7 tips to not feel awkward on your wedding day

(6 minute read time)

Picture this, You've never been photographed before, not even once.
Do you think you will feel a bit awkies in front of the camera? Don't know what to do with your hands? Never had a person watching you make out (fair enough)? Just not that big on PDA? I’ve got you!

I've been photographing couples just like you since 2016 and most of my couples have never been photographed before.

Being a documentary style wedding photographer, my photoshoots are never overly stylised or posed because I know that you want photos that are authentic and feel honest and real to you both. You want genuine feeling photos and core memories to look back on.

Here's a few tips to help you get comfortable in front of the camera during your portrait session -

1) Focus on your partner

If you begin to feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera, focus back on your partner. You’re in this together!
Check each other out 😏, admire the colours in their eyes or focus on your favourite freckle. Hold them, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

2) Have something to hold

“What the f#ck do I do with my hands, Ed!?” The best part about couple photos or getting married is there's two of you, so you should pretty much always have something (or someone) to hold! When you feel a bit awkward with your hands and what they are doing, hold each other, grab onto something, a hand, an arm, some clothing, whatever! It’s comforting and makes for natural and romantic photos! If you opt for some solo portraits (Which are not needed if you don’t want them!), be sure to bring along your bouquet, rad accessory, hand-written note from your lover, or your espresso martini! If your pants or dress have pockets — utilise them too for some laid-back legend vibes😎. If you find yourself with nothing to hold — be a menace, throw a gang sign, do a hand stand, skull a beer, roll a dart. You have my permission to be yourself, whatever that looks like.

3) Have something to say

Whether it’s a compliment, a quote from The Office or an inside joke, note down something ahead of time that you know will have your bestie in tears. Keep it to yourself until it’s just the two of you (and your photographer) and then whisper to each other when you’re being photographed! This is a great way to capture an authentic moment between the two of you!

Bonus tip - Consider sharing your personal vows at your photoshoot in private. This will be a meaningful core memory that you will not forget.

4) Don’t be afraid to improvise

Do you feel like trying an epic dip, a spinning hug, a consensual bum slap or a gentle forehead kiss? Just do it! No matter what your photographer directs, the most authentic moments in your photoshoot will always be those unplanned moments that just happen and that just feel right.

5) Always finish a kiss

If your photographer or videographer asks you to have a pash for a minute while they get the shot from a few different angles, don't give yourself pash rash!

Let your kiss naturally finish like it would if you were making out on the couch. Then, once its over, start again if you need to! 5 short kisses are much more enjoyable than one long one. This will look way better in photos as well!

6) Bring mints

Your partner might love you regardless of your stanky breath, but it will make you self-conscious and let’s be honest, it’s not going to be enjoyable for either of you, especially whoever is on the receiving end! The last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable with any part of yourself while you are being photographed. So, I can’t stress this enough: pack mints or hit up your photographer. They will usually have some in their bag!

7) Book a couple session before your wedding

This one is not always be possible, especially with interstate and international couples, but if you live locally to your photographer and have the time, book a photo session so you can get to know them better, get comfortable being photographed, get some epic photos for your wedding website, save the date or social media. This is also a really good time to test your hair and makeup or hard launch your engagement if you haven’t announced it yet.