One of the biggest worries I hear from couples before their wedding is: "We're awkward in front of the camera."

The good news? Almost every couple tells me exactly the same thing.

You don't need to know how to pose, and you definitely don't need to spend your wedding day pretending to be someone you're not. My approach is all about helping you forget the camera is there. Instead of stiff poses, we'll wander, chat, laugh together, and I'll gently guide you with little prompts that feel much more like spending time with a friend than having a photoshoot.

So how do you actually relax and feel comfortable? After photographing hundreds of weddings over the past 15 years, I've put together my favourite tips to help you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourselves in your wedding photos.

Choose a Photographer You Feel Comfortable Around

One of the most important decisions you'll make isn't just choosing a photographer whose work you love—it's choosing someone you genuinely enjoy spending time with.

Your photographer will be by your side for much of your wedding day. They'll be there while you're getting ready, during your ceremony, while you're meeting your guests, and when you sneak away together for portraits. Feeling comfortable around them makes a huge difference.

Before booking, ask yourself:

Do they make you feel relaxed?
Can you imagine chatting with them like an old friend?
Does their approach match the kind of experience you want?

My couples often tell me they're worried they'll feel awkward in front of the camera. The truth is, almost everyone feels that way at first. My job isn't to expect you to know how to pose—it's to help you feel comfortable enough that those natural smiles and genuine moments happen on their own.

You Don't Need to Know How to Pose

This is probably the biggest misconception about wedding photography.

You don't need to arrive knowing what to do with your hands or how to stand. That's my job.

Rather than asking you to hold uncomfortable poses—unless we’re trying something a little crazy and creative because that’s your vibe—I’ll gently guide you with simple prompts that help you interact naturally with each other. We’ll wander, chat, laugh, cuddle and take things slowly. Before long, most couples tell me they’ve forgotten the camera is even there.

Some of my favourite photographs happen in the little moments between the "poses"—when you're laughing at each other, sharing a quiet hug, or chatting as we walk to the next spot.

Your only job is to enjoy spending time together. I'll take care of the rest.

Don’t be afraid to show emotion

Should I laugh? Is it okay to cry? Where should I look? What if my face looks scrunchy?

It’s completely normal to overthink being photographed, especially on a day when you’re already feeling everything at once. But you don’t need to manage your expressions or worry about looking perfect. The laughter, tears, nerves, excitement and quiet little moments are what make your wedding photos feel like your day.

I’ll gently guide you when you need it, but I’ll also give you space to be fully present with the people you love. So laugh loudly, cry freely, squeeze someone tight and let the moment unfold. The photos that matter most are rarely the ones where everyone looks perfectly composed.

Don't rush

Weddings are exciting. They're emotional. And somehow they always seem to fly by.

Give yourself permission to slow down. Walk a little slower down the aisle. Hold your partner's hand for a few extra seconds after your first kiss. Take a quiet moment together after the ceremony.

Not only will this help you soak it all in, it also gives your photographer time to capture those genuine little moments that often become your favourite photographs.

Choose Meaningful Locations

You don't need to visit five different portrait locations to have beautiful wedding photos.

One or two thoughtfully chosen locations are often more than enough, leaving you with more time to relax and spend with your guests.

If you're getting ready at home, spending ten minutes tidying the room you're getting dressed in can make a surprisingly big difference too. Less clutter means the focus stays exactly where it should—on you.

Consider the weather

We can't control the weather, but we can absolutely plan for it.

If rain is forecast, a couple of clear umbrellas can create beautiful photos while keeping everyone dry. If it's going to be hot, don't forget sunscreen (trust me... it's much easier to prevent sunburn than Photoshop it!).

Whatever the forecast, don't stress. Some of my favourite wedding photos have happened in rain, wind and dramatic skies.

Plan your family photo list

Family photos are often the quickest part of the day... if everyone knows where they need to be.

Before your wedding, spend a little time writing a list of the family groupings you'd like photographed. If your family is blended or a little complicated, this can be especially helpful. Share the list with your photographer (and include names if you can) so we can keep everything moving smoothly without having to ask who belongs in each photo.

If you'd like a photo with all of your guests, ask your celebrant to make a quick announcement at the end of the ceremony so everyone stays nearby before wandering off for drinks.

A little planning beforehand means less time organising people and more time celebrating with the people you love. You can read more about planning your wedding family photo list here.

Be present

When you're saying your vows, hugging your grandparents, or dancing with your friends, try not to think about how you look.

Just be there.

Your wedding isn't a photoshoot—it's one of the biggest days of your life. The best photographs happen when you're fully present with the people you love.

Trust your photographer to notice the smiles, tears, hugs and tiny in-between moments while you simply enjoy your day.