Camera-shy? Here’s how to go from feeling self conscious to self confident in your wedding photos!

As a Northern Ireland wedding photographer who’s a bit camera-shy myself, I totally get it — the thought of being photographed all day might be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re shy or body-conscious. I think being camera-shy is a birth right here in Northern Ireland! For the most part we aren’t an overly confident bunch, but there are a few things you can do in the lead-up to your wedding that can really make a difference.

1. Choose to wear a wedding dress that feels like you
When you’re shopping for your wedding outfit i’m giving you the green light to ignore everyone else’s opinions. Don’t pick the dress your mum or bridesmaid thinks is “most flattering” — go for the one that makes you feel most like you. When you feel more confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing that always shines through in photos.

2. Fill your feed with body-positive inspiration
This one has made a huge difference for me personally. Follow body-positive accounts on Instagram or TikTok — seeing people of all shapes and sizes being confident in their own skin is such a game-changer. It helps reframe how we see ourselves and helps to builds inner confidence over time.

3. Be gentle with your self-talk
If you catch yourself looking in the mirror or at a photo and thinking something negative, stop and replace that thought with a compliment about something you do like about your physical appearance or who you are as a person. It might feel totally insincere or just a bit weird at the start but the more you do it the less that wee negative voice will pop up over time. If your body confidence issues run deeper, I’ve found that addressing those issues with a therapist can really help. If talking to someone isn’t your thing consider looking into Compassion Focused Therapy https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/resource/resources

4. Practice taking photos in your own space
Try taking a few selfies or setting up your phone to take full-body shots. Play around with angles, posture, and expressions until you find what feels good to you. It’s not about perfection — just about getting more comfortable seeing yourself through a lens.

5. Consider a pre-wedding shoot
A pre-wedding or engagement shoot can be a really useful (and actually fun!) way to ease any photo nerves. It’s like a wee practice run so you can get used to how I work as a photographer, learn what to expect, and start to feel more relaxed in front of the camera.

Having your photograph taken doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable – with a wee bit of preparation and a gentle photography approach your wedding photos can be a fun part of your day!