What NOT to Do in Wedding Photos (Unless You Fancy Looking a Bit… Odd)

Let’s be honest - most people feel at least slightly awkward in front of a camera. You’re not models, you’re not used to being photographed all day, and suddenly there’s a lens pointed at you while you’re trying to remember where to put your hands.

So, in honour of April Fool’s Day, here’s a helpful (and slightly cheeky) guide to what not to do in your wedding photos.

Because while I can work wonders… I can’t fix everything.

1. The “What Do I Do With My Hands?” Panic

Ah yes. The classic.

Hands stiff by your sides. Or worse - randomly floating mid-air like you’re about to conduct an orchestra.

Solution? Do literally anything natural:

• Hold hands

• Put a hand on your partner

• Stick one in a pocket

• Or just relax them

If you’re thinking about your hands too much, it’ll show. The goal is to look like a human, not a mannequin in a shop window.

2. The Over-the-Top Fake Laugh

You know the one. Head thrown back. Mouth wide open. Nothing remotely funny has happened.

It’s less “joyful newlywed” and more “auditioning for a toothpaste advert.”

A real smile always wins. You don’t need to perform - just be present. If something genuinely funny happens, I’ll be there to catch it.

3. The Death Grip

Holding hands is good. Crushing your partner’s fingers like you’re in a strength competition… less so.

Same goes for hugs that look more like a wrestling hold.

Relax. You like each other. This shouldn’t look like a hostage situation.

4. The “We Saw This on Pinterest” Pose

I get it. You’ve done your research.

But sometimes those ultra-styled poses look great in theory and… a bit forced in real life.

The best photos usually come from natural movement, real moments, and a bit of gentle direction - not recreating something that required a team of stylists and three hours of setup.

5. Staring Directly at the Camera All Day

You’re not taking a passport photo.

Some of the best moments happen when you’re looking at each other, chatting, laughing, or just having a quiet second together.

If you spend the whole day locked onto the lens, it’ll feel a bit… intense.

6. Trying to Be “Perfect”

This is the big one.

Perfect posture. Perfect smile. Perfect everything.

It sounds good, but in reality it often makes people look stiff and slightly uncomfortable.

What actually looks great?

• Relaxed shoulders

• Genuine expressions

• Real moments

Your wedding isn’t a photoshoot. It’s a wedding. The photos should feel like you, not a polished version of someone else.

7. Ignoring Your Photographer (That’s Me)

Look, I’m not going to boss you around all day.

But if I gently suggest, “Maybe stand over here where the light is nicer,” it’s not just for my entertainment.

Good light = better photos.
Better photos = you looking great.

Everyone wins.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to practise in the mirror. And you definitely don’t need to stress about getting it “right.”

That’s my job.

Your job is to enjoy the day, spend time with your favourite people, and maybe not crush your partner’s hand in the process.

Disclaimer: All photos featured are of couples who were wonderfully relaxed and absolutely not whispering “what do I do with my hands?” every five seconds.

Fancy Photos Without the Awkwardness?

If you like the idea of natural, relaxed wedding photos (with minimal faff and zero weird posing), I might be a good fit.

Have a look around, check out some real weddings, and if it feels like your kind of thing - get in touch.