One of the most common things couples say to me when we first meet is:

“We’re really awkward in photos.”

Honestly? Almost everyone thinks that about themselves. I hear this all the time from couples planning weddings in Toronto and across Ontario, and it’s completely normal.

Being photographed isn’t something most people do every day, so of course it can feel a little strange at first. Suddenly there’s a camera pointed at you, someone is telling you where to stand, and you’re wondering what to do with your hands.

The good news is there isn’t some secret posing formula you need to memorize. Feeling comfortable in front of the camera actually comes down to a few simple things.

Here’s what really helps couples relax and look like themselves in photos:

• Let go of the idea that you need to look perfect
• Focus on your connection with your partner
• Work with a photographer you genuinely feel comfortable with
• Stop worrying about how the pose looks and focus on how it feels
• Allow a little movement (and sometimes a little chaos)

When those things come together, photos stop feeling like a performance and start feeling natural.

Mindset Is the Most Important Thing

When couples stop worrying about how everything looks and start focusing on each other, everything relaxes.

Sometimes that even means allowing yourself to look a little ridiculous for a second.

And ironically, that’s usually when the best photos happen.

Focus on How It Feels, Not How It Looks

One of the biggest shifts that helps couples relax is this:

Don’t focus on what the pose looks like. Focus on how it feels.

Are you leaning into your partner?
Are you walking together?
Are you whispering something that makes them laugh?

When the focus shifts to interaction instead of posing, your body language naturally softens and the photos start to feel effortless.

Those little in between moments, the quick smiles, the glances, the laughter, are what make photos feel real.

My Approach Isn’t Really About Posing

My approach to portraits isn’t about placing you somewhere and telling you exactly where every finger should go.

It’s much closer to art direction than traditional “posing”.

We try things.
We move around.
We throw ideas at each other.

Sometimes I’ll ask couples to do slightly silly things because it loosens everything up.

For example, I might ask you to drunk walk toward me. Not because I want you stumbling around forever, but because movement relaxes people instantly. You might laugh, bump into each other, or almost trip. No one sees that part.

What they see is the split second where your legs cross perfectly, you’re looking at each other, and you’re giving that little smile that feels completely natural.

That’s the moment the camera captures.

And suddenly the photo looks effortless.

Connection With Your Photographer Matters More Than You Think

This is something couples don’t always realize right away.

You’re going to spend a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day. Often more time than with almost anyone else.

So it really matters that you feel comfortable together.

I love getting to know my couples. Hearing how you met, what makes you laugh, and what your dynamic is like together.

Sometimes that means chatting between portrait locations or even grabbing a quick drink together while we’re moving through the day.

When there’s a genuine connection, the photos feel different.

They feel more relaxed, more authentic, and a lot more like you.

The Best Photos Usually Come From Imperfect Moments

After photographing a lot of weddings, one thing is always true.

The photos couples love the most rarely come from perfectly controlled moments. They come from the in between moments.

The laugh right after someone almost trips.
The wind catching the dress.
The quick glance you give each other when no one else is looking.

Those slightly imperfect moments are where the magic lives.

If you want to see what this looks like in real life, this fun Wards Island Toronto wedding was basically one big celebration. So many candid moments, so much laughter, and almost nothing that felt overly posed.

Basically… I’ve Got You

If you’re worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, you’re definitely not alone.

Most couples feel that way at first.

Guiding you through that is a huge part of my job, and by the time we’re done most people tell me they actually had fun being photographed.

So let go of the idea that you need to pose perfectly.

Be yourselves.
Laugh a little.
Be a little imperfect.

That’s where the best photos live.

If you’re planning a wedding in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario and want photos that feel relaxed and natural, I’d love to hear about your plans.