How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera: Tips from a Wedding Photographer in Denver
Feeling a bit anxious about being in front of the camera? You’re not alone. Almost all of my couples experience jitters when they think about posing for wedding photos. Whether it’s uncertainty about how to stand, where to look, or just the idea of being the center of attention, these feelings can sometimes overshadow the joy of your big day.
The good news is, being in front of a camera is like any skill. After a quick warm up, some helpful tips, and an encouraging coach, you’ll feel way more at ease. I’ve shared some Whether the photos being taken are candids or posed photos, the below advice will make you feel relaxed in front of the camera on your wedding day.
Understanding Your Photographer: The Key to Ease
Think of your wedding photographer as your visual storyteller, not just someone with a camera. To capture your story, your photographer will be your wedding day shadow, following you around all day, looking for the next moment to capture, while not interrupting the flow of your celebration. Therefore, the foundation of beautiful wedding photos starts not with mastering poses or finding perfect lighting but with choosing a photographer who feels like a trusted friend. In Denver's diverse wedding community, the best photographers know starting with creating a genuine relationship with their clients and prioritizing their individual needs and story lead to extraordinary photos.
Pre-Wedding Consultations: These sessions are important for gathering information about you. It will help you establish rapport and build trust with your photographer.
Engagement Session: Think of an engagement session as a way to practice being in front of the camera and capture the story of you two in this exact moment. I love engagement photos because you get to capture your love story in a location that’s meaningful to you. Love rock climbing, the mountains, cuddling up at home, or walking around Downtown? Capturing engagement photos in a way that feels true to you starts with choosing a meaningful activity or location. Again, this session allows you to get comfortable with your photographer’s style, pace, and communication method.
Open Communication: During consults and at the beginning of engagement sessions I’ll discuss preferences, photos, visions, and more with my clients. As this is your big day, make sure to share with your photographer what your needs and wants are. The more your photographer knows about you, the better they can tailor the experience to your needs.
Being Your True Self: The Secret to Stunning Photos
In most cases, the most memorable wedding photos are the ones that capture genuine emotions. Whether at your engagement photoshoot or wedding day, doing the following will create space for those heartfelt candid wedding photos and moments you’ll treasure forever.
Stay Present & Focus on Your Partner.
When the camera’s on you, unless your photographer asks for you to look at the camera, focus on your partner and your people. This feels like one of those obvious tips, but it’s important to remember that being present with your partner and people makes for not only wonderful wedding photos but the best wedding days.
Let Go of Perfectionism
Nobody’s expecting perfection. Embrace the candid moments—messy laughter and spontaneous gestures often make the most cherished images.
Strategies for Camera-Readiness
Here are some essential strategies to ensure you’ll feel confident and relaxed in front of the camera:
Create a Relaxing Routine
What makes you feel most relaxed? For some it’s setting an intention, communicating their photo wants and needs ahead of the session, bringing some essential oils or taking deep breaths. For others, it’s focusing on their partner and activities. Whatever relaxation routine feels right to you, bring it to the session.
Wear your Favorite Clothes
Choose outfits or ensembles that make you feel comfortable and confident. Opt for cuts and colors that complement you and your story.. I provide all my clients with a style guide. With that, the most flattering outfit you can wear is the one you’ll feel most confident in and one that feels most true to you and your story. For some that’s a flowy dress and two piece suit. For others it’s a crisp plain white T and jeans. Stuck between outfits? In addition to style guides, photographers are more than happy to give their opinion on what photographs well.
Get to Know Your Different Angles
Before your wedding day or engagement shoot, looking back through your favorite photos of yourself and your partner will give you a good idea of your go-to poses. If you love to go above and beyond, make a date night out of taking selfies in the mirror with your partner, practicing different poses and facial expressions along the way. I always walk my clients through a plethora of poses, but the selfies and laughter from this date night will be truly unforgettable.
Prioritize Beauty Rest & Prep
A good night’s sleep and plenty of hydration will not only make you feel more confident in front of the camera, it will also give you an extra boost of energy and joy. In addition, hydration is extra important in the dry Colorado climate and extreme elevation. I also like to let my clients know that preserving your authentic self and story in the photos. This means no body modifications in Photoshop. With that knowledge, some people like to add a little pep in their step with professional hair and makeup, or bring a comb and some touch up make up to the session.
Ultimately, feeling camera-ready has a little bit to do with how you prep your appearance and way more to do with showing up as your genuine self, and showing up with love for yourself and your partner. Approaching your session with love for yourself and one another will allow your story and joy to shine through in your photos.
Strategies for Staying Calm On Your Wedding Day
Wedding day jitters are natural, but they shouldn't overshadow your photo experience. Professional wedding photographers and planners have countless techniques to help you stay relaxed and present. Again, these tips seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget them during your wedding day. Start your day with deep breathing exercises. Stay hydrated and well-fed – hunger makes everyone edgy. If anxiety creeps in, communicate with your people, planner or photographer.
Posing Like a Pro: Simple Techniques for Natural-Looking Photos
On average, a couple will spend around one-third or less of their wedding day posing for photos. Whether you choose to opt for as little posing as possible, or lots of family and couple photo time, having some tips will help your posing feel effortless.
For Big Groups: Ask your photographer ahead of time if they can share some posing tips and tricks before big group photos. This will get everyone in the “posing for photos” zone, and help everyone feel more confident and prepped for their photos.
The Power of Movement: Small movements like walking hand-in-hand or leaning into your partner can create dynamic, natural images.
Playful Interactions: Whisper something funny to your partner, or hold hands and spin around. Genuine laughter and joy will follow.
The Fake Laugh Trick: Start with a fake laugh—it often turns into a real one, making for wonderfully candid photos.
Location, Location, Location
Denver offers an incredible variety of wedding photo locations, from urban rooftops with mountain views to secret garden spots in the city. The best location you can choose is the one you’ll feel comfortable at, and the ones that resonate with your story.
The coffee shop where you had your first date, the park where you love to picnic, or the neighborhood where you fell in love – familiar places naturally help you feel more relaxed and connected.
Group Photos: Managing Family Dynamics
Family portraits don't have to be stressful. Your photographer will help you create a clear photot list beforehand, identifying must-have combinations within a timeframe that won’t take away from your wedding day celebrations.. Assign a knowledgeable family member to help gather people efficiently.
Keep these sessions concise and add some fun – maybe a silly pose at the end to lighten the mood. Remember, a relaxed couple helps create relaxed family photos.
The Digital Age: Dealing with Social Media Pressure
In today’s world, wedding photos often make their way to social media. Here’s how to navigate this modern reality:
Instagram vs. Reality: Aim for authentic photos over staged perfection.
Set Boundaries: If you prefer an unplugged ceremony, communicate that to your guests.
Embrace Imperfections: Real-life moments are more meaningful than heavily filtered ones.
Your Love Story, Beautifully Captured
Catherine Norwood, a Documentary Wedding Photographer, specializes in capturing candids and genuine photos that feel true to each couple and their story. With years of experience as a wedding photographer in Denver, I specialize in creating natural, relaxed portraits that celebrate your love Ready to feel confident in front of the camera? Fill out the online form to start planning your wedding photography experience centered around your two and your love story.
Let’s make your memories last a lifetime—beautiful, authentic, and uniquely yours.
