Tips for Overcoming Wedding Day Photo Anxiety
- Helen & Noel
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
First things first, you are absolutely not alone. Honestly, we feel you. One of the (many !) reasons we picked up our cameras in the first place is because, well... if we’re behind the lens, we don’t have to be in front of it ! So yes, wedding day photo anxiety is very real, and very common.
Over the years, we’ve lost count of how many couples have told us they hate having their photo taken, often because they’ve never liked how they looked in photos before. That nervous energy ? That awkward, frozen smile ? That “what on earth do I do with my hands ?” feeling ? Yep. We hear you.
But here’s the good news: there are ways to feel comfortable, confident, and even enjoy being photographed on your wedding day, truly. Below, we’re sharing some of our favourite ways to help ease wedding photo nerves, all tried and tested by our lovely camera-shy couples.
"Helen kept me calm and didn’t allow the nerves to settle in and although I knew she was there taking photos it was easy to forget what she was doing and continue to enjoy the preparation time before the big moment and I know for a fact that Noel did the same for my then husband to be and his grooms party."
1. Choosing the Right Photographer Can Ease Wedding Day Photo Anxiety
This one’s at the top of the list for a reason. The best way to reduce wedding day photo anxiety is to choose a photographer whose style and energy you feel completely at ease with.
We always recommend looking for a documentary-style wedding photographer, someone who captures moments naturally, without constant posing or awkward instructions. With us, for example, it’s all about the real stuff: soft glances, stolen kisses, warm hugs, joyful tears.
We often step back with a zoom lens, so you don’t feel like there’s a camera in your face. We’ll even take you off for a short breather during the day so you can relax as a couple, away from the crowd. The result ? Photos that are natural, relaxed, and genuinely you.
"Helen & Noel are absolutely wonderful, they really do give their all to ensure you get the day you'd always dreamed of. Nothing is too much and as the professionals they are, you don't even notice they are there."
2. Movement is Your Best Friend
Standing stiffly like a cardboard cutout ? No thanks. Movement brings your photos to life, and helps shake off those nerves.
Go for a walk together. Have a little dance. Whisper something silly. Tickle each other. Anything that helps you relax and connect will shine through in your pictures. We promise: the less posed you feel, the more natural you’ll look.
"They were there but not there, blended in with the guests and caught the most beautiful moments when we weren’t even looking. Having multiple camera’s meant that they split up and we had lots of photos from different angles They were also with us from start the finish, they had words of advice and managed to keep me calm before the big day."
3. Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
Let go of the idea that you need to stare down the lens and “smile”. Instead, just be with your partner. Talk, laugh, hold hands, fix each other’s outfits, whatever feels natural.
When you’re focused on each other, it’s so much easier to forget the camera is there, and that’s exactly when the most beautiful, intimate moments are captured.
"They were both very helpful in assisting with the wedding cars, in the church, at the wedding venue and with the toastmaster too. They made our wedding party & guests feel very relaxed and at ease."
4. Props Can Help (No, Really)
When we’re nervous, we often don’t know what to do with our hands, which can make you feel more awkward. Enter: props.
It could be your bouquet, a champagne glass, your partner’s hand, or a confetti pop. Holding something (or someone !) gives your hands purpose and helps you feel more in control during portraits.
"They were so professional but most of all they became our friends. On the big day they calmed our nerves and done their job in such a way you didn’t notice them."
5. Book a Pre-Wedding Shoot
One of the best ways to tackle wedding day photo anxiety head-on? Have a pre-wedding shoot.
We spend time getting to know you beforehand, and if you'd like, we’ll even meet you for a relaxed mini shoot, maybe at your wedding venue. You’ll get a feel for how we work, we’ll see the venue through your eyes, and we’ll all be way more comfortable together by the big day.
It’s casual, it’s pressure-free, and it means you’ll already know exactly what to expect when the camera comes out on the wedding morning.
"Despite the large number of photos taken, no one ever felt uncomfortable. The guests commented on how they barely noticed Helen and Noel were there but were amazed by the quality of the photos, even the candid ones where they hadn't posed."
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Still Feeling the Photo Nerves ?
You’re not alone. But with the right approach (and the right photographers !), wedding day photo anxiety doesn’t have to take over. Your wedding should be about joy, connection, and love, not camera stress.
If you’re still looking for a relaxed Essex wedding photographer, and you want images that speak to your heart and soul… you’re in the right place.
Let’s create something beautiful – with zero awkwardness, and all the feels.
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