Wedding Photography / Wedding Tips & Advice

The Camera-Shy Bride

In a world where every second girl on Facebook is sporting an over-confident duck-pout and cellphone self-portraiture has all but become an actual art form, it seems inconceivable that camera shyness is an ailment that can be just as crippling as the fear of public speaking. Worrying about being the centre of photographic attention could easily cause unnecessary stress and spoil the excitement that comes along with planning a wedding.

Luckily, there are a few things that you can add to your to-do list, as well as a few points that might help to ease your troubled mind.

Firstly, you must remember that your wedding day is going to be like no other. It seems cheesy perhaps, but there is something about being the bride that just adds a natural and radiant beauty that cameras love. It is quite possible that you don’t need to worry at all. Simply trust that fact that on your wedding day you will be bestowed with a magical photogenic quality loaned to you for one day only.

If you are still feeling a little nervous, then book yourself an engagement shoot. It is preferable that you choose the same photographer who will be doing your wedding so that you can become as comfortable as possible working with each other. Also note that it is important that you choose a photographer that you are comfortable with. Choosing the photographer who is the most popular and most well-respected is not going to work if your personalities clash. Also be honest with yourself. As nice as it might be to ask a friend to do your photos, many people are far more comfortable with strangers taking photographs than they are with friends. Keep this in mind when you make your choice.

Once you have set an appointment for the engagement shoot, take some time deciding what you will wear and practice doing your hair and make-up. It may sound trite, but make sure that you are happy with your appearance. The happier you are with how you look, the more confident you will feel in front of the camera. Add a bit of happiness, love and excitement to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for a successful photoshoot.

IF you are still feeling nervous and you feel the need for a glass of champagne (or a shot of tequila) to calm your nerves, please do keep in mind that your wedding day is not the time to over-do it (especially not if you are getting married on a hot day and you haven’t had anything to eat) so keep it down to one glass. There is a fine line between taking the edge off and being a tipsy bride. You don’t want that!

At the end of the day, your wedding is about the future of your relationship. Forget about the cameras and just remember how much you love each other. That simple act will translate beautifully on film. The photographer knows how to do the job they were hired to do. Your job is simply to be happy.