A common concern among couples I talk to is the fear of feeling awkward or uncomfortable during a photoshoot. Whether it’s their engagement session or the big day itself, the idea of being in front of the camera can induce anxiety for even the most camera-confident pairs!
Fortunately, most professional couples photographers are talented at not only capturing stunning images, but also at creating an environment where couples can relax, be themselves, and truly shine. And your girl here is no exception.
Understanding the Couple’s Concerns
Before diving into the ways that professional photographers can help alleviate camera shyness in their subjects, it’s important to understand why couples may feel awkward in the first place.
For many, it’s a fear of looking unnatural or staged, while others may feel self-conscious about their appearance or unsure of how to pose. Whatever the reason, a skilled photographer recognizes these concerns and works to address them with empathy and expertise. I always remind my couples that their feelings are valid but that I promise I won’t let the photos get cringey. I know how to make them look good!
So in order to create the best results for couples who may feel camera shy or uncomfortable, follow these 4 tips!
4 Ways To Help Couples Avoid Feeling Awkward in Front of the Camera
1. Establish a Connection With Them
One of the first steps I take to helping my couples feel more comfortable is to establish a genuine connection with them. By taking the time to get to know them, their personalities, and their love story, I am able to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere from the get-go.
From the moment we connect from the inquiry, I work to build a rapport and trust with them to help them feel more at ease in front of the camera, allowing their true selves to shine through in the photos.
2. Provide Guidance and Direction
Many couples feel awkward in front of the camera simply because they’re unsure of how to pose or where to look. As a skilled photographer, I remove this concern by providing clear and concise guidance throughout the photoshoot.
From suggesting natural poses to offering gentle direction on where to stand or how to interact with each other, I help my couples feel confident and calm, resulting in more authentic and beautiful images.
One way I help couples specifically with posing and direction is to ask them a question about their relationship or love story to get them talking. This gives them something to think about other than their potential camera jitters. As they talk, I move around them and gently guide their movements or body positions to create gorgeous and natural positions. Works every time!
3. Encouraging Authenticity
Authenticity is key to capturing genuine moments between couples. Rather than focusing solely on posed shots, I encourage couples to be themselves and embrace the moment.
Whether it’s sharing a laugh, stealing a kiss, or simply enjoying each other’s company, I work to capture the natural interactions and emotions that make each couple unique.
In fact, at the beginning of every session, I am very direct and tell them, “It’s going to feel awkward at first, but if you just embrace it, it will all turn out and the photos will actually look so great and natural!”
I basically explain that in order to avoid having your photos look stiff or awkward, be willing to be a little goofy and playful even if you normally wouldn’t act that way with someone else around. This ALWAYS gets them in the right mindset of how to go about the photos.
By encouraging authenticity, this helps the couple feel more relaxed and comfortable, resulting in photos that truly reflect their love and connection.
4. Create a Fun and Relaxed Atmosphere
Above all, a professional couples photographer should strive to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere during the photoshoot. By infusing the session with laughter, music, and lighthearted banter, this can help the couple let go of their inhibitions and enjoy the experience.
Hot tip: I always bring a speaker with me to an engagement shoot to play music that the couple loves to listen to. This helps them loosen up so much!
When couples are having fun and enjoying each other’s company, it shows in the photos, resulting in images that are not only stunning but also filled with joy and love.
Goodbye Awkward, Hello Radiant and Priceless Photos
While feeling awkward in front of the camera is a common concern for many couples, it doesn’t have to be when you follow these tips. Within a few minutes, those fears quickly disappear!
By establishing a connection, providing guidance, encouraging authenticity, and creating a fun atmosphere, couples will feel more relaxed, confident, and ready to create gorgeous photos that they will cherish for a lifetime.
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