Natural wedding photography is more popular than ever and is the style that my couples choose to book me for. Clients love the natural expressions and the effortless relationship with the camera. They want this to shine through in their own wedding photos, but sometimes couples feel anything but natural and relaxed in front of the camera.
You’ve probably seen dozens of photographer websites with hundreds of images of couples looking natural and carefree. They even look as if they are having fun whilst being photographed. It is often not the case and I am here to tell you that feeling camera shy is completely normal and totally common.
As a natural wedding photographer in South Wales, I have seen hundreds of couples feel like this. They are nervous about their wedding photographs, not looking natural in front of the camera and realising that these are the only wedding day snaps they’re going to have in their lifetime.
Trust me, I know how you feel – why do you think I hide behind the camera?
A Feeling of Worry
Prior to your wedding day, you are going to have a thousand things running through your head and you may have some preconceptions of what is going to happen. You may be thinking that your photographer is going to direct you to look all in love, and then as if by magic, you and your partner are going to be transformed in to a pair of models that are total naturals in front of the camera. You might be feeling embarrassed because you’re not used to being in the spotlight and dread posing for photos.
Whatever is going through your head, I get it, and I have seen it a hundred times before.
This is the main reason why it is so important to find a natural wedding photographer that makes you feel at ease in front of the camera. By having someone that guides you through the process and supporting you on the day, you will be the ones in these photos looking all happy, romantic, and natural. Newly engaged couples will then be browsing through your photos and thinking the exact same things you had been thinking back when you were looking for a photographer.
Strong relationships
Not only is a wedding about a relationship between two people, but also the relationship between that couple and their photographer. I am a strong believer in this because I think that it will feel less like a stranger photographing you and less awkward. If you can have some fun and feel like you have a friend behind the camera, it makes a positive difference.
Where to focus
It might be easier said than done, and sounds like a bit of a cliché, but don’t focus on the camera. Your focus should be on your partner during the entire photoshoot. Engaging with your partner will project a natural connection with them in photos and also make them feel more comfortable.
During wedding photoshoots, I ask couples to talk to each other. If this doesn’t help, then I ask them to talk about their wedding so far and what they are looking forward to during the remainder of the day.
That awkward feeling
Some see that awkward feeling you get in front of the camera is a negative, but you can use this to your advantage. You see, mot of the time, those awkward moments are broken up by laughing and smiling which is perfect for natural shots of you.
You might be reading this with a confused look on your face but feeling awkward will force you to get better in front of the camera, as you start to laugh and realise that it isn’t that bad.
If you would like to learn more about natural wedding photography or would like to check our availability for your wedding, please use our contact page.