Almost every couple tells me the same thing: “We’re awkward in photos.”

Here’s the truth: everyone feels that way. The couples in my portfolio who look relaxed and natural? They said the exact same thing before their wedding day.

Looking natural in wedding photos isn’t about being a model. It’s about having a photographer who knows how to help you forget the camera is there.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, I’ve developed specific techniques to help even the most camera-shy couples look and feel their best. Here’s exactly how I do it—and how you can use these tips no matter who’s behind the camera.

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The Real Reason You Feel Awkward

Most people feel awkward in photos because they aren’t models and they’re thinking too much. They’re worried about:

• How their smile looks
• Whether they’re standing correctly
• What to do with their hands
• If they’re blinking

The key to natural photos is getting you out of your head and into the moment.

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My Go-To Techniques for Natural Wedding Photos

1. The “Date Night” Mindset

I tell all my couples to approach their engagement session (and wedding portraits) like a date night. This isn’t a photoshoot—it’s just the two of you spending time together while I happen to be there with a camera.

What this looks like:

• Walking hand-in-hand while talking about your favorite memory together
• Whispering something sweet (or ridiculous) in each other’s ears
• Dancing to a song you love
• Simply being present with each other

When you’re focused on each other, you forget about the camera. That’s when the magic happens.

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2. Movement Over Posing

Static poses feel stiff because they are stiff. The human body isn’t meant to hold perfectly still.

Instead of: “Stand here and smile at the camera”

I say: “Walk toward me while looking at each other and laughing about your favorite inside joke”

Movement creates:

• Natural expressions
• Genuine laughter
• Flowing fabric and hair (which looks beautiful)
• Photos that feel alive, not frozen

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3. The “Prompt” System

I don’t pose couples—I prompt them. Here’s the difference:

Posing: “Put your hand here, tilt your chin, smile”

Prompting: “Whisper the one thing you love most about each other”

Prompts create real reactions. Real reactions create photos that look like YOU, not a version of you trying to look a certain way.

My favorite prompts:

• “Tell each other your favorite memory from your first date”
• “Whisper what you’re going to do on your honeymoon”
• “Kiss attack!!!”
• “Practice your first dance”

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4. The “Reset” Moment

When I see a couple starting to feel stiff or overthink, I call for a reset:

“Okay, shake it out. Wiggle your arms. Take a deep breath. Now look at each other and just breathe.”

This breaks the tension and brings you back to the present moment.

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5. Giving You Something to Do

Awkwardness often comes from not knowing what to do. I solve this by giving you specific actions:

• “Fix his collar while looking into his eyes”
• “Hold hands and swing your arms like you’re walking down the street”
• “Rest your foreheads together and take three deep breaths”
• “Spin her around like you’re dancing”

Actions create natural positioning without you having to think about posing.

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What to Do If You’re Really Nervous

Before the Wedding

Schedule an engagement session. This isn’t just for photos—it’s practice. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll know exactly how I work and what to expect. Most couples tell me they felt awkward at the start of their engagement session and completely natural by the end.

Communicate your concerns. Tell me (or your photographer) that you’re nervous. A good photographer will adjust their approach and give you extra guidance and reassurance.

On the Wedding Day

Trust your photographer. You hired them for a reason. Let them guide you and try not to overthink it.

Focus on your partner. When you’re looking at the person you love, you’re not thinking about how you look—you’re thinking about how you feel about them. That’s what creates beautiful photos.

Remember: you don’t have to be perfect. Some of my favorite photos are the “imperfect” ones—the genuine laughter, the happy tears, the moments in between poses.

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The Truth About “Natural” Photos

Here’s what most people don’t realize: those natural, effortless-looking photos you see in my portfolio? They happened because the couple trusted the process and focused on each other.

They weren’t naturally photogenic. They weren’t models. They were just two people in love who let themselves be present in the moment.

That’s available to you too.

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What This Means for Your Wedding Day

When you hire me as your wedding photographer, you’re not just getting someone with a nice camera. You’re getting:

• A guide who knows exactly how to help you look and feel your best
• Someone who will give you prompts and direction so you never feel lost
• A calming presence when things feel overwhelming
• A photographer who knows when to step back and let moments unfold naturally

My job isn’t to make you into something you’re not. It’s to capture who you actually are—just the best, most relaxed version of you.

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From Real Couples

“The first time we worked with them was when Jess did our engagement photos. My husband and I were so nervous but Jess was so kind and made us feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera!” -Ruby

“Jess did an amazing job with the photos! I’ve never felt more beautiful and happy than went I sat down to see our photos!” -Monica

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Ready to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera?

If you’re worried about looking natural in your wedding photos, I get it. But I also know exactly how to help.

Every couple in my portfolio felt the same way you do—and they all ended up with photos they love.

Our photography collections start at $2,200, and most couples invest $2,200–$5,000 for full-day coverage. Most collections includes an engagement session so we can practice and get comfortable before the big day.

Inquire here to get our brochure and schedule a consultation. I’d love to show you how easy and fun wedding photography can actually be.

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Memoria Photo + Film is a Utah wedding photography team specializing in warm, timeless imagery for modern romantics. We help camera-shy couples look and feel their best on their wedding day.

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