Worried about how to relax in front of the camera? May it be keeping you up at night?? Fear not my friend. This guide will set you up for success. My couples are nearly always camera shy and the thought of posing for pictures in the formal sense (vogue weddings style) is just not them!
So I totally understand if you’re worried about this part of the day. A good thing to remember is that there are different styles of posing and my style is very much suited to couple like you! As a candid wedding photographer in Dublin, I’ve worked with countless couples to capture their special moments authentically.
This blog will share tips to help you relax and embrace natural posing for wedding photos, ensuring you feel at ease and look your best. When you both are relaxed, you will take great pictures, so lets get you there!
Why Relaxing in Front of the Camera Matters
Your wedding photos are a reflection of your love for each other, capturing the heartfelt emotions, laughter, and JOY of the day. When you’re comfortable and confident, these candid moments shine effortlessly. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, working with an Ireland luxury wedding photographer ensures every detail and emotion is documented beautifully.
1. Choose a Photographer Who Makes You Comfortable
The first step to feeling relaxed in front of the camera is choosing a photographer you connect with. A skilled photographer will guide you through the process, making it feel seamless and enjoyable.
As a candid wedding photographer in Dublin, I always recommend meeting your photographer before the big day, whether for a coffee or an engagement session. This helps build trust, so by the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel like you’re working with a friend rather than a stranger.
2. Practice Natural Movements Together
Practice makes perfect—but it doesn’t mean you need to memorise rigid poses. Instead, focus on natural movements that feel comfortable for you as a couple.
Try These Tips:
- Stand Close Together: Lean into each other, hold hands, or rest your head on your partner’s shoulder.
- Walk Together: Take a slow stroll while chatting or laughing naturally.
- Create Personal Gestures: Whether it’s a forehead kiss or a shared inside joke, let your unique connection shine.
This approach is at the heart of relaxed posing for wedding photos. It’s about capturing moments that reflect your true personalities.
3. Shift the Focus to Your Partner
Cheesy? Yes, a bit nut trust me, the moments when you laugh together about these silly things you are doing will bring out your true connection. Trust me! And, if you’re not doing that, I’ll just get you to be together and talk about the day whilst I shoot away.
How to Stay Present:
- Whisper a sweet or funny message to your partner.
- Lock eyes and share a moment of quiet together.
- Laugh, hug, and forget about the camera for a while.
These natural interactions create stunning images that don’t feel posed.
4. Work with a Candid Dublin Wedding Photographer
Candid photography is all about capturing the unplanned, authentic moments that make your wedding day unique. As a candid wedding photographer in Dublin, I encourage couples to enjoy their day without worrying about the camera. My approach is to document the natural flow of events, from the joyous laughter during speeches to the quiet moments of reflection between you and your partner.
When you know your photographer is focused on candid storytelling, you can relax and be yourself, trusting that every special moment is being captured.
5. Incorporate Movement into Your Poses
Static poses can feel stiff and awkward. Instead, embrace movement to create dynamic, relaxed wedding photos. Small, natural actions help you feel more at ease and add life to your images. Practice makes perfect—but it doesn’t mean you need to memorise rigid poses. Instead, focus on natural movements that feel comfortable for you as a couple. I always get my couples in a sequence of movements, in fact, most of the shoot is spend moving and then occasionally stopping. Keeping busy and focused in each other helps create those natural, candid photos.
Ideas for Movement:
- Take a playful spin during a dance.
- Walk hand-in-hand through a scenic backdrop.
- Brush a strand of hair from your partner’s face.
Movement creates beautiful, spontaneous images that highlight your love story.
6. Trust Your Ireland Luxury Wedding Photographer
Your photographer’s expertise plays a significant role in how comfortable you feel. An experienced Ireland luxury wedding photographer will know how to guide you with gentle cues and prompts.
For example, instead of saying, “Smile for the camera,” I might suggest, “Take a deep breath, look at your partner, and think about how much you love them.” These subtle directions create natural, emotive moments that result in stunning photos.
7. Create a Calming Atmosphere
A calm atmosphere helps you feel more relaxed during your photos. Music can play a big role in setting the mood. If you feel nervous, ask your photographer if you can play some of your favorite songs in the background. Whether it’s a romantic ballad or an upbeat tune, music can create a sense of comfort and familiarity.
8. Take Breaks Throughout the Day
Your wedding day is busy, but scheduling moments of downtime is essential. A quick break to catch your breath, sip some water, or share a private moment with your partner can help you reset and recharge.
These pauses not only help you feel more relaxed but also create beautiful, intimate moments that your photographer can capture.
9. Laugh and Embrace the Unexpected
Not every pose or shot will go perfectly—and that’s part of the charm! The best photos often come from unscripted moments, whether it’s a playful laugh or a gust of wind lifting your veil.
Embrace the imperfections and enjoy the day. Remember, the goal is to capture your love and joy, not perfection.
10. Be Present and Enjoy the Moment
The most important tip for natural posing for wedding photos is to focus on the present moment. Let go of the stress and immerse yourself in the joy of marrying your best friend. This time on your wedding day is the only time you will really be together! The rest of the day is spent mingling. So enjoy it.
Your photographer will take care of the rest, ensuring every heartfelt glance and candid laugh is beautifully documented.
Final bits on how to relax in front of the camera
Relaxing in front of the camera on your wedding day might feel challenging at first, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. By choosing a candid wedding photographer in Dublin, practicing natural movements, and focusing on your connection, you’ll create stunning, timeless photos that truly reflect your love.
As an Ireland luxury wedding photographer, my goal is to make every couple feel at ease while capturing the magic of their special day. If you’re looking for guidance on how to pose for wedding photos or want to discuss ideas for your wedding photography, I’d be delighted to help.
Let’s work together to create a collection of images that you’ll treasure forever—full of love, laughter, and the beauty of your unique story.
Have questions about your wedding photography or need help planning your timeline? Contact me today, and let’s make your wedding photos unforgettable!
I’m a Dublin based candid wedding photographer but travel all over for weddings in this lovely island of Ireland.
Thanks for stopping by! If a super chilled wedding photographer in Dublin who loves to capture love and joy, in the most natural way is what your looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s have a chat so you can get to know me better. Can’t wait x
Relaxed and candid wedding for those camera shy couples.
