What to Do If You Hate Being Photographed (But Still Want Great Wedding Photos)

I hear this more than almost anything else. “I’m the worst in photos.” “I never know what to do with my face.” “My fiancé is so photogenic and I just… am not.”

Here’s what I want you to know: almost every bride I’ve worked with has said some version of this before their wedding day. And almost every one of those same brides ends up loving their photos.

You’re not bad at photos. You’ve just been in bad photo situations.

There’s a big difference between someone pointing a camera at you at a family dinner and saying “okay, smile!” versus a photographer who’s actually paying attention to the light, to how you move, to the way your whole face changes when you’re genuinely laughing. Most people who think they’re unphotogenic have just never had someone photograph them well. That’s not a you problem.

Tell me what you hate.

I’m serious. Before your wedding day, I want to know. If you hate your arms, I’ll never put you in a position that draws attention to them. If you always look weird smiling directly at the camera, we’ll work with that. If your partner is six inches taller and every photo feels awkward because of it, I’ve got angles for that. I remember what my couples tell me. If you bring it up, I won’t forget it on the day that matters most.

Do the engagement session.

If you’re anxious about photos, please do an engagement session with me first. I know it can feel like an extra thing on an already long list, but the difference it makes is real. By your wedding day, you’re not thinking about the camera. We’ve already figured out what works for you. The whole thing just feels easy.

Stop trying to look good. Start trying to feel good.

The photos that make people cry aren’t the ones where you were trying your hardest to look perfect. They’re the ones where you forgot anyone was watching. When you’re whispering something to your partner right before the ceremony. When your dad sees you for the first time. When you’re dancing and you stop caring about anything except the song and the person in front of you.

That’s what I’m there to catch. If that sounds like a relief, reach out. I’d love to work with you.