Awkward in Photos? A Wedding Photographer’s Approach
January 22, 2026
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A Columbus, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois Wedding Photographer’s Approach.
Most couples getting married tell me the same thing before we even start: “We’re really nervous about photos or how do you make sure that we feel comfortable in front of the camera?”
If that’s you, I want you to know something right away — that’s completely normal. And more importantly, it doesn’t mean you’ll look awkward in your wedding photos. Candid wedding photos come from guidance.
In fact, it usually means you’ve just never been photographed in a way that actually works for real people.
You Don’t Hate Being Photographed. You Hate Being Asked to Perform
Most people don’t dislike photos because they’re “bad at them.” They dislike photos because of how photography usually feels. Traditional photography often feels stiff because you are being asked to stand there. Turn your body, tilt your chin, hold that smile and try to look natural. That kind of posing puts people into performance mode. Your body stiffens, your smile feels forced, and suddenly you’re reminded that a camera is watching you.
That’s not a personality flaw. That’s an approach problem. As a Columbus wedding photographer, my entire philosophy is built around removing that pressure.
Why Movement Creates More Natural Wedding Photos
Instead of asking you to stand still and perform, I guide you through gentle movement. I keep you moving with intention, offer calm direction, fix your hair and fluff your dress. Stepping in with quiet authority and then I stop before anything ever feels forced or overdone. This approach allows a few important things to happen. First, you relax faster. You stop overthinking about your body and face. Ultimately forgetting about the camera. Your connection takes over.
When couples are moving, interacting, and simply being together, their photos naturally feel more honest and emotional. View my gallery of favorite engagement photos here: https://laurawitherowphotography.com/engagements-1
Wedding Photos That Actually Feel Like You. The goal isn’t to make you look like models.
The goal is to make your photos feel like you. When you’re not stuck holding a pose, your personality comes through. The laughter, the quiet moments, the way you naturally connect. That’s when wedding photos start to feel timeless instead of staged.
This is especially important for Columbus weddings, where so many venues shine best when couples are allowed to move and exist naturally within them.
View my gallery of favorite engagement photos here: https://laurawitherowphotography.com/weddings
Nervous About Wedding Photos? You’re Not Alone.
Almost every couple I photograph, whether they’re getting married downtown, in German Village, or just outside Columbus, Ohio tells me they’re nervous about photos at first.
The difference isn’t confidence. It’s support.
When you know where to stand, what to do with your hands, and that someone is guiding you without pressure, everything changes. You don’t have to wonder if you’re “doing it right.” You just get to be present.
And that presence is what makes wedding photos feel real.
My Approach as a Chicago Wedding Photographer
I believe wedding photography should feel calm, collaborative, and human.
You don’t need to practice posing.
You don’t need to know what to do with your hands.
You don’t need to pretend to be someone you’re not.
You just need an approach that allows you to relax and someone who knows when to guide and when to step back. Learn more about me and your experience click here: https://laurawitherowphotography.com/about
If You Want Natural Wedding Photos Without Trying to “Look Natural”
If you’re planning a Columbus wedding and want photos that feel effortless, emotional, and true to who you are without forcing stiff poses or fake moments then we should talk.
Because photography doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable to look beautiful.
And you deserve wedding photos that feel like home when you look back on them.
Contact me here: https://laurawitherowphotography.com/contact
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