Tips from a Minnesota Wedding Photographer
Feeling nervous about being in front of the camera on your wedding day? You’re not alone. Many couples feel a little camera-shy at the thought of having their photos taken, especially during such an important and emotional day. But as a wedding photographer with years of experience, I can assure you that getting comfortable in front of the camera is easier than you think.
Here are my top tips to help you feel relaxed, confident, and ready for those wedding photos.
Get to Know Your Photographer
One of the best ways to feel more at ease on your wedding day is by building a connection with your wedding photographer beforehand. This is why I always recommend doing an engagement session before the big day. It allows you to get comfortable with how I work, and it helps me understand your personalities, style, and what makes you feel your best in front of the camera.
During your engagement session, you’ll get used to the idea of having a camera on you, but in a low-pressure environment. By the time your wedding day arrives, it’ll feel just like an old friend is hanging out with you and you’ll feel right at home.
Embrace the Engagement Session
Speaking of engagement sessions, they are the perfect “warm-up” for your wedding photos. Not only do you get more familiar with the process, but it’s also a fun way to practice posing and interacting with your partner in front of the camera. The more relaxed and playful you can be during this session, the easier it will be to replicate that comfort on your wedding day.
For my engagement sessions, no matter if it’s in Minnesota or elsewhere, I always suggest choosing locations where you both feel comfortable, whether that’s a favorite park, café, or even your home. The more the setting feels like “you,” the more at ease you’ll be.
Be Present in the Moment
One of the best ways to shake off nerves is to focus on each other rather than the camera. On your wedding day, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of looking perfect in every shot, but the truth is, the most beautiful photos come from genuine, candid moments.
Trust your photographer to guide you into natural poses, but don’t overthink it. If you feel awkward, lean into your partner and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re laughing together or sharing a quiet glance, those moments will be the ones that shine through in your wedding photography.
Communicate Any Concerns or Preferences
If you’re worried about specific aspects of your appearance or if certain poses feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to share that with your photographer. A skilled wedding photographer will always take your preferences into account and work to highlight your best features while ensuring you feel confident in every shot.
Whether it’s a particular angle or side of your face you prefer, or you just want to avoid stiff or overly posed shots, communicating this ahead of time makes all the difference.
Focus on the Fun
Remember, your wedding day is a celebration, and your photos should reflect that joy! I always encourage my couples to relax and have fun. When you’re genuinely enjoying yourself, your wedding photos will radiate with natural beauty. Don’t be afraid to laugh, be silly, or show emotion—these are the moments that make for the most authentic and cherished photos.
It doesn’t matter the session, when I’m capturing the candid, fun photos of couples, those are always their favorites. It doesn’t matter the composition, the lighting, what might be happening in the background. If it looks like you’re genuinely having fun and enjoying the moment, you’ll love that photo forever.
Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise
Finally, it’s important to trust the expertise of your wedding photographer. As a Minneapolis wedding photographer, my job is to make sure you look and feel amazing in every shot. I know how to work with different angles, lighting, and poses to highlight the best version of you. I gotchu, don’t worry.
If you’re feeling unsure or anxious, that’s okay! I’ll guide you every step of the way and help you feel at ease. My goal is to capture the true essence of your relationship in a way that feels natural and authentic, so you can look back on your photos with joy for years to come.
Please reach out if you have any questions or if you just want to get to know me more. I’m always happy to chat!