How to Look Natural in Your Wedding Photos – A Photographer’s Secrets

You’ve booked the venue, chosen the dress, and found the perfect photographer. But if you’re anything like most couples I work with across the northwest, there’s still that one lingering worry:

“What if we look awkward in our photos? I'm like Chandler from Friends”

Let me reassure you right now. As a wedding photographer in Liverpool, my job isn’t just to take wedding pictures – it’s to make you feel relaxed, confident, comfortable and yourself.

Here are my top secrets for looking natural in front of the camera on your big day:

Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

It’s your wedding day – not a photoshoot. I’ll guide you gently when needed, but the magic happens when you forget I’m even there.

Sometimes I'll ask you to whisper something into your partners ear to guarantee a candid reaction, or perhaps to hold hands tighter, or just share a quiet moment. Recently I photographed a wedding at Brook Hall Hotel on the Wirral and the couple weren't able to read their vows during the ceremony. So we made the vow reading part of their photographs together. I took a step back so that they could share the moment in private, all the while snapping away on my camera at a distance. They made some of the most natural, unposed photographs, tears and all!

The most beautiful images are the ones where you’re connecting, not posing.

Movement is Your Best Friend

Still poses can feel stiff – so I’ll often ask you to walk, twirl or lean. Moving naturally helps you relax, loosens the nerves, and brings out genuine emotion.

Let Go of 'Perfect'

The best photos aren’t the ones where every hair is in place. They’re the ones where you’re smiling so hard your eyes crease or wiping away a happy tear.

So if the veil gets blown away in the wind (it happens!) or someone cracks a joke mid-ceremony – embrace it. Real moments beat perfect ones every time.

Talk to Your Photographer (That’s Me!)

If you are really worried about having your photograph taken, just let me know. The more I understand you, the better I can capture your story. I totally get it. I'm most definitely not a fan of having my photo taken, which is why I take the photos!

If you’re feeling unsure during the shoot, I’ll gently guide you with easy prompts like:

“Walk hand-in-hand and look at each other.”

“Snuggle in like it’s your sofa at home.”

Simple, relaxed – and unposed.

Book an Engagement Shoot

An engagement shoot is like a rehearsal – no pressure, no guests, no time frames. It’s a brilliant way to get used to the camera and your wedding photographer. I love to head to Sefton Park in Liverpool or Formby beach. There are plenty of quiet spots in both, perfect for us to get to know each other and get some photos. Plus, you can even use these photos on your big day for things like your welcome board or as part of table settings

Most couples say it totally changed how they felt on the big day. I really enjoy getting to know my couples during this time, and to find out who they are.

Bonus: My Photography Style Helps You Shine

At Gemma Cullen Photography, my style is all about:

• Natural light

• Candid, natural photography

• Real, heartfelt moments

  
  

My goal is for you to look at your photos and say, “That’s so us.”

Ready to Feel Like Your Best Self?

Looking natural in your wedding photos doesn’t come from posing perfectly – it comes from feeling comfortable, confident, and in the moment. And that’s where I come in.

Thinking about booking your day? Or want to chat about an engagement shoot to ease the nerves?

Contact me now – I’d love to hear your story.

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