Camera shy? Here’s how to handle your wedding day if you hate being in pictures.
Image courtesy of Angel Project Studio
If you’ve never been one for bathroom selfies, or you tend to hide in the back row for group pictures, your wedding day may be a bit challenging. You definitely WANT everything photographed, so you can remember all the beautiful moments. But you sort of wish there was a way you didn’t have to BE in any of the shots.
We hate to break it to you, girl – as a bride, you’ll definitely be front and center for most of the photos. Before you cancel everything and elope to a place where cameras are banned, consider the following strategies to help you survive the big day (and all the flash-happy events that precede it). Just because you hate being in pictures doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy everything about your wedding – including all the photo shoots!
Talk with your photographer
Wedding photographers are some of the most personable and empathetic people in the world. Think about it – to be good at their jobs, they have to be! Creating great pictures depends largely on connecting with their clients and making them feel at ease.
If you hate taking pictures, don’t be afraid to disclose that information to your photographer. Chances are, you’re not the first bride that’s admitted to feeling this way. Your photographer can talk through their process with you, and you can discuss what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not.
If you haven’t hired a photographer yet, make sure you choose one that – above all else – you like. You’ll be spending all day with this person, so make sure the vibe is right. If you don’t love being a photo subject AND you’re not a huge fan of your photographer, you might end up ditching your album after all is said and done.
Image courtesy of Create Studioworks
Hire a hair and makeup artist
If you were on the fence about hiring hair and makeup artists, let us be the ones to convince you: DO IT! While you may consider yourself pretty skilled with some mascara and a curling iron, you’ll definitely want to go a step beyond basic for the wedding day. This doesn’t have to mean you get glammed up to the hilt, but it does mean that a pro will understand the styles and techniques that work best for pictures. And if your look is flawless, you’ll feel much more confident when it’s time to smile for the camera.
Don’t be afraid to shop around for your hair and makeup artists, and definitely don’t skip the trial!
Use your engagement shoot as practice
Wedding photographers will often offer engagement shoots as a part of their wedding packages. You may be thinking, “ugh, more pictures?” But hear us out – this is a great opportunity to practice getting comfortable in front of the lens.
When you get your proofs back, you’ll be able to see what poses, angles, and setups result in photos that you love. Communicate your thoughts, and your photographer can make note of what works for you and what doesn’t.
Image courtesy of Cassarino Studios
Consider a boudoir shoot
WHAT? Even MORE pictures? Girl, trust us – a boudoir shoot is about so much more than pictures.
Make a shot list
This is a no-brainer, and probably something your photographer will mention anyway, but making a detailed shot list is key. You can discuss your must-have photos for the day, and your photographer can make recommendations and set out a solid schedule. Knowing exactly what to expect as the day progresses helps to alleviate a lot of picture-related anxiety!
Know that there will be an editing process
Your photographer’s job doesn’t end with the last shot of the night! After you’ve packed up the venue and headed off to your honeymoon, your photographer will begin editing (or “Photoshopping”) all of the great photos they took. During this process they can correct color imbalances, smooth out skin tones, and erase flyaways.
If you have a specific concern about your photos, be sure to tell your photographer – they may be able to address it when they start editing.
Talk to someone
A lot of us are camera shy, and we’ve all taken a few pictures that we don’t absolutely love. But if you struggle every time you look in the mirror, it may be time to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. You can find one by speaking to your general practitioner, or by searching through your insurance plan.
Remember: you’re a bride, and ALL brides are beautiful
There is not a single physical attribute that diminishes your beauty as you walk down the aisle. Every thing about yourself – even the things that you may not love – all come together to make one absolutely gorgeous human being. You are beautiful on your wedding day, and all the days before and after!
