It probably comes as no surprise that with many of the couples I work with, at least one of them will be nervous about having their picture taken.
Perhaps the main skill of a wedding photographer is putting people at their ease, or at least making them a bit less nervous! You can have all the photography skills in the world, but when you’re working with people, especially people who are not used to posing for photographs, interpersonal skills are even more important.
Building a good relationship with my clients is essential to building trust, and if the people I working with trust me to do a good job, it helps them to relax.
If you are getting married soon these are my top tips if you are nervous about being photographed.
Enjoy your Day
The simplest and best tip of all. You’ll love your wedding day and that joy will be written all over your face. Every couple I’ve photographed has had this particular glow about them, a combination of happiness and excitement that photographs really well. Your wedding is not just another day and the photos you receive will reflect that.
I’ll take Pictures, and Most of the Time you Won’t even Know
The majority pictures I shoot at a wedding are not posed pictures. I’m taking pictures while you’re doing something else, little things like declaring you wedding vows or walking down the aisle! Generally, you are not even aware of being photographed, so the photos are natural . These photos are also more ‘real’. nervous grooms look nervous, emotional mums cry and children try to take it all in. The fact that I’m telling a story rather than trying to create too many posed images means there’s less onus on the bride and groom to pull a happy face and pose for the camera. It’s a win-win. You get to enjoy your wedding day and get great pictures in the process.
You are Going to Look your Absolute Best.
Remember that this isn’t just another day. Everyone will dress to the nines, hairdressers and make-up artists will groom you to perfection. You are going to look fantastic. On a day when you are going to look so great it isn’t it important to have a record of it? That’s what I am there for.
I’m Here to Help you.
New clients tell me that they are nervous about being photographed all the time. Many couples will have never hired a photographer before. They don’t realise that being photographed by a professional photographer is very different to being photographed by friends or family. I know how to help you look your best and will offer advice and help where needed.
I have photographed people of all shapes, ages and sizes, so very little throws me and I have plenty of experience of making all sorts of different people look their best. From experience, I’ll be familiar with my local venues and where the best photo opportunities are. I have literally hundreds of weddings under my belt. I am here to help. If you hve a good side or a feature you’d like minimised, just tell me and I’ll oblige. Woken up with a spot or blemish on the big day? That’s what Photoshop is for.
Make sure you get a shoot before your wedding day
I always like to shoot with my couples before their wedding day. It can be an engagement shoot or a pre-wedding meeting at your venue. That’s where can understand of how they are in front of the camera. From there I’ll know I have to do to make you look you best. I can coach you and offer advice that I might not have time to do on your wedding day. If we arrange an enagement shoot, I can show you how to stand, what to do with your hands and all the other things that turn an awkward photo into a great one.
If a couple works with me beforehand, they can see what I can do to make them look great, so they’ll trust me to do a good job on the day. They’ll relax a little bit more and worry a little less. That in itself makes the pictures better.
