5 Tips on How to Not look Awkward in Photos
If you are here, then of course you want your magical wedding day captured beautifully, so that you can cherish those photos for the rest of your life.
But, if you’re like me, and probably a good 50% of my clients, one of your biggest concerns is:
“I don’t want to look or feel awkward in my photos, and I feel I never look good in pictures.”
Firstly, you are your biggest critic! I’ve been to many reveal sessions where there are certain photos someone doesn’t feel is perfectly flattering to them, but their partner absolutely loves how they look in the photo. Unfortunately, I can’t make you love everything about yourself, but I am definitely here to make you look the best you possibly can. Just remember, not every photo in your wedding album is going to be perfectly posed. Those candid shots are going to reflect the true moment, and while you may have little wrinkles around your eyes, or you think your smile looks funny, push past that, as what really matters is the moment, and I can guarantee you will look back in years to come and think of how amazing you look.
Beauty aside, there are 5 factors that I believe will greatly reduce your worry of looking or feeling awkward in your photos.
1. Choose a photographer that you vibe with
Not every photographer is created equally, nor is every personality the same. If you are a chill, laid back and reserved couple, a bouncy and energetic photographer may not be suitable for you! Think about your closest friends, or just the personality of those that you enjoy being around. Chances are, if you find a photographer with a similar personality, you will feel more at ease and comfortable. We won’t be offended if you let us know that we don’t seem like the right fit for you. More importantly, we will be happy that you were honest, and we can always help find what you are looking for.
2. Have a meeting with your photographer beforehand, so you can get in front of the camera and get a feel for it.
If you have never been in front of a camera before (other than the obligatory photos your mom took or selfies) I highly suggest scheduling a shoot with your photographer before your wedding day. This can be just a mini session, or a full adventure engagement shoot. This will allow you to experience what it is like to be prompted and directed, without having the pressure of the one day event of your elopement/wedding day. You and your partner can take your time and learn how to feel more comfortable, and get to know your photographer more. Plus, we always love a good engagement session, and they are great photos to use for Save the Dates and invites, or an album that can be used for a guest signing book.
3. Choose a photographer who focusses on prompts over poses, and specializes in more of an editorial/documentary style.
Every photographer has a bit of a different style, just like we all have a different personality. While editing style (the colors and style of the finished photos) is the most obvious one to look for and see if you like, the other thing to look for is how they direct during your wedding day.
Some photographers love posing, setting you up perfectly for the right angles, and asking for the perfect smile. But if you are uncomfortable in front of the camera, posing is not going to help you as your smiles and reactions will likely look forced.
Instead, look for someone who is more documentary, and uses prompts instead of poses. This means that for much of your wedding, they will capture you and your partner as you are in real life. Your real emotions, your real actions… Then for portraits, we use something called prompts. These are “tasks” that we ask you to do, which keep you moving, and not focussed on us. Example: Walk away from me hand in hand and bump your hips together. It might sound silly, but you will get beautiful photos, and you will be too distracted doing what we asked to worry what you look like!
4. Don’t choose something for your wedding day that you are already going to be awkward doing.
As a couple’s elopement photographer in Alberta, I am a huge advocate for couples getting married in the way that they feel most suits them and their love story. This means not having a hundred person traditional wedding, if you hate being in crowds, or in the spotlight. While it is up to each couple to decide what they want to do for their wedding day, eloping is absolutely the best option if you are worried about being awkward.
Why? The moment you are put in an uncomfortable situation, it will show. Even the candid photos during the ceremony may have you looking stiff and awkward if you hate having people watching you. Your first kiss as a married couple is going to be quick, and unemotive, because you are going to want to end the uncomfortable feeling you have as quick as possible.
So if you are worried about looking awkward in your photos, avoid placing yourself in situations during your wedding day that will make you feel awkward. And if that means leaving the crowds behind and just having the two of you, your witnesses and the officiant there while you say your vows, then absolutely do it!
5. Just be in the moment.
Last but not least, remember it is your wedding day. It’s not a glamor shoot for Vogue. You don’t need to look perfect in every shot, and the camera is going to capture you for you. What is important is that you and your partner are able to enjoy your wedding day, the love the two of you have for each other, and the excitement and thrill that comes with embarking on a new adventure together. Just be in the moment, and the awkwardness will fade away as you let yourself enjoy this special day together.
I hope these tips help you worry less about looking awkward for your wedding photos, and help you choose a photographer suited to you. As an adventure elopement photographer in Nordegg, Alberta, I focus on capturing my couples stories documentary style, with prompting majority of the portraits and posing only when my couple is comfortable. With a couple truly in love, it is easy to capture their essence, and we can always discard those one or two awkward photos.
Want a photographer that will help you overcome your fear of being in front of the camera? My promise to you is to help capture you as naturally as possible, so that you can have beautiful photos of your love story to cherish for years to come.
I would love to shoot your adventure elopement in Jasper, Nordegg, Banff, Canmore, or anywhere else your heart desires. I love travelling, and find new places, while focusing on capturing your love together!