Nervous about looking dynamite in your wedding photos?
Well listen here you - you're going to look bloody amazing. Here are a few tips from an experienced and talented and all around fantastic wedding photographer called... well, me... Liam from Folkstar Photography.
1. Choose a photographer that you resonate with.
The photographer you choose will be the main factor in how well you're portrayed in your photos. You'll want to choose someone who's visual style you like but it's just as important that there is a personality fit too.
If you're an adventure seeking, energetic couple with bags of energy - you'll want someone who can bring that out of you during the shoot and show the real you.
If you're a laid back, relaxed pair of fiction lovers that just want to be themselves - you'll want to avoid a photographer that is going to ask you to do piggybacks and cartwheels.
2. Meet your photographer before the day.
Even just on zoom or the phone, so you can find out if you're a good fit for each other.
Ask what their style is regarding posing. Some people want the guidance, some people don't want to be told where their hands should go - we're all different and a good photographer will know how to show the best and realest version of you and how much direction you need.
3. If you're nervous - be honest.
Tell your photographer how you feel! Gorgeous portraits are all about emotion and if you're feeling anxious or nervous - your photographer will want to work with you to find out why and try to overcome this with you.
I've had a bride be sooo nervous about her photos because she doesn't like one tiny thing about the way she looks. I'm not going to tell you "ohhh you look lovely don't worry" because who's that helping really?
Your photographer should shoot in a way that hides or minimises that thing. I'll show you the images in camera to put you at ease (not all of them though, spoilers!) - a good photographer has the clients best interests at heart.
4. If you feel awkward - it can kinda work!
It's awkward until it's not, and then it's magic!
But even those first few minutes where you're feeling VERY aware of the camera on you - those awkward faces and nervous giggles can end up being the most beautiful shots.
Lean into the fact it's awkward - get close to your other half and be awkward together. Be silly, laugh, giggle and snuggle as if the camera isn't there and you'll be ace.
The rules I give to my couples are, hands on each other - or holding hands ALWAYS and look at the camera NEVER (unless I ask you to). This tends to give people something to think about and focus on - each other!
5. Keep it moving!
You don't need to stand still and pose, so move about!
Think walking, play fighting, cuddling, kissing, hands through hair, arm tickles, thumb wars, high fives whatever shows your personality.
Move the way you would if the camera wasn't there, would you put your head on your partners shoulder? Would you put your hand on their face when you kiss them? The more of this shit the better!
6. Portraits are a conversation
If you're not feeling what's going on - be honest.
Your photographer may have had a vision that doesn't feel very you in the moment, and that's all good! Speak up and move on. It should be a two way thing where you feed off each other's ideas and energy.
Creating beautiful art sometimes requires pushing things beyond what's comfortable and easy - but if you're not enjoying yourself, it'll show in the photos.
I'll check with my couples through out the session if what we're doing feels right for them and if they have any ideas they want to try.
7. Have an engagement shoot
Talk to your photographer about having an engagement shoot before your wedding.
You'll get a feel for being in front of the camera, you and your photographer will have a trial run and all the tension you're feeling will be gone before your wedding day.
Another bonus is that you'll have extra photos and you can use them for invitations and display them at your wedding. Winner winner, chicken - you know the rest.
8. Have fun!
Feel all the feels, play, laugh, run and dance.
Make sure there is open communication with your photographer and make sure they know what you and your other half are all about.
Be yourself - don't try to be anything else you've seen on your photographers instagram - be real, be honest, be vulnerable and get carried away in the magic and the madness that will be your amazing wedding.
Still looking for the perfect photographer?
Get in touch, it just might be me! (I think we both know it is by now). We can have a chat about your wedding plans and get that huge task ticked off your wedding to-do list. Give the little button below a tap and I'll see you on the flip side!
