5 Top Tips to Help You Feel Confident on Camera

As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of capturing one of the most special moments in a couple's life. However, I understand that being in front of the camera on your big day can be a nerve-wracking experience.

That's why I've put together a list of tips to help couples feel confident and relaxed in front of the lens. Whether you're naturally shy or just feeling the pressure of having your picture taken on such a momentous occasion, these five tips will help you look and feel your best in your photos.

Book the Best Vendors

If hair, makeup, and styling are your thing, then the vendors you choose are vital. I make it a point to say this because clients will come to me hoping I'll be able to retouch a disappointing makeup job or bad hair weave. 

But I don't believe these are things that need retouching (or enhancing). My job isn't to create a fake version of you. It's to make you feel your best as you are, take what I see in front of my camera, and photograph you artistically and creatively. 

If having professional hair and makeup done gives you that boost of confidence, then hiring quality vendors in those categories should be a top priority. Read reviews, look at their portfolios, and do your research before entrusting yourself to someone. Then you won't have to worry about unsatisfactory styling.

Talk With Your Photographer

You should also talk with your photographer about your areas of concern. I make a point to do this with my clients during our discovery chats. I'll often hear concerns about one person being taller than their partner, someone having a scar from childhood, or not liking something about their body.

I appreciate when clients open up and let me know these things because then I know what to be mindful of when offering posing guidance. For example, if I'm aware that someone is uncomfortable with a certain scar, I can pose them in a way that focuses on what they love instead. 

I will always strive to capture the authenticity of the moment and who the two of you are while also staying alert to your concerns. I can then develop a creative solution that gives you the photos you truly want.  

Have an Engagement Session

An engagement session is one of the best ways to gain practice in front of the camera and boost your confidence before the wedding day. It will help you understand how I give guidance and use light, location, and creativity. And it builds our trust and relationship. 

An important thing to remember about an engagement session is that it isn’t just checking a box. It’s taking in a moment of your relationship you won’t have again. I always tell my couples to be in the moment. Contemplate the journey as you take a walk (and I photograph you). Your relationship has progressed from dating to engagement. And pretty soon, you'll be married. Just take that in. And I'll capture the emotions that come from that.  

Have Some Fun

Aside from booking an engagement session, having fun during your session is a great way to let your guard down and find your camera confidence.

My posing style incorporates prompts, so I'll often focus on having you do things like go for a walk or give you a prompt that elicits laughter. It eases the tension, lightens the mood, and gets things rolling.

Something I love doing is the "drunk brunch walk." This actually has nothing to do with getting drunk but everything to do with getting you laughing and in the flow of the session. Book one, and you'll see what I mean!

Engage Your Confidence Boosters

What helps you feel confident, and how do you slip into that vibe?

It could be listening to music that pumps you up or calms you down. Maybe it's meditating or doing yoga. Whatever it is, do what helps you feel like your best self before your engagement session or wedding day. Then you'll walk into the space with a confident mindset and ready to take on the camera. 

Most of all, don't take any of it too seriously. A photo can always be deleted. What's most important are the moments you share with each other during your engagement and wedding. When you allow yourselves to let go and just be with one another, you'll find that you forget the camera is even there. That's when the real magic happens.

I'd be honored to be the one behind the camera. Contact me, and let's go on a drunk brunch walk.