So, you’ve booked the venue, drawn up a guest list, hired the dream team of suppliers (including your amazing photographer) and now you’re feeling nervous about the photos. It’s completely normal to feel this way, most of us are a touch anxious when it comes to having our picture taken (myself included) and for most of us, our everyday life goes by without a camera being present. But what about the wedding day? A day when you’ve hired a professional photographer for this sole job; to take your photo, all day long. What then?

Firstly, relax, you’re in safe hands

You’ve already done one of the best things you can for great photos, and that is book a professional photographer for your wedding. They’ll be highly experienced, they’ll be your own personal cheerleader and they will be in your corner all day, making you feel comfortable. Chat with them if you are nervous about any parts of the day in particular or if you have any concerns playing on your mind.

Book professional hair & make up

Even if you’re someone who doesn’t wear much makeup or maybe feel like it’s a lot of unnecessary fuss and faff, trust me and book them. Do your research and have a trial, ask questions and know that you’re in good hands with the professionals. They will be efficient and keep you on time, they are great at what they do, and will quite simply make you look like you, at your most fabulous.

Book a pre wedding photo shoot

Most photographers will offer this service, and it is such a great way to get over any nerves ahead of the big day. Most of the time this session will be outdoors, it will last about an hour, and it will involve walking, chatting and stopping for a few relaxed portraits along the way around a local beauty spot. I offer these to each and every couple and the ones that book always rave about how good they are.

Over order on the confetti

There is no such thing as too much confetti and it always makes for the best photos. Fact.

Get outside

Even if it’s cold or damp or a bit grim, get out and embrace that fresh air. The outdoor setting will allow for more natural images of you. Perhaps start with just a short walk together, away from your guests for a few minutes, allowing you to feel less like the humans on display. Then as you begin to feel more comfortable (which will happen a lot sooner than you first think!) you can be a bit braver; show some affection, cuddle up, laugh and don’t be scared to have fun and be playful with each other.

Make the effort for golden hour

Golden hour is that time around an hour before the sun goes down and it makes for the BEST photos. Even if there isn’t a particularly dramatic sky, just heading out at that time of day is ideal for portraits. This is because the formalities of the day are over and you can just relax as you walk and wander having some romantic and informal portraits of the two of you.

Finally…

Remember to be yourself. Just be you, the wonderfully brilliant you who is marrying the love of their life.