How to Look Natural in Your Wedding Photos & Videos

Feel Comfortable, Look Confident, and Capture Your True Self on Camera

You’ve invested in a great photographer and videographer. You’re wearing the perfect outfit, standing beside the love of your life—and then it hits you: you’re suddenly aware of the camera.

For many couples, one of the biggest concerns before their wedding day is, “What if I look awkward or stiff in my photos and video?” Whether you’re camera-shy or just unfamiliar with being professionally photographed, it’s normal to feel uneasy at first. But here’s the good news: you can look natural and confident in every shot—with the right mindset, preparation, and a little guidance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to feel relaxed in front of the camera and look your best in your wedding photos and videos, without feeling forced or overly posed.

1. Choose a Photographer and Videographer You Feel Comfortable With

Looking natural starts with feeling comfortable, and that comes down to trusting your visual team. The more relaxed you feel around your photographer and videographer, the more authentic your expressions will be.

Here’s how to build that connection:

• ✔ Schedule an engagement session to get comfortable being in front of the camera.
• ✔ Meet in person or via video call before booking.
• ✔ Look for someone whose personality makes you feel at ease.
• ✔ Choose professionals who offer direction without being overly controlling.

The right team won’t just press record or snap a photo—they’ll guide you through the experience so it feels natural, not staged.

2. Practice Posing in a Way That Feels Like You

You don’t need to be a model to look good on camera. The key is posing in a way that feels true to your personality. A great photographer will offer suggestions that work with your natural body language—not against it.

Tips to keep poses relaxed:

• ✔ Don’t lock your knees—stay loose and fluid.
• ✔ Keep your hands occupied (holding a bouquet, each other’s hands, etc.).
• ✔ Shift your weight slightly to one foot for a more natural stance.
• ✔ Gently bend your elbows—don’t let your arms hang stiffly.
• ✔ Lean into your partner slightly for authentic connection.
• It’s okay to laugh, move, and talk during your shoot. The best shots often come in between the “posed” ones.

3. Focus on the Moment, Not the Camera

The camera is there, but that doesn’t mean you need to perform for it. Instead, immerse yourself in the moment. Whether you're reading your vows, dancing with your partner, or chatting with family, forget the lens and be present.

Here’s how to stay in the moment:

• ✔ Focus on your partner during portraits, not the photographer.
• ✔ During video interviews or prompts, speak naturally as if talking to a friend.
• ✔ Don’t overthink your smile—if you’re enjoying the moment, it will show.
• ✔ For video, avoid rehearsed lines and just talk from the heart.

Your emotions, your joy, your connection—that’s what makes your photos and video powerful. Not the perfect pose or smile.

4. Get Comfortable with Movement

One of the easiest ways to avoid stiffness is to keep moving, especially during video coverage. Movement looks natural on camera and helps reduce the pressure of “posing.”

Great movement-based prompts your team might use:

• ✔ Walking hand-in-hand toward the camera
• ✔ Whispering something funny to your partner
• ✔ Spinning or dancing slowly during golden hour
• ✔ Fixing your partner’s collar, veil, or hair
• ✔ A simple forehead touch or kiss on the cheek

These subtle actions not only feel real—they look amazing in both photos and film.

5. Prepare—but Don’t Over-Rehearse

It’s helpful to practice some poses and get familiar with being on camera, but avoid over-rehearsing. You don’t want your wedding day moments to feel robotic or scripted.

Do:

• ✔ Practice walking, standing, and holding each other in a mirror.
• ✔ Take a few fun selfies together to get comfortable.
• ✔ Talk through any insecurities with your photographer.

Don’t:

• ✖ Memorize poses from Pinterest to a fault.
• ✖ Try to copy someone else’s exact expressions or posture.
• ✖ Let perfectionism get in the way of enjoying your day.

The best way to prepare is to trust your team and focus on being in the moment.

6. Trust Your Photographer’s and Videographer’s Guidance

A skilled photographer and videographer know how to read your body language, suggest subtle changes, and draw out genuine emotion. You don’t have to worry about directing the shoot—they’ve got it covered.

They may offer gentle direction like:

• ✔ “Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.”
• ✔ “Walk together and chat like you normally would.”
• ✔ “Look at each other and smile like you’re sharing a secret.”

These prompts are designed to help you relax and connect, not perform. Just follow their lead and let yourself be you.

7. Wear What Makes You Feel Amazing

Comfort and confidence go hand-in-hand. If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, it’ll show in your body language. Choose outfits that fit well, suit your style, and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Tips for wedding day attire:

• ✔ Make sure your dress or suit fits perfectly—don’t wait until the last minute for tailoring.
• ✔ Bring comfortable shoes for photos between events.
• ✔ Avoid outfits that you have to constantly adjust or fix.
• ✔ Don’t forget touch-up tools (blotting paper, powder, lip balm) to stay photo-ready.

When you feel good, it radiates through the lens—and that’s what makes you look natural.