How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day

Common Wedding Photography Fears (and How I Actually Help You Through Them)

Getting your photo taken can feel intimidating. Maybe you’ve never liked pictures of yourself. Maybe your partner isn’t into it. Maybe you just don’t want your wedding to feel like a photo shoot. I hear this all the time.

I’m Richard, a documentary-style wedding photographer based in the Hudson Valley. My approach is simple: no stiff poses, no fake smiles. I focus on honest images that feel like you, the way your day felt.

Here are some of the most common concerns couples share with me, along with exactly what I do to help alleviate those fears.

I'm not photogenic

You just need a photographer who knows how to help you feel comfortable. I offer a free engagement session with every wedding package so we can meet up, get to know each other, and shake off the nerves before the big day. You’ll see that it’s not about being “photogenic,” it’s about feeling at ease.

We feel awkward in front of the camera

That’s completely normal. Most people do. Instead of posing you like mannequins, I use simple prompts, things like walking, talking, or doing something together, to capture the real interactions in between. That’s where the best photos come from. I also bring a Polaroid camera to shoots and let you play around with it. It sounds small, but it helps people relax, laugh, and feel like they’re part of the process.

We hate posed photos

Same. I won’t ask you to fake a laugh or stare at each other like actors in a toothpaste ad. We’ll get the few formal shots you need, then move on. The rest of the time, I’ll blend into the background and photograph what’s actually happening.

We don’t want to spend all day taking pictures

Me neither. I plan ahead, scout the best light and locations, and keep things moving. I’m efficient during group photos and flexible if something shifts. You won’t be stuck waiting around. I want you to enjoy your day, be present, be together, without missing your cocktail hour.

My partner isn’t into photos

I meet people where they are. If one of you is more camera-shy, I keep things low-pressure. I’ll direct just enough to get what we need, but most of the time it’ll feel like hanging out, not performing.

What if the weather is bad?

I’ve worked in every condition—rain, wind, snow, full sun. I know how to adapt and still get great shots. Sometimes those unexpected moments end up being the most memorable.

We’re not super affectionate or touchy-feely

That’s totally fine. I won’t push you into anything that doesn’t feel like you. If you’ve got your own ideas or things that matter to you, whether it’s a location, a vibe, or something you’ve seen, I always want to hear them. This is your day, not mine.

We don’t know how to plan the photo part of the day

That’s something I walk you through. I help build the timeline so that photos fit naturally into the flow of your day. I also give tips on when and where to take advantage of the light, how to organize group shots, and what to consider based on your venue.