How to not feel awkward in front of the camera
Think you’ll feel awkward in your wedding photos? Here’s what actually happens on the day and why it’s rarely a problem.
There’s always a moment, usually on a call or in an email, where one of you says it. “I’m going to be awkward in photos.” It comes up so often that it’s almost expected. Most people aren’t used to being photographed like this, so the idea of it feels uncomfortable before the day has even started. You picture standing there, not knowing what to do, being watched, trying to smile properly. The reality is nothing like that.
It doesn’t feel like a photoshoot
Once the day gets going, your focus shifts very quickly. You’re seeing people you haven’t seen in years. You’re trying to take everything in. Things are happening constantly.
Photography just sits alongside all of that. Most of what I’m doing is observing rather than directing. This is a big part of how I work as a relaxed Lake District wedding photographer, focusing on real moments rather than staged ones. I’m watching for moments as they happen instead of building them from scratch.
That’s why it doesn’t feel forced.
You’re not expected to perform
One of the biggest worries people have is that they’re going to have to “do something” in front of the camera. You won’t. You’re not expected to pose all day or think about how you look. You’re just getting married. When I do step in, it’s simple. Small adjustments. A bit of guidance. Enough to keep things relaxed and moving without making it feel staged.
If you’re still figuring out what kind of approach suits you, it’s worth reading my guide on choosing a wedding photographer.
Movement changes everything
The awkward feeling people imagine usually comes from standing still. So we don’t do that for long. We might walk for a few minutes, head somewhere quieter, or just shift position slightly. It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference.
As soon as you’re moving and interacting, you stop thinking about being photographed. This kind of relaxed approach sits somewhere between documentary and direction, which I talk more about on my lifestyle wedding photography page.
Most people forget about the camera
This is the bit that surprises people the most. You might feel a bit aware of it at the start, but that doesn’t last. After a few minutes, your attention goes back to each other and everything else happening around you. The camera just fades into the background.
That’s when the best photographs happen.
The couples who worry the most are never the problem
I’ve had couples tell me in advance that they hate photos, that they’re awkward, that they don’t photograph well. It’s never an issue. If anything, those couples tend to be the most natural, because they’re not trying to put on a version of themselves for the camera. They just get on with the day.
What actually matters
Years from now, you won’t be looking at your photos thinking about whether you stood a certain way or smiled properly. You’ll notice how it felt. Who was there. What made you laugh.
The moments you didn’t even realise were being photographed. That’s what lasts.
Final thoughts
If you’re worried about feeling awkward in your wedding photos, that’s completely normal. It doesn’t mean anything is going to go wrong, and it doesn’t mean your photos won’t look natural. You don’t need to prepare for it or fix it. You just need to turn up, be yourselves, and let the day unfold.
If you’re planning your wedding and want photography that feels relaxed and unobtrusive, you can get in touch to chat about your plans.
Frequently asked questions
What if I feel really awkward in front of the camera?
You probably will for a few minutes at the start. That’s completely normal. Most people aren’t used to being photographed like this. It settles quickly once the day gets going and your attention shifts back to everything else happening around you.
What if my partner hates having their photo taken?
That’s very common. Usually the person who says this ends up being absolutely fine on the day. Once they stop thinking about the camera and just focus on what’s happening, everything relaxes naturally.
Will you tell us what to do?
Yes, but not in a way that feels staged. I’ll guide things when needed so you’re not left wondering what to do, but I won’t have you standing there posing for long periods.
Do we need to practise before the wedding?
No. You don’t need to learn how to pose. A pre wedding shoot can help some couples feel more comfortable, but it’s not essential.
How do you keep things looking natural?
By not overcomplicating it. I keep things moving, keep things relaxed, and avoid turning it into a photoshoot. Most of the time, the best moments happen when you’re just interacting with each other.
