How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day
How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day
For many couples, the thought of being photographed on their wedding day can feel intimidating. Maybe you’ve never had professional photos taken together, or perhaps you’re simply more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. The truth is, almost every couple we work with starts out feeling this way — and that’s completely normal.
The good news? With the right preparation, mindset, and guidance, your wedding photos can feel effortless and natural. At Luke Fotoliv Photography, our goal is to document your story as it unfolds, creating timeless images that feel authentic, not staged. Here’s our complete guide to helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera, from your engagement session to your wedding day portraits.
Why Engagement Photos Are More Than Just a Shoot
We always encourage couples to plan a Save the Date or engagement session before the wedding. This isn’t only about pretty pictures — it’s about building a connection with us and breaking the ice with the camera.
Think of it as a rehearsal for the wedding day, but much more relaxed. You’ll learn how we work, discover the kind of prompts and directions that make you feel natural, and realize that photography doesn’t have to feel like “posing.” Many couples tell us that after their engagement shoot, they no longer worry about photos on the big day.
Best Timing for Engagement Shoots
The sweet spot for an engagement session is about 12 months before the wedding. If you’re visiting your venue, it’s a great opportunity to combine the trip with a shoot. Some couples even schedule it the same day as their hair and makeup trial, which allows them to test everything together.
When it comes to light, we’re very intentional. Midday sun in the tropics or Italy can be harsh, so we usually work in shaded areas that keep you comfortable and allow us to preserve the details of your outfits. As the day softens, we move toward open spaces like a beach, meadow, or vineyard for that magical golden hour glow.
We also love the mood of blue hour — the twilight just after sunset or before sunrise. It’s soft, cinematic, and adds a unique atmosphere to your photos. For couples who enjoy something different, we can also mix in indoor or flash-lit photos, giving an editorial edge to the shoot.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Styling doesn’t need to be complicated. The goal is to choose outfits that complement your surroundings without distracting from your connection.
Stick to earth tones and neutrals: whites, greys, browns, and muted palettes always work beautifully.
Avoid loud patterns or neon colors that clash with nature.
Coordinate your looks rather than matching exactly.
A quick outfit change is fine, but don’t let it break the flow of the shoot.
Some couples bring small props — a pair of sunglasses, champagne for a toast, or even their pet. These little touches can personalize your session, as long as they feel natural to you.
A Little Homework Before the Shoot
One unique piece of advice we give our couples: write a short love note to each other. This isn’t a vow or speech, just a heartfelt message that will spark laughter, tears, or a smile when shared. The only rule? No phones. Handwrite it on paper, a card, or even in the sand. It’s a simple gesture that creates real, emotional moments — and incredible photographs.
Getting Ready on the Wedding Day
The morning of your wedding sets the tone for everything that follows. “Getting ready” photos aren’t just about hair and makeup — they’re about documenting the anticipation, nerves, and joy in the room.
Here are our top tips:
Choose a private, comfortable space with lots of natural light.
Start early. Plan at least an extra hour in your timeline as a buffer.
Keep the room tidy. Clear away suitcases, snacks, and clutter. A clean environment photographs much better.
Stay fueled. Eat, hydrate, and keep music playing to set the vibe.
We mostly use natural light during this part of the day, with the occasional flash for a more editorial portrait. The energy in the room is what matters most — and that’s what we aim to capture.
The First Look
Many couples wonder if they should practice the first look. Our answer is always no. The first look is about authenticity, not choreography. There’s no wrong way to see each other for the first time — the emotions, words, and reactions are what make it powerful.
By keeping it natural, you’ll have an intimate, private moment together before the whirlwind of the day begins.
Family Photos Without the Stress
Family portraits can often be the most stressful part of the wedding day — but they don’t have to be. After photographing more than 500 weddings, we’ve created a simple workflow:
Couples provide a family shot list ahead of time.
We follow it strictly to stay efficient.
We connect with people, rather than shouting instructions.
This way, portraits are completed quickly and respectfully, leaving you free to enjoy cocktail hour and time with your guests.
Ceremony & Couple Portraits
In the Riviera Maya, the best ceremony time is usually 60–90 minutes before sunset. This gives you flattering light, time for family photos, and the perfect window for golden hour portraits afterward.
If your ceremony happens at midday, don’t worry. We adapt by photographing in shaded areas and exposing carefully for highlights to preserve detail in your dress and suit.
We always recommend setting aside dedicated time for couple portraits — ideally both during a first look and again at sunset. These images often become the ones couples treasure most.
Reception & Dance Floor Energy
Once the party starts, our approach shifts. We want your photos to feel alive and full of energy.
Speeches → We avoid flash so as not to distract speakers, using long lenses to capture natural reactions.
First dances → A mix of natural light and flash for depth and emotion.
Dance floor → Wide lenses + flash to freeze the action and capture the chaos of celebration.
The goal is not only to show what your reception looked like, but also what it felt like.
Styling & Accessories on the Wedding Day
Just like the engagement shoot, softer tones work best. Whites, greys, pastels, and earth tones blend beautifully with natural light. Accessories like veils, jewelry, and heirlooms are welcome — but one thing to avoid are phones and tablets during key moments. They pull focus from the emotion and can block important shots.
The Golden Rule: Focus on Each Other
The best photos happen when you forget the camera and focus on your partner. Talk, laugh, share small moments. If you need a short break during the day, take five minutes away from the crowd to breathe and reconnect.
We often show couples a few photos straight from the back of the camera to ease nerves. Once you see how natural you look, the tension melts away and you begin to truly enjoy the process.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t a photoshoot — it’s your legacy. Our role is to document it honestly, with as little interference as possible.
If you focus on each other, enjoy the experience, and trust the process, your photos will naturally reflect your connection. And years from now, when you look back at them, you’ll see not just how you looked — but how it felt to be there.