How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day

“We’re not photogenic.”

“He hates having his picture taken.”

“I never know what to do with my hands.”

If you’ve said any of these, you’re in good company. It’s the #1 thing my couples tell me before their wedding. And I get it. Most people don’t spend their weekends in front of a professional camera.

Here’s the good news. Feeling comfortable in photos isn’t about being photogenic. It’s about having the right photographer. After photographing people since 2009, here are the 7 things that make the biggest difference.

1. Book an engagement session first

Think of it as a practice run. You get to learn how I work, I get to learn what makes you two laugh, and the camera stops feeling like a stranger.

By the time your wedding day comes, you already know the drill. Couples who do an engagement session almost always look more relaxed in their wedding photos.

Engagement sessions are included in The Signature & Heirloom collection, and you can add one to the Classic collection or any elopement package.

2. Don’t pose. Move.

Stiff photos happen when you stand still and wait. Relaxed photos happen when you’re doing something.

So we walk. We sway. We spin. Your body relaxes when it has a job, and the photos show it.

3. Look at each other, not the camera

Some of my favorite photos happen when you forget I’m there. That usually means you’re looking at your person.

You’ll still get a few classic photos looking at the camera for Grandma. But most of the time, I want you focused on each other.

4. Let me do the thinking

You truly don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job.

I give simple prompts instead of stiff directions. Things like “snuggle up close and look anywhere but at me!” or “walk toward me and bump hips”. The prompts do the work. You just react to each other.

5. Build extra time into your timeline

Nothing makes people tense like feeling rushed. If portraits are squeezed between the ceremony and dinner, you’ll feel it and so will the photos.

That’s why we build your photo timeline together during planning. I add buffer time so nobody is watching the clock.

6. Give your hands something to do

“What do I do with my hands?” is one of the most common questions I get.

Easy answer: hold something. Your partner’s hand, your bouquet, the edge of your veil, his jacket lapel. Hands look natural when they’re holding on to something, and you’ll stop thinking about them.

7. Choose a photographer you actually like

This one matters more than any tip above. You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else.

If you feel at ease with them, it shows in your photos. So text them, grab a coffee, and see if you click.

For the partner who hates photos

Almost every couple has one. Usually they come around fast once they realize nobody is going to make them do anything cheesy.

One of my brides said it best: “She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and got my husband to genuinely smile for both our engagement and wedding pictures. My husband is not a fan of pictures at all…”

You don’t have to be a model

You just have to show up as you. Hug your people. Laugh at the toasts. Look at your person.

I’ll take care of the rest.

Want to know more about how I work? Read my intro post or see everything included on my Weddings page.

Let’s check your date

I only take two weddings a month, so every couple gets my full attention. If you’re planning your wedding, I’d love to hear about it.

Or send me a DM on Instagram @ashleylaydenphoto.

Talk soon,

Ashley