9 Tips to Prepare your Camera-Shy Partner for your Photo Session or Wedding Day
The majority of my clients have either never had a professional photo session together or they tend to feel awkward in front of the camera. That’s why I’ve made this list of 9 things to help prepare you and/or your partner, so you can show up with ease of mind and know your photos will capture your love story perfectly.
1 — FOCUS ON YOUR PARTNER
You don’t have to stare into the camera to get great pictures, in fact, that’s far from my photography style. I want your photos to show movement, laughter, interaction, and emotion!
If looking at the camera gives you jitters, take your focus off the camera and concentrate on your partner. Focus on the person you love standing right in front of you. That’s your safe space. Your photographer will work around you.
2 — PRACTICE IN THE MIRROR
It sounds silly, but practicing your smile in the mirror can sometimes help you to remember what you love most about your own expressions, face, and smile. Try it!
3 — HAVE A DRINK BEFOREHAND
There’s nothing wrong with having a little liquid courage before your wedding photos. In fact, I recommend it for couples who feel extra uncomfortable in front of the camera. People are less likely to be stiff or give their fake smiles.
However, keep it limited. You don’t want to have an entire bottle of champagne because that can create potential for “sloppier” smiles and unsafe drives home. But just a glass of bubbly or a quick shot of fireball (my personal fav) can often help couples relax!
4 — LAUGH (ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU FEEL AWKWARD)
As the old saying goes: fake it ‘til you make it! A lot of people’s natural reaction to feeling awkward is to laugh, and I say let’s embrace that! If you’re feeling a little nervous, laugh out loud with your partner. It may feel awkward, but it works really well and actually makes for great photos.
5 — GET YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP DONE
Getting galmmed up is my favourite way to feel good about myself. If you’re having an engagement session, this is the perfect time to have a “trial” with your wedding day makeup artist and hair stylist.
Occasionally I have a bride who calls us before or after her shoot, worried that the makeup was too dramatic for her normal taste, unsure of how it will look in photographs. Nearly every time, it actually photographs PERFECTLY! It’s not a bad idea to get a manicure, too. After all, your new bling will be the star in these pictures!
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6 — BRING YOUR PETS
Our furry friends are family! I love when my couples include them in their sessions, especially engagement sessions. You may not be able to (or want to) bring them to your wedding wedding, so this is your opportunity to include them in photos as a family.
Extra tip: consider bringing a friend or family member to be the pet wrangler! It’s tough to focus on the photos when you’re worried about your sweet furry friend.
7 — REMEMBER THESE ARE YOUR PHOTOS
Remember that this is not a glamour shoot for the cover of a magazine. These are your own personal memories; a part of the journey that led you here to this moment. You don’t have to follow any rules or traditions, and you don’t have to worry about impressing anyone. Remember that at the end of the day, these pictures are just for you and your partner to cherish.
8 — DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF
Turning to Instagram or Pinterest for some photo inspiration is great, but falling into a comparison game can be dangerous for couples. Just let it be you. Let this be your experience. Don’t try to imitate or duplicate someone else’s experience. Trust your photographer (they are professionals, after all) and focus on what really matters: the love you and your partner share for one another and the journey that brought you here.
9 — PRACTICE WITH AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Practice makes perfect, and wedding pictures are no exception. If you’re worried about getting great photos on your wedding day, schedule an engagement session with your photographer. This will allow you to get to know your photographer and to help you get comfortable in front of the camera. Another plus to an engagement session is you’ll feel more confident while posing. Since you’ll be familiar with your photographer, another perk to an engagement session is your photographer will go into your wedding day knowing your preferred angles.
