Scheduling an engagement shoot can help you shake off any awkwardness ahead of your wedding day.
(Photo courtesy of Michael John Photography)
Wedding planning can be stressful enough. If the thought of taking wedding photos makes your stress level skyrocket, don’t worry! You’re not alone. We spoke with Michael Lopacki, owner of Michael John Photography, a BOLI preferred vendor, about how to not feel awkward during your wedding photos. “I often hear from brides that they don’t like taking photos or they always feel awkward,” Lopacki says. “But I can assure you, there are definitely ways to put you at ease before and during your wedding day.”
Schedule an Engagement Shoot
Engagement shoots are a great way to get to know your photographer ahead of the big day. It allows you and your future spouse to not only get comfortable in front of the camera, but it helps you to get comfortable with your photographer and learn from them. “An engagement shoot makes the wedding day flow just a little bit better,” says Lopacki. “It’s important because nervous couples can learn different cues that they remember on their wedding day to put them at ease.”
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Let Your Photographer Guide You
If you’re worried about being awkward in your wedding photos, let your photographer know. Lopacki says he always asks couples what their favorite side is. “Depending on what my brides tell me, I’ll make sure to show their best side,” he says. “It usually makes them feel more comfortable from the start.” From there, Lopacki says he guides couples through some traditional poses and then eases them into more fun poses. “I like to keep it light and easy so that no one has to be nervous.”
Incorporate Movement
Lopacki loves to incorporate movement in his photos. He says this always puts his couples at ease. So, what does that mean? Maybe walking and holding hands looking at each other. Or dancing and bumping hips. And when you start to feel more at ease behind the camera, Lopacki suggests trying some closer, influential-style posing. “I’ll ask my bride to touch her fiancé’s face, tickle his beard, snuggle a little bit,” he says. “If people feel awkward though, I’ll suggest someone whisper something in the other person’s ear. It can be whatever you want to get you to relax and loosen up.” He says that usually does the trick and gets couples laughing and acting more natural.
(Photo courtesy of Michael John Photography)
Speak Up
The best thing you can do as a nervous bride when it comes to photos is to speak up! Lopacki says all you have to do is tell your photographer you’re not comfortable with a pose or something they ask you to do, and they’ll be more than happy to come up with other ideas. “If a bride doesn’t feel comfortable touching her groom’s face, I’ll suggest a light touch on his chest or even his arm,” he says. Lopacki says that all photographers are able to understand their couples, so it’s important to be honest from the beginning or if something doesn’t feel right as you are taking photos. “We know how important these photos are to you, and we want to make sure you are comfortable and love every single shot,” he says.
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For those brides who aren’t worried about being awkward in their photos, but more worried about maybe some awkward family photos, Lopacki has some tips for those too. First, he says, is to work with your photographer to make a very thorough shot list. “I work with each couple to ensure the shot list has exactly what they want,” he says. “I ask all the questions about family members – are their parents married? If not, are they cordial? Can they stand next to each other?” This helps to keep the awkwardness out of those family photos, and keep the drama out of your wedding day. “We never want anyone – the couples, their families or friends – to feel uncomfortable on their wedding day.”
(Photo courtesy of Michael John Photography)
What about those people you may not want in family photos? Perhaps a family member’s significant other who might not be around in the future? “I don’t mind playing the bad guy when it comes to taking photos,” Lopacki says. “But seriously, I’ll just politely say that the photos are for married or engaged couples, and assure them I’ll take their photos later on in the night.”
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Even the most cool, calm and collected bride can get a little nervous on her wedding day. “Sometimes before a first look or before they walk down the aisle, people get nervous,” he says. “I’ll just remind them of their engagement shoot, and how much fun we had. That usually brings a smile to their face and puts them at ease.”
(Photo courtesy of Michael John Photography)