One of the first things I hear from my clients as soon as we step into a grassy null or a field of wildflowers to take their engagement photos is “we are so awkward in front of the camera”. And to that I say…same! The truth is, having a camera in your face does feel unnatural. So how do you not feel that way?
Well, it starts with choosing a photographer that you feel like you can connect with their work. One that when you are scrolling through their instagram or website, you can see yourself in the shoes of the couples who are in those photographs. It is also so important that you connect with your photographer as well. You can hire a photographer that takes pretty photos, quite easily. But finding a photographer that feels like a friend by the end of the night, those are the photographers that tend to capture true joy and connection in your photos. You feel comfortable with someone who can make you laugh, gets your humor, has empathy for the moments you are feeling awkward, is relatable and genuinely loves what they are doing for the art and for the relationships. Comfort creates natural photos. I highly encourage all of my clients to do an engagement session so that you get to test drive everything I stated above.
Second, focus on each other. I think we naturally feel like we need to stop and smile at the camera. And although a few of those portraits are nice to have, the ones of you giggling at each other or just looking into one another’s eyes…I am literally swooning as I write this…those moments are pure gold. You will look back at those specific pictures and get to remember how it actually felt. That is what capturing these memories is all about!
Instead of:
“I need to smile.”
Think:
“I get to marry my favorite person.”
Ideas:
- talk
- laugh
- whisper
- hold hands
- breathe together
- take moments slowly
The best images usually happen between poses.
Let go of perfection. Instead of worrying about weather, decorations, timeline and all of the details you could spend hours thinking about, give it to someone else to worry about (aka your planner or day of coordinator). Today is about the two of you and what it means. You’re getting MARRIED! EEEK! Allowing yourselves to just focus on what matters most, your photos will reflect that m
ore than you know. And if you need a little glass of champagne or shot of tequila, no one is judging you. Trust your vendors that your spent hours researching and picking out, that they will do their jobs exactly the way you planned and let the rest fall into your planners hands.
Lastly, remember how I mentioned that you will remember how it felt? I believe everyone’s goal is to walk away from their wedding feeling so full of love and excitement. Let that be your motivation for the day. Take longer glances at your husband and wife. Give your mom a bigger hug than you normally do. Spend a little extra time celebrating with your maid of honor. Those are the moments you will also want to remember feeling again. Of course the big moments like your husbands face as you walk down the isle and he sees you for the first time or your first kiss, those will be moments you’ll never forget. But allow yourself to be present in for the rest of it.
That is how you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Really, you should forget we are there entirely.
I know it is easier said than done. But I will say one more thing. I do believe that you can have beautiful photos, even when you do feel awkward.
