How to Relax in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day
Camera shy? Discover techniques to stay relaxed and natural during your wedding photos for the best results.
There’s something magical about wedding photography — it captures the real, raw, heartwarming moments of the day you’ll never forget. But if you’re anything like me, the thought of being in front of a camera for hours can feel… well, awkward. Whether you’re camera shy or just not used to being the centre of attention, it’s totally normal to feel a bit nervous.
The good news? There are simple ways to feel more relaxed and look natural in your photos — even if you’re not a natural in front of the lens. From trusting your photographer to taking a few deep breaths, here’s what helped me ease into it and actually enjoy the process.
Get Comfortable with Your Photographer
One of the biggest game changers for me was building a relationship with our photographer before the big day. I had a couple of Zoom chats and even a pre-wedding shoot — and it made a huge difference.
When you feel like you’re just hanging out with a mate rather than posing for a stranger, everything feels easier. You can chat, laugh, be yourself — and the camera just happens to be there. If you haven’t met your photographer yet, book a casual engagement session or coffee catch-up. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Practice Makes Perfect (Even If It Feels Silly)
I know it sounds strange, but standing in front of the mirror and practising a few poses helped me feel more confident. I wasn’t trying to model — just figuring out how I naturally sit, stand or smile.
Try walking, twirling, laughing, holding hands with your partner — whatever feels natural to you. Even better if you can practise during your engagement shoot. It’s a chance to see how you both move and interact in front of the camera, without the pressure of the wedding day.
Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
When the camera is snapping away, it’s easy to get stiff and start overthinking, “Do I look awkward?” or “Where should I put my hands?” The trick that worked for us? Focusing on each other.
Talk to your partner, share a private joke, or reminisce about how you first met. When you’re genuinely connecting, your expressions soften, your body language relaxes, and the love between you shines through. That’s what makes for stunning, authentic wedding photos.
Take Deep Breaths and Slow Down
Wedding days can be full-on. You’re excited, emotional, surrounded by people — and running on adrenaline. I had to remind myself to take deep breaths and slow down.
Between moments, I’d take a second to breathe, smile, and just be present. It helped me to reset and avoid looking frazzled in photos. Your photographer will likely guide you through the day, but it’s okay to pause and take a breath when you need it.
Wear What Makes You Feel Good
Your outfit should feel like you — just a more dressed-up, fabulous version. If you’re constantly adjusting your dress or feeling uncomfortable in your shoes, it’ll show in the photos.
I chose a dress that let me move freely and shoes I could actually walk in. On the day, I felt confident and at ease. So whatever your style, pick wedding attire that not only suits the vibe but also feels comfortable to wear all day long.
Trust Your Photographer’s Direction
Posing can feel awkward, but a great photographer knows how to guide you without making it seem forced. I loved that I didn’t have to think about what to do next — our photographer gently directed us into natural positions and gave little prompts to get genuine reactions.
If your photographer says, “Walk slowly and chat like no one’s watching,” just go with it. These cues are designed to bring out your best side, without making you feel stiff or staged.
Embrace the Moment — Imperfections and All
Some of my favourite photos from the day weren’t the perfectly posed ones. They were the candid moments — wind blowing my veil, a cheeky laugh, a tear rolling down my cheek.
When you stop worrying about looking perfect and start living in the moment, magic happens. Your wedding day is about love, connection, and joy — and those emotions are what make your photos unforgettable.
Feeling relaxed in front of the camera doesn’t happen overnight, but with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, it’s absolutely possible. Choose a photographer who gets you, focus on your partner, and let go of the pressure to be perfect. The real you — smiling, laughing, maybe even crying — is more photogenic than you think.
