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.