How to feel comfortable in your wedding photos when you’re an introvert
You’ve found your perfect match, and the two of you are buzzing about beginning your happily-ever-after together. Wedding planning is in full swing, you’ve said “yes” to your dress, and everything is falling into place. But there’s one thing that sends a shiver down your introverted spine—being the center of attention, posing for countless photos and videos on your wedding day.
As a wedding photographer and wedding videographer who specializes in capturing the beauty of small, intimate micro weddings and elopements—and as an introvert myself married to another introvert—I get it. The idea of flashing lights, staged smiles, and forced poses can be daunting for introverts like us, especially when we already feel self-conscious about appearing in photos. It’s not just about saying “I do” anymore; it’s about saying it in front of the lens while still feeling authentically you.
So if your fear of appearing on camera is overshadowing your excitement for your big day, let’s dive into the world of wedding photography from one introvert to another and learn how to balance preserving cherished memories and wanting to avoid the spotlight.
Feeling uncomfortable about showing up in your own wedding photos? We’re sharing tips to make your wedding day photos as genuine and comfortable as your love story.
HOW TO FEEL COMFORTABLE IN YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS WHEN YOU’RE AN INTROVERT
Embrace candid, documentary style wedding photos
Nothing strikes fear into an introverts’ heart more than the phrase “Okay, now look at me! 1, 2, 3, and smile!” *insert cringey smile here*
Introverts who feel uncomfortable being in front of the lens often struggle with forced poses that make them feel self-conscious. Trust me, if you feel uncomfortable having your photo taken, it will show up in your face, your smile, your eyes, and your body posture in your wedding photos and videos. Instead, you’ll look and feel your best in your wedding photos if the two of you are relaxed, happy, and natural.
Communicate early with your wedding photographer and wedding videographer about your preference for candid, documentary-style wedding photos and videos.
This increasingly-popular style of wedding photography focuses more on simply capturing the memories as they happen rather than on staging formal poses. When you’re interviewing potential wedding photographers, be sure to ask in your initial consultation if they are comfortable taking photos in this style (some wedding photographers prefer posing their couples in more classic, traditional bridal portraits). This style of candid wedding photography will allow you to look and feel like yourself, showcasing genuine emotions rather than artificial smiles.
Relax and enjoy your wedding reception
As a wedding photographer and videographer, I use the wedding reception as an opportunity to capture the overall atmosphere of the festivities and turn the lens more often towards the friends and family who are gathered to celebrate the happy couple. Especially if you’re an introverted bride or groom, a candid documentary style of wedding photography will allow you to relax and celebrate with your nearest and dearest, rather than feeling like you’re at the center of attention.
Again, ask your wedding photographer to capture the overall atmosphere of your wedding reception and your guests rather than constantly trying to revolve around you. Instead of only taking numerous posed photos with your guests at your reception, ask them to capture you dancing, laughing, or chatting with those guests. This way you can immerse yourself in the festivities without feeling like you’re constantly in the spotlight.
Schedule a practice session with your wedding photographer
Perhaps the most crucial secret to feeling comfortable in your wedding photos as an introvert is to forge a connection with your wedding photographer. If you’re showing up to your wedding day only to meet a complete stranger behind the lens, you may feel (and end up looking) less comfortable in front of the camera.
Consider having an engagement session or even a practice wedding photography session with your wedding photographer before your big day. This will give you and your wedding photographer a chance to develop a bond so they feel more like a trusted friend on your wedding day rather than yet another stranger.
Better yet, if you haven’t already booked someone for your wedding day, ask to hire them for an engagement session as a trial run before committing to them for your full wedding day. By holding a low-stakes photo session with a new wedding photographer, you can get a sense of their personality, their style of photography direction, and how well they’re able to make you feel relaxed and as comfortable as possible in front of the lens. You will likely have to pay a bit extra, as not every wedding photographer offers engagement sessions, but most are more than happy to schedule one for you—especially if you share it will help you feel more confident on your wedding day.
As a wedding photographer, I also want to feel comfortable and connected with my clients as well! This not only helps them feel their best in their wedding photos, but it empowers me to do my best work for them, too.
Prioritize comfort in your wedding look
Feeling comfortable in your wedding attire is key for a relaxed and natural look in photos. The wedding industry can often present a certain “look” for brides and grooms alike, which may result in pressure to fit in or mold your personal taste to convention (or trends). If you’re not a fan of glam, consider a more low-key look that aligns with your personal style. Of course, additional makeup and hair styling will help your features stand out better in your wedding photos (trust me, it will look more natural on camera than it may feel in real life!), but be sure to keep your overall look true to yourself. Your comfort in your wedding look will reflect in your body language and facial expressions, leading to more authentic and beautiful wedding photos.
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Choose secluded locations or casual activities for your bridal session
For introverted couples, opting for a secluded location during your bridal photography “golden hour” session can make a significant difference. Instead of taking photos in a busy downtown area with lots of onlookers, work with your wedding photographer to select a more private setting ahead of time.
If even a secluded location isn’t enough to get you feeling relaxed in front of the camera, consider doing some kind of activity together with your new spouse during your bridal photography session! Whether the two of you take a stroll through a scenic area, browse the halls of an art gallery, or exchange private vows to one another, authentic moments of connection often arise when you’re able to forget about the person behind the lens.
Introvert pro-tip: build one (or more) bridal portrait sessions into your wedding day timeline as opportunities to take a breather away from the hustle and bustle of the festivities!
Hire a wedding photographer who matches your energy
Finding a wedding photographer whose energy aligns with yours is another key component to feeling comfortable in your wedding photos as an introvert. We introverts often feel overwhelmed by folks who are more exuberant and high-energy, and nothing drives us back into our shells faster than someone who’s egging us on to get out of our shells!
Introverts say “I do”: Lindsay & Brad’s story
Our sweet clients Lindsay & Brad were initially uncomfortable at the thought of getting in front of the lens. They booked an engagement session with me because one of Lindsay’s dear friends, a previous bride of Author Made’s who was also highly introverted, had shared how relaxed and comfortable she felt in her own wedding photos. We had such a great time bonding during their engagement session that they chose to book me for their wedding photos and video as well!
During their classy and intimate micro wedding at an art museum, we made sure to honor their quiet personalities and need for relaxed moments in front of the camera. Their bridal session took place while Lindsay and Brad casually browsed the art gallery together in a quiet moment after their wedding ceremony, and throughout their special day, I made sure to match their energy so they continually felt at ease. Looking at the end result of their wedding photos, you’d think they were born naturals in front of the camera!
LINDSAY + BRAD
“Michael was absolutely amazing for our engagement and wedding photographer….
He captured my husband and my personalities so perfectly and we loved how our pictures turned out.”
Opt for a dual wedding photographer/videographer team
One final tip for feeling comfortable in your wedding photos: simplify your circle by hiring a dual wedding photographer/videographer team. Dealing with just one person, either on the day of the wedding or during the wedding planning stages, reduces the number of personalities you need to click with—and communicate with. When our introverted clients book our services, depending on timeline and budget they’ll either get myself as a solo dual wedding photographer/videographer, or myself on photo and one of my team members on video. However, during the day of the wedding, I’m the one communicating with my videographer so the bride and groom have only one personality (mine) to contend with! We work together as a team to simplify our couples’ stress and provide a more streamlined, intimate experience.
Being an introvert doesn’t mean compromising on your wedding day photos. By communicating your preferences, building a connection with your photographer ahead of time, and opting for a relaxed and authentic approach, you can ensure that your wedding photos beautifully capture the essence of your love story—with none of the awkwardness.
