As a wedding photographer, I’ve worked with many couples who’ve told me, “Oh, I’m awkward in front of the camera,” and 99% of the time, those are the ones who absolutely kill it during their session! They walk away saying, “Wow, that was super fun, easy, and I felt so comfortable.”
Today, I’m sharing a few secrets that have helped my couples feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
1. Wearing Clothes You Feel Confident In
Whether I’m picking outfits for updated headshots or a family session, I always choose clothes that I actually wear and feel comfortable in. For example, I love a good flowy dress, but I’m not a fan of necklines that swoop too low—because, let’s be honest, I’d spend the whole shoot adjusting it. And that’s something we want to avoid, since it takes you out of those special moments. So, pick clothing that feels natural and true to your style, but maybe add a little extra flair. Because, let’s face it, we all feel a bit more confident when we’re dressed up!
Here’s a guide on where to find some cute outfits!
2. Embrace The Awkwardness
Here’s the thing—it might feel a little awkward in those first few minutes, and that’s totally okay! The best way to shake it off is to laugh about it. We all laugh at awkward moments, and it really helps ease the tension. Focus on your love: ground yourself, look into each other’s eyes, feel each other’s heartbeat, and soak in the moment. Let me handle the rest! Posing, guiding, and ensuring you look amazing is my job. Your job? Just HAVE FUN and enjoy this time with your favorite person.
3. Keep It Moving
Standing still for too long can start to feel stiff and uneasy—that’s totally normal! The magic happens when you keep moving, whether it’s playing with each other’s hair, going in for an unprompted kiss, sharing a hug, or just being yourselves. I’ll guide you into natural prompts to help things flow, but I’m not here to hold back your love. Let it shine—it’s what makes the moment so special!
I’ve got an entire system to ensure you’re never standing in one spot too long—because this isn’t just a photo session, it’s like a mini date for the two of you! It’s all about keeping things fun, relaxed, and full of movement, so you can focus on each other and create genuine, heartfelt moments.
4. Trusting Your Photographer
The biggest thing I ask from my couples is to trust me and refrain from providing a shot list. While I’m always happy to take a few specific photos, shot lists can sometimes disrupt the flow of the session and create a bit of awkwardness, as I end up focusing on capturing those exact shots. In most cases, the shots you want are already part of my posing system! My job is to make you look amazing, so trust the process, follow my guidance, and let go of any worries.
Think we would be a good fit already? Get in touch to book your wedding!
5. Getting Comfortable With Your Photographer
I truly believe the most important part of being your photographer is creating a real connection. From the very beginning, I’m all about crafting that comfort level with you—whether it’s texting each other, sharing planning resources, or just being your go-to person for all things. Honestly, I’m not just here to snap photos; I’m here to be your friend (bonus points if we bond over Taylor Swift).
Once we’ve got that foundation, I make it my mission to get comfy with you. I want to know your favorite music (yes, this is how I curate the perfect shoot playlist), how your love story began, and all the little things you adore about each other. Then, we find a location that reflects you. One of my couples, for example, had always dreamed of exploring Charleston. As a Charleston wedding photographer, I knew the hidden gems—those quiet, intimate spots where you’re not dodging tourists or drowning in noise.
Another must? Your engagement photo session. Trust me, this is where the magic happens. You get a sneak peek of how I work, and I get to learn how you vibe in front of the camera. Do you melt into each other naturally, or do you need a little direction? I’ll pick up on those cues, read your body language, and make sure you feel natural.
And hey, I love when my couples take time to get to know me, too! Whether it’s stalking my about page, scrolling through my Instagram stories, or looking at my content, it all helps build that connection. Because here’s the truth: connection breeds comfort, and comfort leads to those natural, beautiful moments in front of the camera.
At the end of the day, it’s my job—not yours—to make sure you’re feeling relaxed and confident. You just show up, be yourself, and let me handle the rest.
Read more about me here: About Hayley
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