Forever Wild Vows is a small but mighty team that helps couples elope in Adirondacks and throughout New York State.
Elopement Photo Tips for Camera-Shy Couples
Feeling nervous about being in front of the camera on your elopement day? You’re not alone! Many couples worry about looking awkward or “staged” in their photos. As seasoned Adirondack elopement photographers, we would like to offer tips for camera-shy couples for a stress-free and carefree experience. Let’s dive in!

How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
- Choose a Photographer You Trust
The right photographer will make you feel comfortable from the start. Look for someone whose style you love, understands your position as a camera-shy couple, and who you feel a genuine connection with. Trust is key to letting go and being yourself. - Communicate Your Concerns
Share any worries or insecurities you have with your photographer ahead of time. This helps them understand how to guide you during the shoot and ensure you feel confident! - Focus on Each Other, Not the Camera
The best way to forget the camera is to focus on each other! Remember, your elopement day is about the two of you—everything else fades away when you focus on that. - Wear Something You Love
Feeling comfortable in your outfit makes a big difference. Choose attire that you feel good in and can move around easily. This will help you relax and feel more like yourself. - Breathe and Take Your Time
Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that there’s no rush. We’ll take things at your pace, allowing you to feel natural and relaxed.
Posing Naturally and Creating Candid Moments
1. Move Together
Fact: The simple and candid moments can create the most interesting shots. Don’t worry about posing perfectly. Simply hold hands, walk, dance, or play around. Movement creates natural, candid moments that look and feel genuine. Just enjoy the moment and we got the rest!
2. Use Prompts Instead of Poses
Feeling comfortable in posing especially during close-ups can be challenging for camera-shy couples. So, instead of rigid poses, we use fun and simple prompts to capture real emotions. We might ask you to whisper something funny to your partner, or to recall a favorite memory! These prompts create authentic smiles and reactions.
3. Embrace the Imperfections
The best photos often come from unplanned moments and elements around you—the wind blowing your hair, a burst of laughter, or even a splash of rainfall! Don’t be afraid to be yourself and embrace these unpredictable surprises that could bring out the most authentic and beautiful expressions!
The Role of the Photographer
in Making You Feel at Ease
- Building Trust and Comfort
One of our main goals as your photographer is to help especially our camera-shy couples to feel comfortable during your elopement (and in front of the camera). Before the big day, we’ll get to know you as a couple—your personalities, your story, and your vision for the day. This helps us create a relaxed atmosphere where you feel free to be yourselves! - Guiding, Not Directing
Like mentioned above, apart from getting candid moments, we provide prompts that encourage natural interaction. Think of it as a gentle nudge to bring out your unique dynamic as a couple—whether that’s playful, romantic, or a mix of both! - Creating a Relaxed Environment
We’re all about making your elopement easy and enjoyable. Whether it’s finding a quiet location or keeping things light, we’ll help you relax and enjoy every moment (even our camera-shy couples barely notice the camera)!
If you and your partner are a camera-shy couple, don’t worry—it’s completely normal! With the right photographer, a few simple tips, and a focus on being yourself, you can achieve beautiful, natural elopement photos that reflect your love and personality. Our job is to make you feel like being in front of the camera is the most natural thing, so you can enjoy your elopement stress-free and carefree!
Ready to capture your adventure in the Adirondacks? Let’s make some magic together!