What if you hate having your photo taken on your wedding day?

The short answer

Most couples feel this way, and it does not stop them ending up with photographs and film they love. You do not need to know how to pose, and you do not need to feel comfortable with cameras before the day. We work in a documentary style, which means watching what is really happening and giving gentle direction only when it helps.

The most useful thing you can do is tell us. Mention it on your call and we will talk you through how to make the day as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Why almost everyone feels awkward

Being photographed for a whole day is unusual. Most of us rarely have anyone pointing a camera at us, and at a wedding it happens on a day when you are already thinking about everything else. Feeling self-conscious is completely normal.

It often helps to remember that your guests are mostly busy with the day, not watching how you look. The camera is not judging you; it is keeping a record of a day that is already happening, with the people you love in it.

How a documentary day feels

For most of the day you will not be asked to do anything for the camera. We capture the morning, the ceremony, the conversations and the party as they happen, which is why the photographs and film feel like your day rather than a performance.

When we do give direction, it is gentle and only when it helps, with no stiff poses. For family groups we choose a spot with room for everyone and a sheltered backup, and a short list of groups keeps it quick.

If you book both, the photographs and film come from the same team, so you are not asked to do things twice. Cam and Beth each capture a different medium and often share angles, and they plan the day together.

The portrait walk: short and relaxed

Your portrait walk takes about 15 minutes, with photographs and film captured together. It is a walk, not a photo shoot: you hold hands, chat and enjoy a quiet moment together while we capture it, usually near the venue.

If the evening light suits, an optional second walk can be added. We work around the weather and the light on the day, so you are never expected to hold a particular pose in a particular place.

Small things that make it easier

Talk to each other, not to the camera. Say something that makes your partner laugh, walk slowly and let the moment happen. Movement feels more natural than standing still, and a real laugh always looks better than a practised smile.

Wear what makes you feel like yourselves, and have a drink and a bite to eat before your portrait walk so you are relaxed. Ask a friend or bridesmaid to look after your bouquet, hair or train so you do not have to think about it.

If there is a side of your face or a kind of photograph you would rather avoid, tell us. We would much rather know than guess.

What to tell us before the day

Tell us how you feel about being photographed and filmed, either on the call before you book (usually about 15 minutes) or on the planning call about a month before the wedding. If being the centre of attention feels uncomfortable, we can talk through how to keep the day comfortable for you both.

On the call we talk through your venue layout and any officiant rules, how to cover the morning, where family photographs will happen and anything special such as a first look, a reading or a surprise. Our planning checklist lists the details to have ready.

If you are still nervous

Look at complete galleries and films from real weddings, and notice how the couples look. If they look like themselves, laughing, hugging and getting on with their day, that is a good sign. Our questions to ask a wedding photographer guide has more to ask.

When you are ready, send an enquiry with your date and venue, and we will reply within a few hours. An enquiry does not reserve your date; the £120 deposit does, once you are happy to go ahead.

Questions couples ask