So you’re planning your wedding and can’t get past the pressure of being in front of the camera and/or to put it bluntly, you don’t like seeing yourself in photos. Well.. you’re not alone! 


Weddings are filled with so many emotions, moments, and all eyes are on you — and when you add a camera to the mix, it’s another layer of pressure to navigate. As a Luxury Wedding Photographer based in Toronto, I’ve worked with countless brides who tell me the same thing: “I love the idea of beautiful photos, but I just don’t know how to look natural in front of the camera.”


Here’s the thing — we’re not celebrities; we’re not used to having a camera facing us day in and day out, so why wouldn’t that be intimidating? Heck, despite being behind the camera for so many years, when I got married, I felt the pressure of the camera. So how do we combat this pressure? It all starts with recognizing that it is completely normal to feel that way. It’s ok to feel awkward, uncomfortable, anxious etc. 



Here are a few things I share with my brides and couples to help them feel confident, relaxed, and genuinely themselves in front of the camera. 



Building Trust in your photographer

This is perhaps the most important step you can take. Once this is accomplished, everything else is easier to work out. Have conversations above and beyond formal aspects of the booking process. Tell your photographer about who you are, what you do, how you met your partner, what are your expectations and so on — be blunt with how you feel and ask them, what is their process like when posing/giving direction? This will naturally help solidify your connection. 



Planning with your photographer, not just your Stylist, Planner etc 

Wear what you feel confident in! Start having conversations with planning for the Wedding/Engagement Session — discuss themes, colours, outfits, hair, make up etc. A photographer's expertise and recommendations will ease the pressure and make you feel like you’re in good hands. The smallest things matter. For example, at the Reception, if you don’t feel comfortable posing in front of family/friends, you can always talk with your photographer to come up with an alternative location or arrive earlier to get the photoshoot done before the guests arrive, keep the doors shut to the main hall etc. Pro-Tip: Plan for the day by bringing a small bag that has your essentials: hairspray, pain medicine, touch-up makeup etc. 



Be authentically yourself

The secret to beautiful, natural images? Forget about the camera and focus on your person. Look at them. Laugh. Remind each other why you’re there. Sounds cheesy but think about the love you’ve built and moments together that have a strong meaning to you. Real emotion is always more impactful than putting on a show. 



Guiding to Posing 

Posing should feel effortless. “Think quiet confidence”. Grooms should visualize sharp, structured shapes — strong shoulders, defined angles, and purposeful stances. While Brides, should visualize soft, fluid shapes that highlight natural curves and emotion. 


Pro Tips:

  • Be mindful of your posture and do not hunch; roll your shoulders back, engage your core and feel like you’re 10 ft tall. 
  • When asked to look in a direction, use your nose as your reference point. In other words, your eyes should be facing the same direction as your nose.
  • Hands and Fingers can make or break a pose. Brides curl your fingers and whenever possible bend your elbows/wrists. Grooms use your pockets and make a soft fist. 



At the end of the day, feeling comfortable in front of the camera isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present. It’s about trusting your photographer, planning properly and leaning into your connection. Your love story already holds all the beauty it needs to be timeless. We’re simply there to capture it as it unfolds — effortlessly, artfully, and entirely you.