Camera-Shy? Here’s How I Help Awkward Couples Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera

"We're Awkward in Front of the Camera" - Why That’s Totally Okay (and How I Help You Feel Amazing Anyway)

If I had a pound for every couple who told me on our first call,

“We’re really awkward in front of the camera…”
—you’re in good company.

Here’s the truth: feeling camera-shy is completely normal. In fact, it’s more common than not. Most of my couples say they’re not used to having professional photos taken, they don’t know what to do with their hands, and they’re worried about feeling awkward. And do you know what? That’s absolutely okay.

Because it’s not about performing. It’s about connection. And that’s where I come in.

You don’t need to be a model – you just need to be yourselves

My job isn’t to make you look like someone you’re not. It’s to help you feel so comfortable that you actually forget the camera is even there.
Because that’s when the magic happens—the little glances, the inside jokes, the way you lean into each other when you laugh.

After the shoot (or the wedding day), I so often hear:

“That was actually really fun—way less scary than we thought!”
and
“You’ve made us look so natural. We love how much emotion you captured.”

And that’s what it’s all about. Real moments. Real joy. Real you.

What I’ll Never Do

Let’s get this bit out of the way.

I will never:

• Make you stand in a stiff, awkward pose

• Tell you to “say cheese”

• Ask you to do anything that feels cringey or unnatural

Because ultimately, I want you to look back at these photos in 20, 30, 40 years and recognise yourselves—not some polished, posed version of who you were on the day.

What I Do Instead

Here’s how I help even the most camera-shy couples feel totally at ease:

1. We start slow

If you’re nervous, that’s okay. We’ll take it gently—go for a walk, have a chat, and let the camera take a back seat. You won’t be “on” the whole time.

2. I give gentle, natural direction

I won’t pose you, but I will guide you. I’ll help you shake out a stiff arm, move into better light, or find a comfy way to stand together.
Mostly, though? I just ask you to connect. Talk to each other. Have a cuddle. Tell a silly joke. Be yourselves.

3. I keep you moving

Movement is key. No standing still for 10 minutes while I adjust your elbow angle. I want you walking, snuggling, holding hands, laughing. The kind of natural movement you do anyway—just with me floating around capturing it from the best angles.

4. I make space for the real stuff

Often I’ll ask you to talk about your day so far, or a moment that made you laugh, or how you felt seeing each other at the ceremony. That’s when the soft smiles, tears, and genuine emotion shine through—and that’s what I love capturing most.

You’re Safe in My Hands

“We thought we’d feel awkward, but Lou made it so easy and fun—we love how natural the photos feel.”

If you’re worried you’ll feel awkward or not “look good” in your photos—please know you’re not alone. So many of my couples feel the exact same way at the start. But looking at their photos, you’d never guess that for a second. Because I’ll guide you every step of the way. I’ll keep things relaxed, fun, and full of movement and connection. You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to fake anything - You just have to show up, be yourselves, and let me do the rest.

Let’s Make It Fun (Yes, Really!)

My goal? To make getting your photos taken one of the best parts of your day. Not something to dread, but something that feels like a breather. A little chance to pause, reconnect, and have a laugh with your person while I quietly work my magic in the background.

So if you’re feeling a bit nervous, know this: you’re in safe, expert, camera-loving hands—and I promise, we’ll make it fun.

Let’s Chat About It

If you’ve been nodding along thinking, “This is exactly how I feel”—I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're feeling a bit camera-shy or just want someone who’ll make the whole photo thing feel easy and fun, I’ve got you.

Pop me a message or head to my contact page, and let’s talk about how we’ll make your photo experience one of the most relaxed and joyful parts of your wedding.