How to Feel Comfortable in Wedding Photos (Even If You’d Rather Not Be in Them).

A Lush Approach to Relaxed Wedding Photos

Let me guess.

You don’t love having your photo taken… but you do love lovely photos.
You feel a bit awkward.
You don’t know what to do with your hands.
And you definitely don’t want your wedding day turning into an intense photo shoot.

Good.

You’re exactly who I work best with.

Because most of the couples I photograph feel exactly the same. They’re normal humans who would much rather be with their friends, holding a drink and enjoying the day, than worrying about angles or wondering what their hands are supposed to be doing – which is why relaxed wedding photography works so well.

And that, to me, makes a perfect image.

First: You Don’t Need to Be “Good at Photos”

You don’t need to practise.
You don’t need to perform.
You don’t need to suddenly become a couple who “loves the camera.”

You just need to be present. It’s how I photograph weddings across the Cotswolds & Italy.

The way I work isn’t about posing you into shapes. It’s about noticing how you naturally stand together. Watching who relaxes first. Reading the room. Using light properly. and I’m not just talking about your couple portraits.

The photographs feel natural because the experience is real.

A Few Small Details Worth Thinking About

These aren’t rules. Just a few small tweaks that quietly make everything look and feel even better.

Pockets first.
Phones, keys, wallets… they create odd little bulges that you’ll never notice on the day, but once you’ve seen them in photos you’ll never unsee them.

Also, use your hands. Give them something to do. Hold your newly married partner, slip one into a pocket, adjust a lapel, hold a drink… a puppy… whatever happens to be nearby. Just try not to leave them hanging stiffly by your sides like you’ve momentarily forgotten how arms work.

A few touch-up bits nearby are always helpful.
Powder, lip colour, tissues. Not for perfection — just for confidence. Give this to someone in the morning and make this their job to know where these bits are. You can even get them a beautiful little bag as a morning gift.

And think about shoes. Very few portraits actually show them. If your Louboutins are slightly lethal (and, let’s be honest, completely beautiful), bring flats for wandering. Save the heels for the dance floor and many future married nights out.

And finally — don’t abandon your bouquet the moment you arrive.

It’s usually the most expensive bunch of flowers you’ll ever hold, so make sure someone always knows where it is. If it goes into water on a hot day, perfect — just appoint a bouquet guardian. Otherwise it has a habit of quietly disappearing somewhere in the venue, which can suddenly turn into a small search party just as we were about to head out for portraits.

Small things.
Big difference.

Portraits Without the Awkward Bit: How Relaxed Wedding Photos Actually Happen

When we slip away for portraits, it isn’t a performance.

It’s usually 10–15 minutes.
A wander.
A breather.

You don’t have to kiss constantly or gaze into each others eyes. In fact, hold the front page…you don’t have to kiss at all.

Just stay close. Relax your shoulders. Keep some part of you connected — hands brushing, arms linked, a gentle stroke across a back.

Movement is everything. Shift your weight. Take a few steps. Lean in, lean out. If something feels stiff or just not you, let’s change it. If something feels natural, stay.

If you’ve been looking through lots of couple photos while planning your wedding, you’ll probably start spotting it straight away — the difference between something that’s clearly posed and something that just feels natural.

For me, the images with movement and personality always win.

It can feel strange being affectionate in front of someone you don’t know that well yet. That’s normal. Which is why it helps not to keep checking back in with me and try not to have your hype team come with you. When you look at me or someone keeps talking to you (albeit with the best intentions), the moment breaks. When you stay with each other, it settles. You’ll be doing a perfect job.

I’ll guide you quietly but remember, you guys will look like fucking superstars anyway!

Why the Morning Matters

The morning is really key to me capturing your story. I arrive early and don’t immediately direct. I spend time understanding your people. Whether that’s at somewhere like Elmore Court, Stone Barn, or a completely new venue.

Who’s calm.
Who’s chaos.
Who needs reassurance.
Who will cry first/last

The more I understand the dynamic, the easier everything becomes — from efficient family group photos to relaxed friends shots and meaningful and epic portraits.

Those natural images you see on my website aren’t accidental. They happen because trust builds quickly. And comfort shows.

Trust Me — Then Ignore Me

I’ll give you gentle direction. I’ll move you into good light. I’ll make sure your shoulders aren’t up around your ears.

Then forget I’m there.

Once the ceremony is done and you’ve had that first exhale — everything shifts. The relief. The joy. The we did it.

That’s when the magic sits.

The Honest Truth

If you want heavy posing and choreographed romance, we can definitely do that but you’ll find someone who does that better than me.

If you want calm guidance, efficient group shots, portraits that don’t swallow your day, and photographs that feel like you — you’re in safe hands.

You don’t need to know how to be photographed.

That’s my job.

You just need to turn up and have the best day of your life.

And if that sounds like your kind of approach, and you’re looking for a photographer to let your day unfold beautifully, you can get in touch here.

Thinking of a Cotswolds wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding in the Cotswolds, you might also find my guide to getting married in the Cotswolds helpful.

• Elmore Court wedding photographer
• Stone Barn wedding photographer
• Kingscote Barn wedding photographer