"I Hate Being Photographed": How to Get Wedding Photos You'll Actually Like
Almost every couple tells me they're awkward on camera. Here's how to get wedding photos you'll love, even if you'd rather do anything than have your picture taken.
Nobody's posing here. That's the point.
If you just thought "same," you're in good company. Almost every couple I meet tells me they're awkward in front of a camera. They don't know what to do with their hands, they hate their smile in photos, or they freeze the second a lens points their way.
Here's the secret: the photos you'll love most aren't posed. They're the ones where you forgot I was there. Here's how we get you there, even if you'd rather do anything than have your picture taken.
1. You don't have to "pose"
Holding a pose is what makes people stiff. So I don't ask you to. Instead, I give you something to do:
- Walk toward me holding hands, and look at each other, not me.
- Whisper something ridiculous in your partner's ear.
- Hug it out and sway a little, like a slow dance with no music.
- Count to three and both try not to laugh. (You'll laugh.)
The prompt does the work. You react to each other, and that's the photo. I'll still give you a little direction when it helps, like where to stand or where the light is best, but you'll never be stuck holding a "say cheese" smile.
2. Hands, chins and other awkward stuff
The things people worry about most are easy fixes:
- Hands: give them a job. Hold your partner's hand, their jacket, the bouquet, or put a hand on their chest.
- Your smile: a real laugh always beats a smile on cue. That's what the prompts are for.
- Your "bad side": tell me. Seriously. I'll work with it, and you'll never have to think about it again.
- Feeling watched: most of the day, I'm in the background. You'll be busy with your people, and that's when the best candids happen.
3. Do a warm-up first
The best fix for camera nerves is practice. An engagement session is a relaxed session where you get used to the camera, I learn what makes you two laugh, and you see how easy it is. By the wedding day, you'll walk into portraits already knowing what to do.
An engagement session comes with the Signature and Full Day collections. If you want ideas for where to do it, see my engagement photo ideas around Chatham-Kent and Windsor.
4. Pick light that's kind to you
Good light does a lot of the flattering for you. Midday sun makes people squint and gives harsh shadows. The hour or two before sunset is soft, warm and easy on everyone.
When we build your timeline, I'll plan portraits for that golden light so you're not rushing them at noon. My wedding day timeline guide shows how that fits into a real day.
5. Keep portraits short
Long portrait sessions are where camera-shy couples run out of steam. We don't need an hour. A few focused minutes in great light, then back to your party. Short and fun beats long and stiff every time.
6. Bring your people (or your dog)
Nothing relaxes you faster than your favourite people. A quick hug with your best friend, a goofy moment with the groomsmen, your grandma fixing your veil. Those are the moments you'll want to keep, and nobody has to pose for them.
And yes, pets are welcome at engagement sessions.
7. Let yourself have fun
The couples who love their photos most are the ones who stopped worrying and just enjoyed the day. Dance badly. Laugh loudly. Cry at the speeches. I'll be there catching all of it.
Once it's dark, and whenever the weather and timing line up, we'll sneak out for my signature backlit night portrait. It takes a few minutes, it's all silhouette, and even the most camera-shy couples love it.
Quick checklist for camera-shy couples
- Tell me what you're nervous about. I'll plan around it.
- Book an engagement session if your package includes one.
- Plan portraits for the hour before sunset.
- Keep portrait time short and sweet.
- Bring your people into the photos.
- Forget about the camera and have fun. That's my job.
Packages
- Elopement: up to 2 hours, $895
- Essential: up to 6 hours, $1,800
- Signature (most popular): up to 8 hours, plus an engagement session and a free highlight reel (30–60 seconds), $2,400
- Full Day: up to 10 hours, plus an engagement session and a free highlight reel (30–60 seconds), $3,200
Travel is free in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex. Prefer a film? See wedding videography. Full details are on the pricing page.
Nervous about your photos?
That's completely normal, and it's exactly what I'm here for. See how I photograph weddings, or check my date and tell me what you're worried about. We'll make it easy.
Local pages: Windsor & Essex County wedding photographer · Chatham-Kent wedding photographer
