5 Tips for Wedding photos if you're camera shy - From a Wedding Photographer & Former Bride

As part of my job I often get asked about how to pose or what to do on a photo shoot. Also since being on the other side of the camera in my recent photo shoot, I’ve been thinking about this sort of thing a lot. So here's five tips that can help if you're really not sure how best to approach this sort of thing or if you're camera shy.

1. Trust your Photographer
It is completely normal to be nervous before a photo shoot (be it a wedding day, engagement shoot or anything in between), but just remember why you hired your Photographer in the first place - You love their work. If you trust your Photographer and they’re good at what they do, then you really have nothing to worry about. 

2. Try an engagement shoot first 
It really can be a very effective way of getting rid of those "photo shoot jitters" and you can of course use the photos for so many different things like invites, guest books etc. Think of the shoot as a test run, you get to see how your Photographer works and you know what to expect.

3. Relax and be yourselves 
Here’s something I often tell my clients, “If you are uncomfortable, it will show.” Relax and just enjoy each other’s company and your special day. I genuinely believe that everyone looks better in wedding photos when they are happy, relaxed and enjoying themselves. If you're really struggling or something doesn't look quite right, your Photographer will step in to help and give suggestions on what to do.

4. Focus on your partner
I really found that doing this helped me a lot when my new husband and I were having our photos taken just after we'd got hitched. Talk to each other about your honeymoon plans, how the day has gone so far, or how certain guests are driving you crazy! Doing this will also help you forget you’re having a “photo shoot” and you’ll loosen up more.

5. Tune into your emotions 
When you look back at your wedding photos you want to remember your day and the emotions you were feeling, so don’t hide them and let them shine through. A lot of people love candid photos but it’s honestly much harder to do when people are on their guard and being self-conscious. If you want to give your new Husband or Wife a kiss or a cuddle, go for it! That’s what it’s all about.

Love & Stuff
​xo.