How to Feel Comfortable Being Photographed (From Someone Who Gets It)
"I hate being in front of the camera," and “I just don’t like the way I look in photos” is something I hear from the majority of my couples. Here's what I tell them.
If you feel awkward being photographed, you're not alone. Most people do. Even on your wedding day, being the center of attention can feel vulnerable and strange.
But here's what I've learned: the goal isn't to "perform" for the camera. It's to forget it's there.
My approach:
We talk first. Before your elopement, we'll have real conversations—not just about timelines and locations, but about what makes you nervous, what makes you feel safe, and what you actually want to remember from your day. What are the things that are most important to you?
I give you something to do. Instead of "stand here and smile," I'll ask you to whisper something that makes your partner laugh. To walk somewhere together. To just hold each other while you watch the waves. Movement and purpose dissolve self-consciousness.
I create space for silence. Not every moment needs words. Sometimes the best way to feel comfortable is to simply be together, with me documenting in the background.
I'm calm, so you can be calm. My background in speech therapy taught me how to create environments where people feel safe to be vulnerable. Your elopement should feel like an exhale, not a performance.
The couples who say they "hate being photographed" end up forgetting I'm there. I’ve had couples tell me they’ve never seen so many photos of themselves that they’ve loved. That's when the magic happens.
Want to chat about creating a comfortable, pressure-free elopement experience? Reach out here.
