Not ready for your close up?  Unless youʼre a hollywood celebrity or a reality star, youʼve probably never had a person with a camera follow you around all day documenting your every move. If you need a little coaching in front of the camera, thatʼs okay! Most people donʼt know “what to do” when it comes to mugging for the camera. Your photographer will not expect you to be a professional model, and will absolutely help you along the way. To make the process easy and natural, Iʼve come up with a few key things you, as a bride can do to ensure you feel more comfortable in front of the camera, and get the most from your wedding photos.

    Engagement Photos are more important than you may think... Some people may think of engagement photos as an adorable documentation of your engaged life. Done mostly for fun, save-the-date cards, and wedding announcements. Thatʼs true. Yet there are a few more important reasons for engagement photos. Having an engagement session gives you a chance to get to know your photographer, and have a little bit of experience getting comfortable in front of the camera. This will provide the opportunity for your photographer to get to know you, as well. I learn so much more about my clients when we do engagement sessions. I love it because by the time the wedding day arrives, I feel like I really know their personalities and how shy or expressive they are. I also know which poses flatter them best because weʼve already worked together.

    Pretend Iʼm invisible... Look back on some of your favorite photos of the past, the pictures where you look happy and poised but your attention isn't directly on the camera (maybe you didn't even know that someone was taking your picture) Those photos are usually favorites. Traditional portrait photos are great, and certainly have their place in the wedding album. However, the unposed moments and expressions can be more special, because they are true to the essence of the dayʼs mood. Donʼt feel the need to ALWAYS strike a pose for your photos. The natural you is better!

    Have Fun...  It sounds easy, but on your wedding day sometimes the all the little details and commotion can make it hard to remember to relax and celebrate. Above all, keep in mind this day will only come once, so be sure to laugh, soak up the excitement, and enjoy all the hard work youʼve put into your wedding! Take in every moment...and SMILE! ;)