5 Tips to Look Natural and Confident in Your Wedding Photos

By Lauren Harrah, Myrtle Beach Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is filled with love, excitement, and emotion — all the things that make your photos truly special. But for many couples, the camera can feel a little intimidating. The secret to beautiful, authentic wedding photography isn’t perfect poses — it’s feeling comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.

Here are my top five tips to help you look natural and radiant in your wedding photos (or engagement photos), whether you’re celebrating on the shores of Myrtle Beach or anywhere love takes you.

Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera

The most genuine photos happen when you forget the camera is even there. Instead of worrying about where to look or how to stand, simply focus on your partner — laugh, whisper, dance, hold hands.

I often tell my couples to think of their wedding portraits as little moments together, not photo sessions. When you’re lost in each other, the camera captures connection — not stiffness.

Often times, I will give couples a prompt instead of just a standard pose. These prompts tend to relax a couple and illicit genuine emotion.

Pro Tip: During your engagement session, practice being together on camera. It’ll make a big difference on your wedding day!

Trust Your Photographer (That’s Me!)

Relax and let your photographer guide you. A professional wedding photographer knows how to find your best angles, direct natural movement, and capture flattering light. Communicate any insecurities that you might have to your photographer ahead of time. He or she will work around those to make you feel as confident as possible. 

On your wedding day, your only job is to enjoy it — I’ll take care of the rest. The best photos happen when you let go and trust the process.

Pro Tip: If you’re nervous, tell your photographer ahead of time. We can adjust the approach to make you feel more at ease.

Move Naturally — Don’t Pose Perfectly

Forget “perfect.” Movement brings life to your photos. Walk hand in hand, twirl your dress, share a spin on the dance floor — these are the frames that feel alive.

Rigid posing can look forced, while slight movement creates flow and emotion. Small gestures — brushing hair from your face, laughing mid-conversation, hugging tightly — tell your real story.

The photographer is there to tell your story. I love to show how the story unfolded through the day. The story comes alive with natural movement and real emotions. I want to get the laughs, tears, and even the bloopers. 

Breathe and Slow Down

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the day, but taking a deep breath before your portraits can shift everything. Slowing down helps you relax your shoulders, soften your expression, and truly enjoy the moment. If you need to take a minute to relax right before your session, let's do it. If you're stressed, that's what comes across on my camera. I am here to make you feel relaxed and at ease and tell your beautiful story. 

TIP: If something feels awkward, laugh it off — that genuine laugh might become your favorite photo.

Remember Why You’re There

The most beautiful wedding photos capture emotion, not perfection. You’re not posing for a magazine cover — you’re celebrating love. Whether it’s the tear during your vows or the uncontrollable smile when your partner cracks a joke, those little moments are what make your photos timeless.

Pro Tip: Think about your wedding day as an experience, not a photoshoot. The camera sees what you feel.

Looking natural and confident in your wedding photos starts long before the camera clicks. It’s about trust, connection, and joy. As your Myrtle Beach wedding photographer, my goal is to help you feel not just beautiful — but comfortable and completely you.

If you’re planning your wedding and want photos that capture real emotion and genuine moments, I’d love to chat!

Explore more REAL weddings HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Your photog bestie,

Lauren