Something we hear from many of our couples is that they feel awkward or nervous about getting their wedding photos taken. Rest assured, this is completely normal (not to mention totally understandable!).

The good news? Even our most camera-shy couples come away from their wedding photography experience feeling relaxed, at ease, and yep - even having fun. Here at Figtree, we go above and beyond to help you feel comfortable so we can capture your most candid, authentic moments.

If you’re feeling a little daunted by the photography process, keep reading for 5 tips to get you feeling more comfortable in front of the camera!

1. Book an engagement session

Booking an engagement session is the perfect opportunity to get some practice in before your wedding, while also giving you a great insight into what you can expect on the day.

Once you’ve spent some time being photographed, you’ll quickly get into a comfortable groove and realise it’s not so scary after all! Engagement sessions also give you the chance to hang out with your photographer before the wedding day, so you can get to know each other’s personalities and form a connection. And at the end of it all, you’ll have some super sweet photos of you both!

Need more convincing? Learn more about why we think engagement shoots are such a great idea for couples.

2. Book a hair and makeup trial

Feeling confident in your hair and makeup will make a huge difference to your photography experience. We’d recommend booking a hair and makeup trial before the big day, so you know exactly what to expect and can make any final tweaks or changes. If you feel happy and comfortable with the final look, this will shine through in your wedding photos!

3. Embrace the experience

It sounds simple, but we really encourage you both to have fun and try not to overthink it. Just get lost in the moment and be yourselves!

Don’t worry - we’ll definitely give you some gentle direction so you aren’t just standing there awkwardly not knowing where to look. And if you are feeling a little awkward? Just have a laugh about it and we’ll capture those wonderful moments in-between.

Throughout the shoot, we’ll also try to give you some private moments together as newlyweds, as it may be the only time you’ll get to spend alone all day. But rest assured, we’ll be there capturing the love from a distance!

4. Dress comfortably

To look comfortable in front of the camera, you have to feel comfortable. For brides, try to pick a dress you can easily move around in. The more comfortable you are in your dress, the less restricted you’ll be during the shoot.

Consider the weather when choosing your attire, too. Grooms, if you’re getting married in summer, perhaps think twice about that three-piece suit!

On the flip side, if you’re getting married in winter, make sure you’ve got something warm to throw on when the sun starts setting. Brides - you could rock a furry jacket in your photos if that’s your vibe, or just have something handy for the in-between moments when we’re not shooting.

Something else to think about is comfortable footwear that will be location appropriate. If you’re planning on wandering through a long grassy field, stilettos might be a bit tricky! If your heels are amazingly pretty (but a little uncomfortable), we’d suggest bringing a backup comfy pair of heels or flats just in case.

5. Be prepared

Finally, you want to make sure you feel energised and refreshed for your portrait shoot. It’s a huge day, so it’s important to be prepared!

By the time your wedding photos come around, you’ve been wearing your makeup for a good few hours - and there’s probably been some happy tears and sneaky kisses, too. We suggest getting one of your bridesmaids to bring a small makeup kit (think lipstick, concealer and translucent powder) to touch up before your photos and ensure you’re feeling your best.

Most importantly, don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated. We recommend packing a little something to eat and drink during your location shoot - you’ll be so thankful you did, and it will help you feel totally ready to embrace the experience (minus the hunger pains!).