What If You Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera?
One worry that can come up before a wedding is simple: we’re awkward in front of the camera. You do not need to become someone who loves being photographed to have wedding photos you love. Most of a wedding day is not posed at all, and the small part that is can be kept short, gentle and genuinely enjoyable.
You are not the only ones who feel this way
There is no requirement to arrive knowing how to stand, where to look or what to do with your hands. Feeling awkward usually means you care about looking like yourselves, and that is exactly the right starting point. The goal is never to perform. It is to be so comfortable that the camera stops mattering.
Most of the day, nobody asks you to pose
A documentary approach means your wedding is photographed as it actually happens: the nerves in the morning, the ceremony, hugs at the drinks reception, the speeches, the dance floor. There is nothing to act out and nobody repeating instructions at you all day. If you are weighing up styles, I have written about the difference between documentary and editorial wedding photography and how each one feels on the day.
Portraits stay short and simple
Couple portraits are one of the few parts of the day with a little direction. Portrait time is usually 20 to 30 minutes at a couple of points in the day, unless we have planned something different together. Simple prompts, a short walk, nothing staged or stiff, then you get straight back to your guests. If you want the full breakdown, here is how long couple portraits actually take on a wedding day.
An engagement shoot takes the fear out of it
If the camera genuinely worries you, an engagement shoot is the low-pressure practice run. By the wedding day, being photographed already feels familiar. Here is my honest take on whether an engagement shoot is worth it.
What does it cost?
Full-day coverage starts from £3,500 and includes a planning consultation, coverage from preparations into the evening, two photographers working as one team, a preview collection within 24 hours and at least 400 carefully edited photographs. Travel throughout mainland UK is included; any overnight accommodation, flights or additional travel arrangements are set out in your proposal. You can see exactly what is included on the investment page.
If you are worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, tell me when you get in touch. We will plan a day that feels like your wedding, not a photoshoot.
