How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day (Even If You’re Shy)

You Don’t Have to Be a Model to Look Amazing in Your Wedding Photos

Let us guess—you’re not a fan of being in front of the camera.
You feel a little awkward. You don’t know where to put your hands.
You’re worried that wedding photography is going to feel stiff, posed, or unnatural.

Trust us—we hear this from so many of our couples.
And here’s the truth: you don’t have to “perform” to have beautiful, emotional wedding photos.

At Blake Photo & Film Co., we’re a team of storytelling wedding photographers and filmmakers based in Virginia Beach. We specialize in capturing your day just as it is—natural, unscripted, and full of emotion.

Why You Might Feel Camera Shy (And Why That’s Totally Okay)

Unless you’ve modeled before (and most people haven’t), it’s completely normal to feel unsure in front of the camera. Maybe you:

• Don’t love posed photos

• Worry you’ll look awkward

• Don’t know how to “act natural” in photos

• Feel like the camera isn’t your friend

We get it. But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be present.

What Is Storytelling Wedding Photography?

Storytelling wedding photography is all about capturing real moments, not manufactured ones.
It’s honest. It’s raw. And it’s deeply emotional.

Instead of focusing on perfectly posed portraits, we document the day as it naturally unfolds—your hand in theirs, the tears before the ceremony, the laughter during speeches, the tiny in-between moments that would otherwise go unnoticed.

These are the moments that tell the true story of your wedding day.

How We Help You Feel Comfortable on Camera

One of the most common things couples say after working with us is:
“We were so nervous about being photographed, but you made it feel effortless.”
That’s what we aim for every time.

Here’s how we create a comfortable, relaxed experience from start to finish:

1. We Get to Know You First

Before we ever pick up a camera, we take time to truly understand who you are as a couple—what you value, how you connect, and what you’re most excited (or nervous) about.

2. We Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

We won’t constantly pose or micromanage you. Instead, we gently guide you into moments that feel natural—walking, talking, dancing, laughing. Real life stuff.

3. We Work Quietly & Respectfully

We know when to blend into the background. During your ceremony, toasts, or intimate moments, we stay present without interrupting—always watching for emotion.

4. We Shoot Film for a Nostalgic Feel

There’s something about 35mm film that strips away the pressure. It’s imperfect, soft, and timeless—just like your love story.

For the Couples Who Say “We’re So Awkward in Photos”

We hear it all the time. And every time, we prove it wrong.

You’re not awkward. You’re human. And when you’re with someone you love, there’s already a story unfolding—our job is simply to capture it.

At Blake Photo & Film Co., we’re here for the tears, the snort-laughs, the belly-laughs, the soft touches, the goosebumps, and everything in between.

Keywords You’ll Find Throughout This Blog:

• Storytelling wedding photographer Virginia

• Wedding photographer for shy couples

• Candid emotional wedding photography

• Documentary style wedding photographer

• How to feel comfortable in wedding photos

• Film wedding photographer in Virginia Beach

• Raw wedding day moments captured naturally

What Couples Say About Working With Us:

“We were both camera shy, but they made us feel so comfortable. Our photos felt like us—not forced or staged.”
— Ryan & Alex, New York Wedding

“The way our emotions were documented throughout the day… we’ve never seen ourselves like this. It’s everything we hoped for and more.”
— Eric & Melissa, New Jersey Wedding

Based in Virginia Beach — Available for Weddings Worldwide

We’re based in Virginia Beach, but we travel far and wide to tell stories for couples who value intentional, heartfelt imagery. Whether your day takes place on the coast, in the mountains, or in a quiet backyard, we’d love to be there to document it for you.

Ready to Work With a Team That Makes You Feel Like You?

If you’re searching for a wedding photo & video team that will capture your story in an emotional, natural, and low-pressure way—we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Reach out to us here to inquire about your wedding date.
Let’s create something that feels like you, in the most honest and beautiful way possible.