How to Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera (Even If You Hate Photos)

Aug 15

You’re not alone if your first thought is,

“I’m so awkward in front of the camera.”
“I never know what to do with my hands.”
“I hate being the center of attention.”

Honestly? Most couples I work with in Chattanooga and Nashville tell me this before we ever meet in person.

But here's the good news: you don’t have to be a model to look amazing in your wedding photos.
You just need a photographer who knows how to bring out the real you.

Here’s exactly how we make that happen:

1. Start With an Engagement Session

An engagement session is the ultimate warm-up.
No pressure. No timeline stress. Just the two of you hanging out while I guide you through easy, natural movements.

You’ll:

Learn how I direct without “posing”
Get used to being in front of the camera
Realize you don’t look nearly as awkward as you think

Bonus: You’ll go into the wedding day way more relaxed.

2. Focus on Each Other—Not the Camera

The best photos come when you forget the camera is even there.

I’ll guide you with prompts like:

“Hold hands and walk like you’re on a date.”
“Tell them what you love about them.”
“Sneak in a kiss on the cheek when they’re not expecting it.”

You won’t have to think about how to look natural—I’ll make sure you just feel natural.

3. Build a Connection With Your Photographer and Videographer

Trust makes all the difference. If you feel like you’re just being photographed by a stranger, it’s going to show.

That’s why I always:

Chat with you before the session or wedding day
Learn your story, quirks, and what you’re nervous about
Show you back-of-camera previews so you know what’s working

The more comfortable you are with me, the more confident you’ll feel in the photos.

4. Movement Over Posing

I don’t ask you to freeze in stiff poses. Instead, I give you prompts to move, laugh, breathe, and interact.

This might look like:

Dancing together for 10 seconds
Playing a quick game
Saying something goofy to break the nerves

Movement creates emotion. Emotion creates beautiful, you-shaped photos.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go

You don’t have to:

Smile perfectly the whole time
Know your angles
Pose like a pro

You just have to be present.

Your photos aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. The quiet moments. The in-between glances. The real stuff.

That’s where the magic lives.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Love Photos to Love Your Gallery

You might walk into the process unsure of yourself—but my goal is that you walk away feeling like,
“That actually felt like us.”

So whether you're getting married in the mountains of Chattanooga or downtown Nashville, know this:
You’re not awkward. You’re just not used to being seen like this—yet.

And I’m here to help you feel confident every step of the way.