better your photos will be.
Give yourself enough time on your day.
The times where I’ve felt couples didn’t get the most out of their photography was always the weddings where they didn’t block enough time for photography. When this happens, or when things run extremely late or off-schedule, anxiety runs high, and everything feels rushed.
Communicating with your photographer ahead of time about timeline issues is so important to making the most of your wedding photography. As well as hiring an experienced photographer who knows how much time is needed to get shit done.
REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE AS A COUPLE.
What does this mean? Don’t try to be something you’re not on your day. If you’re not comfortable being a high-glamour center of attention, don’t try to force it in your photos.
Some couples revel in treating their portraits like they’re posing for the cover of Vogue, and that’s awesome.
But some couples feel awkward and out of place trying to do that… and it almost always shows.
For couples like this I try to fade into the background and just let them naturally interact together from a distance and see what magic happens after they forget I’m there.
A good way to help achieve this is to incorporate a couple’s personalities, interests, and hobbies into the portrait shoot.
The couple above love the outdoors and fishing… so when they told me they wanted to bring their fishing poles and take photos at their favorite place to fish nearby, I said HELL YES! I always encourage couples to do things like this—especially for engagement shoots, too. It really gives them a personalized feel, as well.
Keeping you feeling like you’re in your natural habitat as a couple, so to speak, can really put you at ease and really get you to let your guard down.
Adding onto this idea:
It’s also incredibly important to hire a photographer who understands this, as well.
You should be looking for someone who can really understand and LISTEN to who you are. Someone who understands that it’s about YOU and not THEM. So many photographers are really good at ONE style, but can’t pivot or change based on what their couple needs. The results can be frustrating for many brides and grooms who feel “pushed” into certain poses and looks that just AREN’T THEM.
For example, I absolutely love really dramatic portraits where the couple looks very stoic and formal (as seen with Kat & Brian above). But I also understand after a decade of doing this that not every couple feels the same. Some people just look more natural and comfortable when they’re laughing and smiling… and if a photographer forces you into THEIR vision, they’re doing you a disservice.
A great photographer caters to their couples. Not the other way around.
Try to stay present.
Your wedding day is such a whirlwind. Try to remember that this is supposed to be fun. Don’t worry if a few things aren’t going the way you planned. They almost never all will. There’s always going to be at least one hiccup or curveball you didn’t see coming. Try to roll with the punches and have fun with it.
(and make sure you hire a photographer who will detract from the stress, not add to it. )
Trust your photographer.
If you hired me, you hired me for a reason. I don’t let my brides look bad. Ever. Just remember that. <3
I know it can be easier said than done to let go of all the hangups and insecurities we’ve built up over a lifetime, but I promise you you’re gonna look fucking amazing.
If all else fails…
Take a shot of ((insert favorite liquor here))
or
Take a toke of ((your favorite (obviously legal) substance of choice))
(but don’t overdo either or things can go south. haha.)
Well, that’s all for now. If you don’t already follow our instagram, or lurk on our VIP Wedding Photography FB Group, add us on each for more tips and tricks and bad ass wedding photography.