04/07/2023
*Just a handsome groom moment over here.*
Speaking of grooms…. More often than not, I’ll have a conversation that sounds something like this, “I just want you to know is really uncomfortable having his picture taken.” Or “My partner really hates having their picture taken, is really camera shy, and might not seem like they’re having a great time.”
Hands down, THE BEST cure for a camera shy or avoidant person is a positive experience prior to the wedding—an engagement session. I’m a huge advocate for this plan whenever possible! Because here’s the thing (and this applies to all humans)… people aren’t born camera shy or photo adverse—things have happened over a lifetime creating a belief system that being photographed is uncomfortable, unpleasant, or a terrible time and has likely led to criticism (even subtly) over and over. None of that feels good, so of course the human brain is like “I hate this; abort; get me out of here!”
Experience has taught me the best remedy for camera avoidance is to have an encounter where taking photos is fun, light hearted, resulting in a good time, and followed by awesome pictures to reinforce the positive outcome and sway the brain’s negative perspective. It’s like a form of exposure therapy, so the next time the person is photographed (in this instance, the wedding day), they will know what to expect, how it will feel, understand they can take great pictures, and have a reasonably good experience doing it. Practice makes progress, every time!
Even with people who feel perfectly fine having their picture taken, engagement sessions always help to create rapport and comfortability before a wedding day and it’s the main reason why I’m such a fan! They are immensely more impactful for a person or couple who are very uncomfortable having their picture taken. If it’s logistically feasible, definitely coordinate an engagement or other pre-wedding session with your photographer; you won’t regret it.
