6 easy ways to get natural wedding photos

Apr 2

As an observational wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I get from couples is “how do you get people to look so natural on their wedding day?” I’m here to share tips on how to get wedding photos that feel effortless, truly candid and natural.

1. Build breathing room into your day. When you’re short on time, it’s an immediate gateway to letting that tension show on you physically. So as you plan out your timeline, give yourself time. I’m not talking about a 15-minute travel buffer - I mean have a slow morning getting ready with your people. Give you and your spouse 30 minutes to be tucked away together, with or without your photographer. Make cocktail hour long enough that you can mingle with your guests.

When you’re planning your wedding day theoretically, it’s easy to forget that jamming a bunch of activities together can be exhausting and stressful. But you’re human, and you need chances to recalibrate and rest. When you give yourself breaks where nothing is needed of you, you can truly relax. That energy is what will show through in your photos.

2. Stick together as much as possible. Some of the best couple photos I’ve taken happen when a couple is together in an organic setting that I didn’t create. But those photos can’t happen if you’re separated for most of the day! I often suggest that my couples make a pact to stick together as much as they can on their day. It’s easy for me to catch your fleeting glimpses, quiet kisses and gentle touches. You also act as a grounding force for one another, allowing you to stay present together and think less about the camera or how to behave.

3. Take the “formal” out of family formals. I get it, those group photos with your loved ones are important and I’d never tell a couple not to do them. But it shouldn’t take too long, and it shouldn’t be overly posed. I’m more about letting people gather themselves in a way that feels comfortable. I’ll have a list of must-have combos to keep us on track, all while letting these portraits be more of a relaxed affair for you and your people. Take some time to hug your families, have little moments together and then we’ll get that shot you want!

4. Do an engagement session beforehand. You’ll get to meet your photographer in person before your wedding, so you’ll feel completely comfortable with them on your big day. In my case, it also helps couples familiarize themselves with the way I encourage and prompt you during your portraits. Come wedding day, you’ll know exactly what to expect and will lead to feeling more confident in front of the camera.

5. Stay present and keep it playful. This is your only wedding, so focus on having the best time ever! You never have to perform for me, the camera or your guests. The way you move, talk, smile and laugh is already beautiful. It’s my job to see that and catch it. You only need to focus on living in the moment.

6. Trust the photographer you hire. You need someone who understands your needs and provides a service in line with those needs. Some photographers need a very structured timeline with a clearly defined shot list. Others want complete creative control and an open-ended day. Think about what kind of person you want to be with you, and how they will show up for you on wedding day. Trusting their eye and approach will inherently bring an ease to your photos that you wouldn’t have otherwise.