As NJ wedding Photographers we at Mike Zawadzki Photography hear all of these concerns and more all of the time from couples! Well, have no fear! We are here to guide you and make you feel the most comfortable in front of the camera on your big wedding day. 

“I don’t know how to pose.” 

“I hate being in pictures.”

“I’m so awkward in photos!”

“But what do I do with my hands?” 

4 TIPS TO FEEL COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA ON YOUR WEDDING DAY:

1) Whenever possible, we highly suggest meeting your NJ wedding photographers beforehand.

This can be done via an engagement session or even a casual meeting. Take the time to get to know each other. The more connection and rapport you build with your photographer beforehand, will result in more trust, and ultimately a more relaxed feeling on the day of your wedding. 

If you decide on an engagement photo session, it does not need to be anything over the top! No need to get your hair and makeup done or find a grand backdrop, unless that’s what you prefer! Your engagement session can be; a date at your favorite dive bar, going out for ice cream, visiting a coffee shop, playing games on a Jersey shore boardwalk, or lounging around in your comfiest clothes in your living room while listening to your favorite music together. 

The key is for you both to get to know your NJ wedding photographers, and for your photographer to get to know you beforehand! So you feel more comfortable with one another on the day of your wedding. When most people think about this, they think about posing and portraits, but it also applies to candids as well. When you fully trust with the person who will be with you for 10+ hours on your wedding day, you’ll just feel more relaxed all around. Not just when being directed and posed.

2) Trust your NJ wedding photographers to pose you. 

During your posed portraits, if you don’t feel like you’re doing something right – don’t worry! Sometimes you end up laughing awkwardly, which can make for great authentic candid photographs. No one will know if you are posing “incorrectly.” So try not to overthink if you are  “right” or “wrong”, and trust your photographer. They will provide you with guidance along the way to get the best angles and expressions.

If you know you want specific formalized poses, let your photographer know. We will work with you to build a personalized list of the moments with family and friends you most want to remember.

Read more: What time should your NJ wedding photographers arrive?

Otherwise, trust us to take the lead and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how your “posed shots” turn out! 

3) Communication is key!

Communication is very important between you and your photographer. We always like to ask every couple what their level of comfort is in front of the camera before their wedding day. Don’t be afraid to speak up with what you feel most comfortable with! 

Whether you prefer specific instruction, prompts for interactive poses, or to just want to do your own thing, we are here to ensure you are thrilled with the way you are supported by our team.

Your wedding photography experience does not need to be a “fashion shoot” with barking commands from an overbearing photographer like you may have experienced at a friend’s wedding in the past. Instead, it can be relaxed, candid, and truly capture your unique personality and story. Remember- your photography team is there for YOU and what you want out of your day. 

4) Don’t worry about the time constraints – your photographer is here to help.

Wedding days can be hectic! How can you possibly fit in your makeup, hair, first look, & bridal party shots, all before the ceremony & running around to say hello to everyone? While also trying to savor every moment? 

Working with Mike Zawadzki Photography means that we help you come up with a stress-free schedule to ensure you receive the types of photographs you most want. We build client-focused timelines. Meaning that we allow buffer room for those breaks you need- a breath of fresh air, a quiet moment with your new spouse, or to re-bustle your dress. 

Trust us as your NJ wedding photographers to build a stress free photography day, so you can focus on what truly matters – your time with your loved ones.

Following these four tips will help you and your fiance feel comfortable in front of the lens as you take the next step into your happy future together. Reach out today to learn more about how we support you in your wedding journey from start to finish.