How to NOT look awkward in your wedding photos

Being a wedding photographer, one thing that I read and hear over and over in our inboxes is.. ’We’re the most awkward photo people – we’re looking for someone to help us pose blah blah’

Now, every bloody photographer out there will be reassuring you that they’ll capture all those candid moments that go unnoticed and to trust them – and yes, that’s completely true. But if you’re a control freak like me.. Just reassuring me to trust is going to give me an anxiety attack(although it is actually real solid advise right there NGL)

So here are some things you can do to help make your wedding photos look as natural as possible.

1. MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER IF YOU CAN

We’re in a digital age where face to face meetings are a thing of the past. Why should I go out of my busy day to organise a time to meet with a complete stranger when I can just check them out on Instagram or Tik Tok? Well, because you’re going to be stuck with this stranger for the whole day. Think 8 – 10 hours of this rando just hanging around you on your special day. Imagine paying thousands of dollars for an 8 hour date with a person you never met?

If meeting is too much for you then stalk them on Instagram, slide into their DMS for an actual chat or request a phone call. I take Zoom/phone meetings instead because I know people may be too busy to fine a suitable time and that’s completely OK! Just make sure you actually see and speak to them at the least. 

2. FOCUS ON BEING PRESENT IN THE MOMENT

Social anxiety is the biggest struggle for me. Coming up to my own wedding I constantly remind myself to not focus on what needs to be done and to focus on experiencing all the emotions that comes with the day. Some things you can do to help is taking some time to slowly breathe throughout the day, closing your eyes and grounding yourself, smell your flowers, listen to the sounds of nature and ambient noise around you. Most importantly, allow yourself to FEEL.

Danielle and Dean – Sandalford Winery | Caitie and Jason – Perth City Farm

3. ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS TRUMPS

Book an engagement shoot with your photographer. They serve as great trial runs for the day and you will be able to see how your photographer works and communicates. I include engagement shoots in my full day packages for this exact reason.

4. MAKE UP AND HAIR TRIALS.. JUST DO IT!

A great make up and hairstylist will always recommend trials. Firstly, it means they will know how to work with your skin and hair because everybody’s face and hair is not created equal. Secondly, if you plan it right and pair up your trial with your engagement shoot you will get a very close idea of how you would look like in your wedding photos. I decided to change my look completely after seeing photos of myself in my initial hair trial. Although in person I loved it, in photographs it was just not flattering and boy was I glad I paid extra for the trial.

5. COMMUNICATE AND DON’T BE SHY

You think your nose is big? Tell your photographer. It’s part our job to find the best angles that are most flattering to you but sometimes we know that everyone has insecurities. If you have a good side, then don’t be afraid to say something. A great photographer will value meeting your needs.

Merita and Dean – Caversham House
Chellyce and Louis – Brookleigh Estate
Chellyce and Louis – Guildhall, Fremantle

6. BE COMFORTABLE

The last thing you need to feel on your wedding day is uncomfortable. Keep this in mind when purchasing your wedding items, booking you venue and all that other jazz. Want to wear amazing heels? Make sure you break them in so they don’t hurt on the day. Don’t wear a tight fitting dress that will suffocate you to death all for the gram because trust me hunny..it will show on your face.

7. LOOK AT THE ONE YOU LOVE

And if all else fails.. (which I doubt they will unless you’ve booked the wrong photographer :P) look at the one that you love. You partner for life is where home is and most likely the one person you are the most comfortable with. You can’t go wrong with that.

I hope this helps in giving you direction and ideas on what to best do to not look like a complete potato on your wedding day.