If the thought of being in front of the camera on your wedding day makes you a little nervous, you’re definitely not alone. Between the flashing lights, endless poses, and all eyes on you, it’s easy to feel self-conscious, even if you’re over-the-moon to say “I do.”
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a model to look and feel amazing in your photos. With a few mindset shifts and some simple prep, you can authentically embrace the spotlight. Here’s what a handful of industry pros recommend when it comes to getting more comfortable on camera for your big day.
Hire someone you’re comfortable with
Your photographer will be by your side for nearly every part of your wedding. That’s why it’s so important to find someone whose energy puts you at ease.
Mary Angelini, Owner of Key Moment Films, notes, “Your shooter’s personality is the one thing most couples overlook that makes a big difference to their experience and wedding images. You should take their presentation and personality into consideration. Weddings are the biggest family dinner you’ll ever host, and you want your photographer to be a good fit for everyone. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable having them at a family dinner, they are not the best fit for your wedding day.”
When you genuinely like and trust your photographer, it shows. You’ll feel more relaxed, and that comfort will translate into natural photos that capture your true selves.
Have an engagement session
Think of your engagement shoot as a low-pressure dress rehearsal for the big day. It’s a chance to get used to being in front of the camera and see how your photographer works.
“Book an engagement session and treat it like a warm-up, not a performance,” recommends Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “You’ll figure out how your photographer talks you through movement, which side you prefer, and what actually feels natural when you’re together.”
Getting that practice in ahead of time makes a world of difference, as it helps you build trust and feel more at ease when the cameras start clicking.
Melani Lust, Photographer at Melani Lust Photography, agrees, adding, “If you aren’t able to have an engagement session, I always meet my couples in person before the wedding day. Even 1-2 hours of in-person familiarity can help with comfort level on the day of the wedding.”
Afterward, you’ll walk away feeling much more confident about what to expect. You’ll also get to know your photographer’s style and pacing, which means fewer nerves and more fun when it really counts.
Photography by Lucy Struve
Share your nerves with your photographer
If you’re feeling anxious about being photographed, don’t try to hide it! A good photographer will appreciate your honesty and know how to help you through it.
“To be more comfortable on camera for your wedding, you should communicate your insecurities early,” suggests Sam Savat, Photographer at Sam Savat Photography. “We photographers can’t read minds… we might think that you have a really cute jaw, but that could be your biggest insecurity, so if there’s something you’re self-conscious about, tell your photographer before the wedding to avoid feeling that awkwardness when we ask you to do a certain pose.”
Your photographer has likely worked with hundreds of couples who’ve felt the same way. By communicating your concerns, you’ll give them the insight they need to capture your best, most authentic moments.
Bring along a speaker
Music can do wonders for your mood. Bringing a small speaker to your photo sessions can help set the tone and make you feel more comfortable.
McKenzi Taylor, Founder & Owner of Cactus Collective Weddings, shares, “One hack I like to use is to bring a portable speaker along during photo sessions. Music brings out emotions and adds energy to an otherwise lifeless moment, and can put a nervous couple at ease. Timid couples are sometimes able to vibe with the tunes rather than worrying about their camera shyness.”
Having music playing in the background also helps break the silence and gives you something else to focus on besides the camera. When you’re laughing and singing along, those candid moments come easily.
Move around
Stiff poses can make anyone feel awkward, so don’t be afraid to move! Movement brings life to your photos and helps you forget the camera is there.
“One useful approach is movement,” emphasizes Amos Gott, Chief Event Architect at AmosEvents. “Instead of holding a static pose, couples can walk slowly, turn toward each other, or interact naturally. This creates more candid frames and reduces stiffness.”
Your photographer will guide you through prompts that get genuine reactions, so trust the process. The more you move, the more relaxed and spontaneous your photos will look (and that’s where the magic happens!).
Photography by Nicole&photo
Focus on your partner
Your wedding photos are all about connection. So when the camera starts clicking, focus on your partner instead of the lens.
Nicole Back, Photographer at nicole&photo, says, “As simple as it sounds, remember to take a deep breath! Focus on your partner, and be present with them instead of having your eyes on the camera!”
Shifting your focus to each other allows you to naturally relax and radiate happiness. Those little looks and bursts of laughter are what make your photos special.
Photography by Niki Marie
Practice beforehand
Like anything else, being in front of the camera gets easier with practice. Try taking a few photos or videos together before the big day, even if it’s just on your phone.
“One of the best hacks couples can use is practicing poses together beforehand,” confirms Alicia Igess, Owner and Operator of Alicia Igess. “Spend time in front of a mirror or take practice photos to discover which angles and expressions feel most natural. This preparation helps eliminate awkwardness and allows you to relax and enjoy the moment when it truly counts.”
Practicing can also help you build confidence and shake off any camera jitters. By the time your wedding rolls around, posing will feel familiar, and you’ll be able to focus on the day instead of overthinking how you look.
Remember: you don’t have to perform
You don’t need to “act” like a bride or groom—you already are one! So forget about being “camera-ready” and allow yourself to be present in the moment.
Natasha Cardinal, Photographer & Owner of The Cardinals Elopements, explains, “You’re not doing it wrong if it feels a little awkward at first—most people feel that way! A good photographer will guide you gently and create space for you to just be yourselves. Let go of the pressure to ‘perform,’ and let yourself be present (and be yourself) instead. That includes all of the silly, goofy, awkward moments—that’s what makes the photos meaningful.”
Feeling comfortable on camera comes down to being yourself and enjoying the moment. When you trust your photographer and focus on your partner, everything starts to feel easier. Let yourself be in the moment, and your photos will tell the story exactly as it should be told!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and marketing firm OFD Consulting and the founder of OFD Collective, a membership community for wedding pros looking to elevate their visibility. She’s a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
