The Secret to Natural Wedding Photos (Even If You Hate Being in Front of the Camera)

Let’s be honest. Most couples aren’t models. You probably don’t spend your weekends practising poses in front of the mirror (and if you do, no judgement). So when the thought of a camera being pointed at you all day comes up, it’s totally normal to think: “We’re going to look awkward.”

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be photogenic, confident, or even particularly comfortable with cameras to get amazing wedding photos. You just need the right approach and the right photographer. Here’s my guide to getting natural wedding photos, even if you hate being in front of the lens.

Forget the Word “Pose”

The word “pose” makes everyone stiffen up, and don’t even think about saying “cheese” — that’s basically a swear word in my book. Instead, I’ll throw out little prompts or ask you to do something daft. The magic isn’t in the action itself, it’s in your reaction. More often than not, by the time you’ve processed what I’ve just asked you to do, I’ve already got the shot. That’s where the real laughter, the natural glances and the authentic moments come from.

Focus on Each Other, Not Me

This isn’t school photo day. You don’t need to stare down the lens like you’re about to get your passport renewed. Some of the best photos happen when you forget I’m even there. Look at each other, talk to each other, and let me do the creeping around in the background.

Do Something

Standing still and smiling = awkward. Moving = natural. Whether it’s walking, spinning, having a cheeky sip of champagne or racing each other to the car, adding a bit of action loosens you up and gives the photos energy. It’s a lot harder to feel stiff when you’re laughing mid-movement.

Surround Yourself with People You Love

There’s a reason group photos with your mates always look natural — you’re comfortable with them. I love bringing the bridal party in for the fun prompts because you all bounce off each other. The jokes, the chaos, the banter — that’s where the gold is.

Trust Your Photographer

This is a big one. If you trust your photographer to guide you, you won’t overthink every move. That’s why I spend time getting to know couples before the big day, so when the camera comes out, it feels like it’s just me, not “the photographer.” You’re not performing, you’re just having a laugh with someone you know has your back.

Why This Matters

Because your wedding photos should feel like you. Not a forced version of you, not some mannequin in a rented suit, but the two of you as you are — laughing, crying, celebrating, occasionally being daft. My job is to capture that without you feeling like you’re in a photoshoot.

So if you’re worried you’ll look awkward in your wedding photos, don’t be. With the right prompts, the right energy, and the right photographer (hi, that’d be me), your photos will look natural, stylish and completely you.