Feeling camera-shy and anxious about your wedding photos? Here’s how to relax and enjoy every moment!

Look, I totally get it. If you or your partner typically shy away from the lens the thought of having a stranger follow you around on the most important day of your life, taking photos, might feel a little daunting. But it really doesn't have to be that way.

Understanding camera-shyness: a common concern

Feeling camera-shy is perfectly normal! Many people struggle with being in front of the camera, especially during significant events like weddings. And when you're the centre of attention the pressure can feel overwhelming.

According to a survey by the Wedding Report, nearly a third of all couples admit to feeling nervous during wedding photos. Whether you are overly self-conscious, fear unflattering angles or simply dislike being photographed, it's important to realise these feelings are shared by many.

But you deserve to feel at ease on your special day while having stunning photographs taken that you can cherish for years to come!

You're normal – embrace your shyness

In a world where social media often portrays unrealistic ideals of beauty and perfection, it's vital to remember that being camera-shy is far from unusual. Many couples feel anxious about their photos, but with the right support you can reframe this anxiety as something that can be easily managed.

Choosing a photographer who genuinely understands your concerns is essential. You’re not just hiring a photographer – you’re choosing an ally who understands your needs and puts your comfort first. You are not just another client, you are a unique couple with your own story to be told and deserve photographs that reflect your authentic selves, not a fake persona.

Creating a comfortable atmosphere

A good wedding photographer who understands these common concerns will tailor their approach to suit the needs of camera-shy couples. Creating a stress-free environment should be a photographer's priority from the moment you reach out to inquire about their services.

And before your big day a pre-wedding consultation is the ideal opportunity to not only discuss your vision but also address any fears or concerns you may have.

Some couples choose to have a laid-back engagement or pre-wedding photo session to help get over any anxiety before their wedding day. This can really boost your confidence having your photo taken together as a couple, and its also a great way to get to know your photographer better. For more on this read my blog Here’s how an engagement shoot will help your wedding day photos!

This relaxed approach should continue on the big day itself, and help put you at ease. Around 90% of my wedding day coverage will be discreet candid shots, capturing the day as it naturally unfolds. Most of the time you'll forget I'm there - and that's the way it should be.

"You captured Harriet’s wedding so beautifully - you hardly noticed you were there at times, capturing special moments with great subtlety."

Venues should be scouted first whenever possible by the photographer, and they should always ask for a running order of the day, plan ahead for key moments, and be aware of all the important people such as parents, children, Maid of Honour and Best Man.

This allows you both to relax (as much as you can relax on your wedding day!) and be yourselves, reducing the stress associated with traditional photography. You can expect to interact naturally with your guests and each other and let the camera capture genuine emotions rather than stiff smiles.

Professional photographers often talk about the importance of capturing 'the moment'. But that's the photographer's job not yours, and by blending into the background they can allow you to enjoy the occasion with your loved ones while still ensuring every special moment is recorded.

I really enjoy whisking couples away for a brief and relaxing portrait session during the day (it offers you a chance to pause and take a breather), with some finessed but simple poses. But of course if you wanted 100% candid documentary that’s absolutely fine by me. I’ll never force a couple to shoot photos they’re not comfortable with. Wedding photographers should adapt to a couple's needs, not force them to adapt to their style of photography.  

Communication: building trust and confidence

Photographers with great communication skills set themselves apart by capturing your unique personality and love story, rather than simply documenting your day, all while making sure you feel natural and not like you're posing for the camera.

I believe that building rapport with the couple, and also with family and wedding guests, is essential for producing authentic images and crafting a personalized photography experience.

I will check in with you throughout the day, ensuring you're both comfortable and addressing any potential discomfort you might be feeling at the time.

With gentle guidance and encouragement, this allows you to relish the moment, letting your personality shine through in every photo. Ultimately, the finest photographs are those where the subjects feel at ease and free to be themselves.

The art of natural, relaxed photography

My style leans towards natural and relaxed photography that emphasizes genuine moments. Many camera-shy couples find themselves pleasantly surprised when they receive their wedding photos. Instead of feeling self-conscious as they anticipated, they see images that capture the essence of their relationship in a natural and beautiful way.

"Can't recommend Mike's services enough. Great communication throughout, he put both my wife and myself at ease on the day of our wedding (both very camera-shy). And the pictures we received were absolutely amazing, captured every memory we were hoping for and made them shine."

And let's be honest, a wedding day should be fun - you should be having the time of your life!  Wedding planning is stressful enough, when you finally get to the big day you’ve earned the pleasure of just relaxing and enjoying it all, and I’ll make sure the photography side of things is fully part of that enjoyment.

If you're ready to embrace your camera-shyness while still having beautiful images of your wedding day, I'd love to hear from you. And I'll be happy to guide you through every step, ensuring your experience is relaxing, enjoyable, and full of genuine emotion.

For more information about Mike Blackburn Photography, check out my website here.