What If We’re Awkward in Photos? - A Wedding Guide for Real Couples
This is easily the most common thing couples tell me:
“We’re really awkward in photos.”
And honestly, that makes sense.
Most people aren’t used to being in front of a camera, especially in a setting where it actually matters. So yeah, it can feel a bit weird at first.
The good news? You don’t need to be confident, photogenic, or “good at photos” to end up with natural, relaxed wedding photos.
What “awkward” usually means
When couples say they feel awkward, it’s rarely about how they look — it’s about not knowing what to do.
It usually sounds like:
“We don’t know how to pose”
“We feel stiff when a camera’s on us”
“We don’t want anything to look forced or fake”
“We’ve never done this before”
That’s not awkward, that’s just being human.
You’re not expected to perform
A lot of people assume wedding photography means standing in place, being told what to do, and trying to get it “right”. That’s where the awkwardness comes from. You’re not models. You’re not there to perform.
My job isn’t to make you pose, it’s to create a space where you can relax enough to just be yourselves.
What working with me actually feels like
For most of your wedding day, you might not even notice me.
I’m capturing things as they happen - conversations, reactions, the small in-between moments that make the day feel real.
When it comes to portraits (the part people usually worry about), it’s quick, low-pressure, and actually pretty easy. We’ll step away for a bit, keep things moving, and I’ll guide you just enough so you’re not left standing there thinking:
“What do we do with our hands?”
You don’t need to be confident - just present
You don’t need to suddenly feel comfortable in front of a camera. You just need to show up, be present with each other, and not overthink it too much.
The best photos aren’t perfectly posed, they’re the ones where you’re actually in the moment. A laugh, a glance, a quiet second together… those things happen naturally when you’re not trying to “perform”.
It’s my job to help put you guys at ease, while giving gentle direction
There’s a huge difference between posing, prompting, and candid - and I like to think I’m a balance of all these.
Why engagement sessions help (optional, but powerful)
If you’re still unsure, this is where engagement sessions come in.
They give you a chance to:
get used to being photographed
understand how I work
realise it’s nowhere near as awkward as you expected
By the time your wedding comes around, you’re not starting from scratch.
You don’t need to change who you are to get good photos, you just need the right approach — something natural, a bit guided, and not overly posed.
Take a look at my work to see how I capture a variery of posed, prompted, and purely candid moments at weddings.
If you’re looking for a Melbourne wedding photographer who keeps things relaxed, natural, and not awkward, you can check out my wedding photography packages or get in touch to see if your date’s free.
