How to Get Natural, Beautiful Wedding Photos (Without Feeling Awkward)
Not a natural poser? No problem. Here’s how to get gorgeous, natural wedding photos without feeling awkward or stiff.
HELPFUL GUIDES
Christie
3 min read
Let’s be honest — most couples aren’t used to being photographed professionally.
In fact, one of the most common things I hear is:
“We’re not photogenic… we’re a bit awkward… will we look okay?”
And my answer is always the same:
Yes. You absolutely will.
You don’t need to “pose”.
You don’t need to be confident on camera.
You don’t need to know what to do with your hands.
Because natural, beautiful wedding photos aren’t about acting like a model…
They’re about feeling comfortable, relaxed, and genuinely enjoying your day.
Here’s exactly how we get you there — step by step.
Start With This: You Don’t Need to Perform
Most couples think getting great photos means they need to pose or smile constantly.
Actually, the opposite is true.
My job is to capture the real you:
the quiet smiles
the little glances
the laughter
the moments you don’t even realise are happening
You don’t need to switch anything “on”.
You just need to be yourselves — and I’ll guide you through the rest.
1. Keep Moving — It Stops You From Overthinking
Movement is the secret to natural photos.
When you’re walking, talking, laughing, holding hands, or gently interacting, you automatically look relaxed and connected.
I might ask you to:
walk together down a path
bump hips playfully
lean into each other
whisper something sweet (or silly!)
look out towards the view
These small movements create authentic emotion without feeling staged.
2. You Don’t Need to Know What to Do With Your Hands
The hands are the first giveaway of awkwardness.
So here’s the golden rule:
If it feels comfortable, it photographs beautifully.
That might mean:
hands around each other
hands in pockets
holding your bouquet
lightly touching your partner’s face
linking arms
playing with your dress
holding onto your veil
If something looks uncomfortable, I’ll adjust it gently.
3. Focus on Each Other, Not Me
The photos are never about smiling directly at the camera (unless we’re doing a traditional group shot).
Your best photos happen when you look at each other — because that’s where your connection lives.
Look at your partner.
Talk to them.
Laugh with them.
Have a moment together.
When the two of you forget about the camera, that’s when the magic happens.
4. Trust the Prompts — They’re Natural, Not Poses
I won’t bark orders or put you into stiff positions.
Instead, I guide you with gentle, natural prompts like:
“Take a slow walk together.”
“Pull each other in close.”
“Tell them what you’re most excited about today.”
“Wrap them up in a cuddle."
These prompts create emotion and movement without feeling cheesy.
5. The Right Light Makes Everything Easier
Photography isn’t just about what you do — it’s about where you stand.
I’ll always place you in:
flattering natural light
open shade
beautiful backgrounds
soft, golden evening light (if we’re lucky!)
You won’t need to think about any of this — it’s my job to make the environment work for you.
6. A Pre-Wedding Shoot Helps (More Than You Think)
If you’re nervous, an engagement shoot is a huge confidence booster.
You’ll learn:
how I guide you
how to move naturally
what feels good
that you actually look amazing on camera
Couples always say, “We feel so much better now!”
And on the wedding day, it feels like having a friend behind the lens — not a stranger.
7. Allow Space in Your Timeline
Rushing creates anxiety.
Anxiety makes you stiff.
Stiffness shows in photos.
A relaxed timeline = relaxed, natural photos.
We’ll plan this together, but here’s the general idea:
Give yourselves 10 minutes after the ceremony for hugs
Add 10–15 minutes for group shots
Add a tiny window for couple portraits
Quick, gentle, fun — not a photoshoot marathon.
8. Laugh, Breathe, Enjoy — The Camera Loves Real Moments
The camera doesn’t care about perfection.
It loves:
genuine laughter
warm hugs
teary eyes
natural movement
quiet moments
joyful chaos
the bits you don’t plan
Your wedding day is full of these moments — my job is to spot them and preserve them beautifully.
Final Thought
If you’ve never been professionally photographed before, you’re completely normal.
Every couple starts off saying they feel awkward — and every couple ends the day relaxed, smiling, and genuinely enjoying the photo moments.
Great wedding photos aren’t about performing.
They’re about feeling.
You bring the love.
I’ll take care of the rest.
