Tips for Relaxing and Looking Natural in Your Wedding Photos

Key Takeaways

• Choose a wedding photographer you trust to capture candid, authentic moments and help you feel comfortable.
• Engagement sessions serve as a valuable practice run that helps build rapport with your photographer ahead of the big day.
• Embrace natural light and in-between moments, such as golden hour shots and candid interactions, for more genuine and beautiful photos.

Choose a Wedding Photographer You Trust

For wedding photos that will bring joy for years to come, select a photographer with whom you feel a friendly connection rather than a hired professional. It's about finding that one photographer whose style resonates with you and your beloved, someone who can take your vision and turn it into something tangible. Trust is the foundation here when you're comfortable with your photographer, your natural chemistry as a couple shines through in every shot, from the grand moments to the subtle glances.

A great photographer will have a natural and relaxed approach. They'll capture your day as it truly is, the candid laughter, the stolen kisses, the dance floor shenanigans, all while making you feel like the camera isn't even there. That's the magic of working with someone you trust, and it's the cornerstone of your wedding day narrative.

Engagement Sessions Are a Great Idea

Have you pondered the significant benefits of an engagement session? Think of it as a great idea, a trial run with low stakes, and the potential for building a connection with your photographer is high. During these laid-back shoots, you'll discover just how amazing you both look through a professional's lens and, in turn, how amazing your wedding day photos will be.

An engagement shoot isn't just about pretty pictures. It's a session where you learn the ropes, get comfortable with being the center of attention, and, most importantly, build rapport with your photographer. When your wedding rolls around, you'll feel like old friends, ready to confidently and easily tackle the day's photography.

Spend Time Together Away from Guests

While your wedding party and family groups significantly contribute to your special day, carving out moments away from the crowd for couple photos is important. In these moments of personal space, you can truly be yourselves, spending time just as two, without the watchful eyes of an entire wedding party. 

So, when your photographer whisks you away for those 15 minutes, embrace it. It's your opportunity to let down your guard, be present with one another, and create memories untainted by the day's chaos.

Capture In-Between Moments

The beauty of wedding photos often comes from capturing candid, fleeting moments rather than traditional posed shots. These snapshots of raw emotions, a laugh here, a tear there, make your beautiful wedding photos unique.

Documentary wedding photographers are experts at this, blending candids with their artistic style to tell the story of your day. These natural portraits, not the camera-pointed, say-cheese shots, tell the tale of your love.

Move Around and Have Fun

Feeling uneasy before the camera is entirely normal, yet here's a valuable tip: maintain motion and keep the enjoyment flowing to avoid awkward moments. Whether it's a gentle sway or a playful chase, movement breathes life into your photos, capturing your spirit in a way that static posing just can't. 

Your wedding day is a celebration, so why not let that joy overflow into your photos? Here are some tips to help you capture the moment:

• Laugh
• Talk
• Rest your head on each other's shoulders.
• Just be in the moment.

A good photographer will guide you through this process, creating an atmosphere where you feel comfortable enough to let your guard down and enjoy the moment.

Use Prompts for Natural Reactions

Let's turn our attention to prompts. These little cues are like secret ingredients wedding photographers use to make posing less awkward and make your photos look more natural. Here are some examples:

• Whisper the silliest joke you know into your partner's ear
• Share a secret with each other
• Dance like nobody's watching
• Bump hips as you walk toward the camera
• Spin around while slow-dancing

These prompts produce genuine reactions and make for the most authentic and heartwarming shots, avoiding the fake smile.

So when your photographer suggests a prompt, go with it and keep going until they say stop. You might feel a bit silly at first, but trust that it's all about capturing those candid moments you'll look back on with a smile. Blending these prompts with natural poses brings out the best in your photos, creating a sense of spontaneity and realness.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Something about natural light's softness and evenness can't be replicated with artificial lighting. And then there's the golden hour, the time before sunset when the light is warm, soft, and oh-so-flattering.

Plan your wedding portraits during this magical time. Trust us, the photos you get during the golden hour will be some of the day's most dramatic and dynamic ones.

Be Prepared for Any Weather

What if the weather has different plans for your special day? Don't worry; a little rain or a gust of wind can't dampen the ability to capture great photos. Preparing for any weather means having a stash of clear umbrellas for you and your bridal party. With these precautions in place, your wedding plans will remain intact despite unexpected weather conditions.

Use the weather to your advantage, and let your photographer work their magic. Rainy weather can lead to some fantastic images. With the right mindset and creativity, any weather condition can be turned into a photo opportunity worth remembering.

Communicate Your Concerns

Open communication is important, especially when dealing with your wedding photos. Discuss any insecurities or concerns you might have with your photographer. Whether it's about angles, expressions, or certain poses, letting your photographer know your concerns can help them tailor their approach to make you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

Don't be afraid to overshare. Photographers appreciate knowing exactly what makes you self-conscious, as it helps them capture you at your best. After all, they're there to make you look good and feel comfortable, so give them all the necessary information to work their magic

Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

Important advice for your wedding day is to concentrate on each other rather than the camera. It's easy to become self-conscious when you know you're being photographed, but try to remember why you're there in the first place to celebrate your love. When you concentrate on your partner, the fake smiles and stiff poses disappear, and what's left is genuine affection and intimacy.

Encourage each other, hold hands, and embrace the moments as they come. By physically connecting and interacting as you naturally would, you'll create photos that look beautiful and feel authentic to who you are as a couple.

Bonus Tip: Choose a Documentary Wedding Photographer

Think about hiring a documentary wedding photographer. This style of photography captures the essence of your wedding as it unfolds, focusing on the genuine moments that happen organically. A documentary wedding photographer will:

• Be a fly on the wall, capturing the laughter, the tears, and all the unscripted moments that make your day unique
• Provide you with a visual story that's as true to life as it gets
• Ensure you're not just seeing images when you look back at your photos. You're reliving memories.

Summary

As we wrap up our journey through the world of wedding photography, remember that the meaning of natural and relaxed wedding photos lies in the connection between you and your partner and the Trust you place in your photographer. From choosing the right professional to embracing the golden hour's soft light, each tip we've shared is a stepping stone toward capturing the authentic joy of your special day.

Take these tips to heart, communicate openly, and focus on the love that brought you together. Do this, and you'll have a wedding album filled with moments that are beautifully captured and an accurate representation of your bond, ready to be cherished for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a photographer's style suits me?

You can determine if a photographer's style suits you by scheduling an engagement session to see their work firsthand and assess how their style aligns with your vision. You can also look at their portfolio to gauge whether their way of capturing moments resonates with you.

What should I do if I'm uncomfortable with certain poses or angles?

Let your photographer know if you're uncomfortable with certain poses or angles so they can make adjustments and ensure you feel at ease during the photoshoot. Your comfort is important for getting the best shots.

Can we still get good photos if it rains on our wedding day?

Yes, with the proper preparation and a creative photographer, you can still get beautiful photos on your wedding day, even if it rains. Don't let the weather discourage you; embrace it and turn it into a unique opportunity.

How can we look more natural in our photos?

To look more natural in photos, focus on each other, have fun, and respond to prompts from your photographer to capture genuine emotions and interactions. Just be yourselves and enjoy the moment!



Why should we consider a documentary wedding photographer?

You should consider a documentary wedding photographer because they specialize in capturing the natural, candid moments of your wedding day, resulting in genuine and reflective images that truly capture the experience.