Wedding couple photos when you're camera shy: how I keep it relaxed

When couples tell me they’re awkward in front of a camera, I tell them they’re not alone. Almost every couple I photograph says it.

Everyone is a bit awkward at the start of the day. Once you see how I work, within about 30 minutes people are completely relaxed. All those ideas you had in your head that made you worry are gone.

With my style and approach there’s absolutely no pressure. These are the four promises I make to every couple.

I have a laugh the whole way through and take photos when you don’t even realise it.

Should we book an engagement shoot?

If you’re worrying a lot, I’d recommend an engagement shoot. Or just be open with me. Ring me for a chat, or tell me at our meetings before the wedding (we can have extra meetings if you’d like).

I’m not your normal business. I’m your friend and what’s said between us stays private. Tell me what’s worrying you. I want you to feel comfortable and happy.

Should you practise wedding poses beforehand?

My advice is not to plan too much. On your wedding day nothing will look like the poses and photos you find online. Your photos are you.

I go into your portraits with a completely open mind. I don’t even know what I’m going to capture. The key for me is capturing your personality and having fun, so your photos are completely unique to the two of you.

1. The morningMy camera is part of me, not always in front of my face. I chat and have a laugh with everyone.
2. Reading the roomWhen I pick up the camera I’m reading how you feel. If you’re uncomfortable, I change my approach.
3. About 30 minutes inMost couples are completely relaxed.
4. Couple photosReady when you are, with no rush.

A big part of being a photographer goes beyond the camera. It’s about understanding the people in front of it. If that means more time chatting and easing the camera in gently, then so be it. There’s no rush for anything.

I start your couple photos when you’re both ready. I don’t rush you away from your guests.

Once the group photos are done, I like you to spend some time with your guests, unwind after the ceremony and have a drink. I’ll pop over for a chat and see if you’re ready. Usually that’s in the middle of the drinks reception.

If you’d rather keep chatting, we can move them to after the food and speeches when you’re more relaxed.

How long do wedding couple photos take?

Allow 15 to 30 minutes. That’s plenty. You can see where it fits in my wedding day timeline.

You don’t need to wait for golden hour either. You can get brilliant portraits in any light.

When it comes to portraits, you do have to pose a little. If I told you to walk over there and stand, you wouldn’t have a clue what to do. You’d feel really uncomfortable.

So I offer advice. Let’s call it suggestive posing. I want you to look your absolute best, which might mean moving the dress or standing you a little differently. I change it for every couple.

What do you do with your hands in wedding photos?

Everyone wonders what to do with their hands. My tip is simple. If you don’t know what to do with them, touch each other.

Look back at your own photos. The awkward ones are where you’re stood with that rogue hand hanging.

Get closer than you think

When it comes to feet, get close. Snuggle in as close as you can and hold each other. When there’s a gap between you (unless it’s on purpose) it looks distant and awkward in a photo.

You might not notice these things, but I do. Rather than telling you how odd it looks, I’ll just say “pull them in a little closer”.

Wedding poses I avoid

Everyone is different, so it’s hard to say which poses to avoid. But there’s a collection of dated poses, like the hand under the chin.

I like to keep things classy and current. I also avoid anything too trendy, so your photos won’t look dated.

Sometimes I like the two of you to just walk and chat, so you get some time alone. It’s different for every couple.

A lot of the time I’m right there with you, giving you ideas and making it fun.

It varies from wedding to wedding. Some couples get 20 to 50 absolute bangers from their 15 to 30 minutes. At venues where there’s lots to explore, it can be 100 or more.

The absolute key is finding someone you’re comfortable with. That’s why meeting your photographer matters so much.

I have a rule for meetings too. I have to feel comfortable and connect with you. I even have a secret grading system in my head. Most couples find me because of how I come across, so we usually click.

Every so often I don’t feel I’d be the best fit. When that happens I’ll politely tell you that you deserve someone you’d connect with more.

The connection is everything. I want to hang out with friends and like minded people. The creative process is such a sensitive thing and capturing your personality is my ultimate goal. I want your photos to be you.

You can read what other couples say on my reviews page.