How to feel comfortable in front of the camera when you’re not a professional model

Tips for getting the most out of your wedding photo shoot

Wedding photos can be a daunting thought for many couples. What do you do with your hands? Is it awkward to kiss while someone else takes your photo? Will your face get tired of smiling by the end of the day? A good photographer will know how to guide you in the moment to get beautiful shots, but knowing some tips for how to fully relax in front of the camera can save you a lot of anxiety before the big day. Here are my top recommendations to help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera — even if you’re not a professional model or influencer.

Get to know your photographer

When you’re comfortable with the person behind the camera, you’ll be more comfortable in front of the camera. Think about it: your photographer is going to be there on one of the most special days of your life. Chances are, you’ve spent many hours curating your guest list so you can be surrounded by the people nearest and dearest to you. So, why would you want some random person you don’t even know turning up to take photos of everyone?

I love taking my couples out for coffee before we book anything in (sometimes this is over Zoom if they live outside Canterbury). This gives us a chance to sit down and have a more informal chat about their wedding and what’s most important to them on the day. I’m a hopeless romantic, so I love hearing other people’s love stories — how they met, what the proposal was like, how they interact as a couple.

But it’s not just about them. These chats also give couples a chance to get to know me and my personality, so they can decide if they want me at their wedding after all. When you take the time to lay that groundwork, it feels less like a stranger turning up at your wedding and more like a friend who wants the best for you.

If you’ve never worked with a professional photographer before, here are some things you can ask to get a feel for their style and personality:

- What do you love most about photographing weddings?
- How do you make people feel at ease in front of the camera?
- What’s your photography/editing style?
- Will you be interacting with guests, or more in the background? - Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Of course, you may find that the photographer has a different style than what you’re looking for. And that’s okay! The important thing is you find a wedding photographer that makes you feel comfortable and confident so you can enjoy your big day.

Choose outfits you feel comfortable in

When choosing your wedding attire, opt for something that feels both comfortable and fabulous —

whatever that means to you.

Despite what tradition says, there are actually no rules when it comes to your wedding. Hate walking in heels? Throw on a pair of sneakers under your dress! Not into the idea of brides wearing white? Pick an outfit in your favourite colour and own your bright, shining personality. Looking to add a bit of personality to a plain black tux? Try a pair of funky socks!

Find your style and run with it. You’ll feel a lot more comfortable in front of the camera if you’re wearing something that looks and feels amazing to you. The last thing you want to do is look back at your wedding photos and think, “who is that person?” Choose outfits that are authentically you and make it a day to remember!

Have a morning of pampering

Getting all dolled up for your wedding is such a fun part of the day. You can feel the excitement buzzing in the air, and there’s that added element of mystery and surprise if you’re going the traditional route and not seeing each other before the ceremony.

But it’s not just about making you look fantastic. It’s about making you feel fantastic as well.

This is a nice time to sit back and relax while sharing your excitement with those closest to you: your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or closest family. Many couples set aside several hours in the morning to get ready so they can take their time and savour that about-to-get-married feeling.

If you’re staying somewhere with a bath, try having a nice hot soak to start your day (or before you climb into bed the night before). Add some bath salts and candles to make it extra dreamy. You can even extend that spa-day feeling with matching robes and slippers for you and your bridesmaids. This is a really cute detail and makes for some lovely photos if you’re getting your hair and makeup done!

If you’re feeling adventurous, crack open some champagne to enjoy with breakfast or, if you’re not much of a drinker, savour a hot cup of tea or coffee. Either way, make sure you eat something as you might not get a chance to grab a bite for the next few hours!

Taking this time to relax and enjoy the company of a few close friends or family can help calm your nerves and get your day off to a great start. And feeling relaxed is the key to beautiful, natural photos. I capture some of the sweetest photos before the wedding even begins; there’s usually a lot of laughter and excitement, and I love shooting those candid expressions.

Delegate any last-minute jobs

Weddings are incredibly fun and special events, but they can also be stressful for the people organising them. The last thing you want on the actual wedding day is to be worrying about last-minute details like arranging chairs or finding a microphone for the speeches.

Make a list of these small jobs and decide who you’d like to delegate them to on the morning of your wedding (and the days leading up to it). Perhaps your bridesmaids can be a point of contact for vendors arriving on the day. Maybe your uncle can pick up any hired decorations and drop them off at the venue. Or the groomsmen can help wrangle guests for the formal photos after the ceremony.

And remember, the day is yours to enjoy, so try not to get too wrapped up in every little detail. Take a deep breath and trust that the day will run smoothly — and if it doesn’t, your loved ones won’t care! They’re there to celebrate your special day and will be happy to help if things go awry.

The trick to feeling comfortable in front of the camera is making sure you’re comfortable when the camera isn’t there. Take steps on your wedding day to relax and de-stress so you can focus on enjoying the day with your family and friends. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your time in front of the camera and will have a whole heap of beautiful images to look back on for years to come.