3 Tips To Feel Comfortable In Front Of The Camera

Posing for a camera can be really daunting for a lot of people. To help calm your nerves, we've compiled our most valuable suggestions together to present 3 tips to feel more comfortable with your wedding photographer and videographer before your big day.

1. Choose a team with a style and personality you actually trust

I know this probably isn't the tip you're expecting straight up, but hear me out! Having complete trust between yourself and your wedding photo and video team is vital. Having the confidence that they'll perform the task you've hired them to do means you won't be left worrying before, during, or after your wedding. Any doubts left unresolved before your big day may hold you and your partner back from enjoying your portrait session to the fullest.

So how can you ensure there's enough trust between yourself and your photographer and videographer?

Choose a team with a style and personality you adore. It’s important to not only make sure you love the services and final products they offer, but that you also love the way they work and present themselves.

So what are some questions you can ask yourself to make that final decision easier?

First of all, let's talk about their style.

• Q. Do you love the portfolio of work displayed on their website and on social media?

• Q. Do the edited colours and vibe align with your wedding day goals?

• Q. How do their photos and films make your feel?

• Q. How are the couples being portrayed and does this match your relationship? (Romantic, fun, wild, goofy, sentimental, emotional, etc).

If you don't love their current work, it may be hard for you to hand over your complete trust to the team on your wedding day. It's as simple as that. If you know the final products will be amazing, you’re more likely to relax and just have fun with your team and their photo/film prompts, which ultimately means better photos and a stronger film and story.

Most photographers and videographers have a set style that they've spent a long time refining and aren't able to make major changes to ensure consistency and avoid misrepresenting their brand. This is why it's so important to choose a team you admire from the get-go, rather than expecting or hoping they'll adapt to your specific needs and goals. There's a perfect photo and video team out there for everyone!

The other thing you should consider are their personalities.

• Q. Do you feel connected to them through content they've shared over social media or on their website about themselves or the way they work?

• Q. Do they make you feel comfortable and respected?

Many photographers and videographers will share snippets of their personalities through their website (especially on their about page) or on Instagram stories, reels and or posts. If this still isn't enough, don’t be afraid to connect with them directly and ask to jump on a phone or video call. Ask any and all of your pressing questions until you're able to decide if they are or aren't the right fit for you. Having this time to chat will give you a really good idea as to the kind of relationship you'll have with them before, during, and after your wedding day.

A video we share on our own about page to give couples more insight into our personalities:

2. Book in a couple's session with your chosen team before the wedding day!

Probably one of the most underrated sessions you should invest in to improve your wedding day coverage and experience. We’ve noticed a HUGE difference between the couples we’ve captured a "Story Session" for (our version of an engagement session) and those that have either opted to skip it entirely or booked with someone else before reaching out to us.

Snippets from Ethan and Kyla's Story Session in Frankston, Victoria:

So why do these sessions make such a big difference in the way you feel in front of a camera?

A Story Session is a fantastic way to know EXACTLY how your photographer and videographer will conduct themselves on your wedding day while shooting. It also gives everyone an opportunity to get to know each other further. This is the best way to build and strengthen your friendship as a group and it even helps your team to understand your personalities and your relationship dynamic. You'll get a chance to try poses and prompts that will likely be used on your wedding day too, which is great practise!

If you’re nervous about your photos and films, this is THE best advice we can give you both!

3. Be realistic and remember that feeling nervous is normal!

Let go of the fear of feeling awkward, your nerves are completely normal! Your photographer and videographer may suggest prompts or directions that sound a bit crazy, but those moments often create some of the most authentic reactions and fun memories between you two. If any suggestions given do make either of you feel uncomfortable however, TELL YOUR TEAM! They're on your side and will respect and understand how you feel. If there are prompts you know you don't wish to participate in such as lifts, spins, dips, etc, then giving your photographer and videographer a heads up will help you to avoid those conversations on your wedding day. Or better yet, practising during your Story Session means your team can avoid uncomfortable directions and focus more on the ideas that work well for you both. How you interpret and respond to each direction given is unique to you and we LOVE that! Have fun and embrace the mistakes!

Caleb and Felicity cracking up laughing every time they tried the lift:

There are things Harry and I personally like to use on the day of a wedding to help reduce nerves. We’ll often bring our own mini speaker to play upbeat music during the wedding party session and soft, romantic music during the portrait session. Filling the air with noise eliminates those “awkward silences”, combined with the thousands of comments you’ll hear from us to encourage and guide you. We're here to support you every step of the way!

At the end of the day, if you’re ever not sure of something, communicate well with us and we’ll do the same back. As long as you’re comfortable, everything will be amazing! Half your wedding day nerves will disappear the moment you see each other for the first time, trust us, we've been through it all before!