On your wedding day it’s vital to feel comfortable in front of the camera, and lots of couples say that they feel awkward and a bit uneasy – and that stress will show in your images. Nerves are generally translated into your photos as strange expressions and stances. Your smiles will be stiff and your face will be strained with little emotion in the eyes.
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your photographer during the day so here are a few tips to help overcoming awkwardness during your photo time.
- First and foremost be sure to meet with your photographer in person to determine how comfortable you feel with him or her. A professional photographer will work with you to make you feel at ease – like a friend. Your photographer should be someone who will help you relax, and guide you through every minute of your time together. I’ve seen photographers who will joke and strike up a mutual conversation in between shots and the result is natural, relaxed images.
- Your photos should be capturing the story of the day and a lot of the time you won’t even know that the photographer is doing his thing. Except for the formals or portraits, don’t smile at the camera or play to the camera – go about enjoying your day as if the photographer wasn’t even there. How difficult is that?
- Many couples choose to do an engagement shoot to get use to posing and following their photographer’s directions. That can give you an extra confidence boost.
- A fashion model learns that “if it bends, bend it” and what that means to you is avoid those straight arms down at your sides and straight legs. A relaxed bend at the elbow or hands on the hips is flattering. And for your guys leave those legs a shoulder width apart and bend your feet outward so your toes are facing away from each other. Crossing your legs one leg in front of the other gives a nice curve to the body.
- Be yourself and have fun. You don’t always have to pose. Actual interactive shots turn out so much better as those images gives a glimpse into your relationship.
- If you’re still feeling uncomfortable – add some props to hold or do an activity – take a walk together, just snuggle together, or tell each other how you feel today.
- And then there is “The Kiss Shot.” There’s something about an almost kiss or a post kiss shot that captures a moment in time. A mix of little kisses and smiles can create a kind of sweet flirtation moment between you. Some people smush noses or keep their eyes open, so kiss gently and softly and close your eyes and feel the emotion between the two of you.
Creating an experience that keeps you relaxed is the key to great images. While we love photographs with great backgrounds, it is the portrait we connect with emotionally that will remain the most compelling, and these emotional reactions come from being your true self, gently guided by your photographer.