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How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Lens
We meet so many lovely pairs who tell us the same thing at our first chat: “We are hopeless in front of a camera.” If that sounds like you, take a breath. Feeling camera shy is normal, even for confident people. We are both quieter souls at heart, so we know exactly how strange it can feel to have lenses pointed at you all day. The good news? Looking relaxed in your photos and film is a skill you can learn, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Below you will find a full roadmap from the minute you book until the moment you press play on your highlight film – that will help you move from nervous to natural. We have woven in expert advice, our own tried-and-tested methods, and little mindset shifts that make a surprising difference on the day.
Understand Why Cameras Feel Scary
Before we start talking about how to feel relaxed on camera, we need to talk about why you might feel tense in the first place. Most people think it’s just about not liking how they look in photos. But it runs a bit deeper than that. Camera anxiety is often rooted in a very human reaction to being watched and judged whether that’s real or imagined.
Let’s break down the three biggest reasons couples tell us they feel camera-shy:
“Everyone will be staring at me.”
This one’s especially common if you’re not someone who likes being the centre of attention. When there’s a camera pointing at you, your brain reads it as a spotlight, like being on stage. Even though it’s just us behind the lens, it can feel like the whole world is watching, waiting to see how you perform.
What’s really happening is your body is triggering a mild stress response. You tense up. You stop breathing normally. You overthink every little movement. And suddenly something that should feel fun and romantic starts to feel like a test.
“I will look awkward.”
This is usually code for: “I don’t like seeing photos of myself.” Maybe you’ve been tagged in an unflattering picture before. Maybe you’ve caught your reflection mid-laugh and cringed. We’ve all been there. The fear here isn’t really about the moment — it’s about how you think you’ll be remembered. That one unflattering image can sit in your memory and convince you you’re not “good on camera,” even when 99 other people see something completely different.
It’s worth saying this clearly: awkwardness is not how you look, it’s how you feel. And when we help you feel safe, calm, and focused on each other, that tension drops away. What’s left is natural body language, real emotion, and pictures that don’t feel staged.
“I’m not in control.”
The Science Bit
There’s real science behind why labelling your feelings helps. When you’re feeling anxious or self conscious, your brain fires up the amygdala that’s the part that kicks off the “fight or flight” response. You feel on edge. Tense. Maybe a bit snappy or withdrawn.
But when you stop and actually name what you’re feeling “I feel nervous because I don’t like being looked at,” or “I feel out of control right now” you’re activating the prefrontal cortex. That’s the rational, calming part of your brain. It doesn’t switch off the nerves entirely, but it does take the edge off. And that’s the first step to relaxing in front of a camera.
In other words, giving your nerves a name can help take their power away.
You’re Not Alone
We can’t stress this enough: almost everyone feels awkward in front of the camera at first. Even people who seem super confident usually feel a bit weird at the start of a shoot. That’s why we never expect you to show up knowing how to pose or what to do with your hands. That’s our job to ease you in, help you forget we’re even there, and make you feel like yourselves again.
So if you’re camera shy, you’re not “bad at photos.” You’re just human. And we’ve got you.
Build Trust Before the Big Day (It Changes Everything)
Let’s Chat Like Humans, Not Vendors
Once you’ve booked us in, we set up a relaxed video chat. Not the corporate kind. Just you, us, a brew, and no pressure. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a proper conversation so we can learn who you are beyond the spreadsheet. Are you more touchy feely or private? Do you hate group shots but love a quiet moment by the trees? We want to know the real you so we can show up on the day already in tune with your rhythm.
And we’re not just ticking boxes here. We send over a thoughtful pre-wedding questionnaire too, not a 40 question interrogation, but just enough to help us understand your vibe, your family dynamic, and anything else you’d like us to know. Whether that’s how close you are with your mum, or that you’d rather keep PDA to a minimum, we’ll tailor everything accordingly.
Share Your Moodboard (Or Just Screenshots)
Couples often send us their Pinterest boards or a few saved images from Instagram. These visuals are gold dust. They show us what you’re drawn to without you needing to put it into words. Maybe it’s rich autumn colours, soft window light, or those arty black-and-whites. This helps us tune our creative eye to your taste from the get go.
And if Pinterest isn’t your thing? No stress. We love it when couples say, “We’ve no idea what we want, but we trust you.” That honesty gives us the freedom to create something timeless that still feels personal.
Stay in Touch, Always
One of the easiest ways to soothe those “what if” spirals is knowing you can just message us. WhatsApp us your outfit options. Email us your table plan. Ask us whether a first look works better before or after lunch. We’re not just here on the day we’re here from the moment you book to help you feel supported and prepared.
If you’re naturally shy or anxious, that continuity of care makes all the difference. You don’t need to explain yourself twice. You don’t need to pretend to be outgoing. We already know who you are, and we’re working in your corner.
Make the Day Work For You, Not Against You
Feeling at ease in front of the camera on your wedding day doesn’t start with the lens it starts with how your day is structured, how you’re supported, and how present you feel in the moments that matter. A rushed schedule, tech that makes you feel under a microscope, or a nervous energy that never quite settles those things feed camera anxiety. But with a few smart tweaks and a bit of teamwork, the whole day can feel calm, considered, and beautifully you.
Here’s how we help that happen.
Create Space to Breathe
Let’s be honest, a wedding can feel like a sprint if the timeline’s too tight. One thing we do with every couple is help design a schedule that has actual breathing room. That space isn’t just good for your mental state it’s good for your photos and video too. The more relaxed you feel, the more natural the results.
First Look Moments
Doing a first look seeing each other before the ceremony can be a game changer for nerves. It’s just the two of you, no guests, no pressure. You get to connect, breathe, and share that electric moment in private before the whirlwind begins. From a practical angle, it also frees up time later in the day for portraits, so you’re not rushing between courses or speeches.
Golden Hour Portraits
The hour before sunset (golden hour) is the dream time for portraits soft, warm light, guests busy chatting, the pace finally slowing. We usually sneak you away for just ten minutes after dinner. It’s quiet. It’s romantic. And it gives you a moment to reconnect. The light is flattering, the mood is mellow, and you end up with some of the most cinematic frames of the day without even trying.
Built-In Buffers
We always add buffers between key parts of the day fifteen minutes here and there to breathe, chat with your guests, have a drink, and just exist. These little time cushions mean that if anything runs over, there’s no panic. And if everything’s on time? Great you’ve earned a few bonus minutes to enjoy being married.
Want to see how a stress free timeline looks in action? We’ve got a sample wedding day flow over on our pricing page to give you a feel for how we map it all out.
Subtle Tech That Works Behind the Scenes
We’ve designed everything about our kit and shooting style to fade into the background. Nothing intimidating. Nothing in your face. Just tools that let us quietly capture your day as it unfolds.
Silent Cameras
Gone are the days of clunky, noisy camera clicks. Our mirrorless cameras shoot silently no intrusive sounds, no heads turning mid vow. It means we can photograph emotional, delicate moments (like your ceremony or speeches) without making a peep.
Small, Lightweight Video Rigs
Patrick’s video setup is compact and non distracting. It’s nothing like a film set no giant shoulder rigs, no boom mics floating above your head. Just clean, modern gear that blends in with your day. Most couples say they barely noticed it was there.
Long Lenses for Space and Privacy
When you need a bit of space, we give it to you. We often shoot with longer lenses, which lets us step back physically but still capture close, intimate frames. You get to enjoy your moments with each other, your family, and your guests, without a camera hovering inches from your face.
Natural Prompts, Not Stiff Poses
Lean On People Who Lift You Up
Then Celebrate the Wins
You don’t have to do this alone. One of the easiest ways to feel more like yourself on camera is to bring someone along who helps you do just that. We call them “hype people” the friends or family members who make everything feel lighter.
It could be your sibling, your best mate, or your maid of honour. Someone who’ll crack a joke at just the right time, keep the nerves in check, or quietly hand you a tissue when the tears hit. During your couple portraits, their presence can turn the whole experience into a relaxed hangout instead of a spotlight moment.
We’ll always check in with them too make sure they know the role they’re playing and how they can help. Sometimes that’s holding a bouquet or smoothing a dress. Sometimes it’s just standing nearby making you laugh.
And then, after all the nerves and the planning and the “are we doing this right?” moments we send you a little sneak peek.
Within 48 hours of your wedding, you’ll get a small gallery or teaser film to remind you exactly how it felt. And here’s the best part: you’ll see what we saw the joy, the connection, the realness. You’ll see yourselves laughing, wrapped up in the moment, looking relaxed and completely in love.
That first glance at your photos is powerful. It flips the script. You go from “I hope I don’t look awkward” to “We actually look amazing.” And that confidence? It sticks. It shapes how you remember the day and how you show up for every camera moment after.
Small moments. Big shifts. That’s what we’re here for.
Common Questions From Camera-Shy Couples
Feeling unsure about what’s going to happen in front of the camera? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most common questions we get from couples who aren’t naturally confident being photographed or filmed answered with full honesty and reassurance.
“Will you tell us exactly where to put our hands?”
Yes, but only if you need us to. Our style isn’t about rigid poses or micromanaging every finger placement. Instead, we guide you with soft direction and easy to follow cues. We often demonstrate a movement or stance ourselves then let you interpret it in a way that feels natural to you.
For example, we might say, “Just rest your hand on their chest like you would if you were cuddled up on the sofa,” rather than, “Place your left hand 45 degrees to the right.” Sounds obvious, but the difference in tone changes how your body reacts.
Some couples don’t need any direction at all. Others prefer a bit more support, especially early on. Either way, we’ll read the room and match your comfort level. You’ll never be left thinking, “What do I do with my hands?”
“What if I pull a strange face mid-laugh?”
Here’s the truth: those mid blink, mid-laugh, slightly too excited frames happen. That’s why we shoot hundreds of images an hour. For every funny outtake (which we sometimes include just for laughs), we capture dozens of beautiful, flattering, real moments.
Most of our favourite photos happen just after the laugh when your body relaxes, your eyes soften, and your connection is genuine. And if there’s ever a photo that doesn’t feel like you? It doesn’t make the final cut. Our job is to edit with care, so the only images you see are ones you’ll love.
“Can we skip the portraits altogether?”
It’s your wedding, so technically yes, you can. But we’d gently recommend setting aside at least ten minutes, just the two of you, away from the crowd.
Portraits aren’t about posing stiffly in a field. They’re about pressing pause. Taking a moment to soak it all in. Breathing in the fact that you’re now married.
Even our most camera shy couples have come back after those ten minutes saying, “That was one of our favourite parts of the day.”
These photos tend to be the ones that end up printed, framed, and passed down. They’re the quiet, beautiful proof of how the day felt, not just how it looked.
“Can we skip the portraits altogether?”
This is a big one. And it’s valid. But here’s the truth: you won’t.
Because the focus of your wedding isn’t on the camera. It’s on each other. And when you’re present in the vows, the glances, the jokes with mates, the dance floor chaos, the awkwardness melts away. You’ll be too wrapped up in the moment to perform, and that’s exactly when the best photos happen.
And remember: we’re not just photographers and filmmakers. We’re the quiet voice reminding you to breathe, the people fluffing your dress and fixing your hair, the ones sneaking you five minutes to sip champagne alone. We’re in your corner the whole way.
“Do I need to practise poses before the wedding?”
Not at all. In fact, we’d encourage you not to. Posing practice can actually make you overthink things and try to “perform” which is the opposite of what we’re after. If you do want a little warm-up, booking a pre wedding shoot is the best way to get comfortable with the process. It gives you real-life experience with us, in real light, with real prompts, so by the time your wedding rolls around, being photographed feels second nature.
Ready to Feel at Ease?
Being camera shy is not a personality flaw, it is simply unfamiliar. With the right preparation, gentle guidance, and a photographer & videographer duo who truly get it, you will look back on your images and wonder why you ever worried.
If you would love photographs and film that feel relaxed, heartfelt, and unmistakably you, explore our combined photography and videography packages and drop us a line on the contact page. We cannot wait to help you feel comfortable in front of the lens and utterly present in every precious moment.
