01/30/2026
I got a new inquiry and the bride said she normally feels awkward in photos and wants to make sure she doesn't feel that way on her wedding day. I appreciate her being honest and vulnerable like that, and after photographing weddings for many years I can say that I hear that a lot from folks.
If you share that concern, here's what I want you know. It's your photographer's job to make you feel comfortable while they are taking your photo. You should hire someone you know you can trust, and here's what you can do during your search.
1. Don't hire an agency that will send a staff photographer to your wedding. You need a photographer who will get to know you before the wedding, not a stranger. Weddings are incredibly personal and the stakes are high. In many families, there are a couple of folks who aren't getting along and it could be awkward if your photographer accidentally put those folks next to each other in a photo.
2. Hire an experienced photographer. It can be alluring to hire a talented photographer who is just getting started in the industry but experience makes a huge difference. An experienced photographer is more confident with posing and better at putting folks at ease more quickly.
3. Read photographers' reviews and pay attention to how past clients speak about what their experience is like being photographed by them. Clients should like the photos and have enjoyed having their photo taken by the photographer.
4. Make sure you identify with the couples in the photos. There are a lot of gorgeous photos out there but make sure that the general vibe of the photos matches your vibe. If a person's portfolio features couples not smiling much, that photographer probably has a more posed and more editiorial style, rather than a candid and natural style. While posed and editiorial is beautiful, it only works for certain folks to be directed in that way. It may be hard to pull off if you want to look and feel natural in your photos. Your wedding day is too precious, if you want to have fun, make sure you choose someone who likes to have fun!
If you're looking for beautiful and natural wedding photos in the SF Bay Area, please inquire!
