Article by Kellianne Newiss

I'm So Awkward in Front of the Camera...

“I’m so awkward in front of the camera.”

Honestly? This is probably one of the most common things I hear from couples before they book me as their wedding photographer.

And my answer is always the same… You are absolutely not alone.

So many of the couples I meet tell me they’re nervous about having their photographs taken. They don’t know how to pose, they worry they’ll look awkward, or they simply hate having a camera pointed at them.

The good news? It’s my job to make sure you don’t have to worry about any of that.

As a wedding photographer covering Manchester, Stockport, Cheshire and the Peak District, my approach has never been about forcing couples into stiff poses or creating photographs that don’t feel like them.

Instead, I want your wedding photography experience to feel relaxed, natural and enjoyable.

You don’t need to know how to pose

I’m a big believer that the best wedding photographs happen when you’re actually enjoying your wedding day.

Rather than standing you in front of a camera and telling you exactly where to put your hands, I’ll encourage you to walk, chat, laugh, cuddle, look at each other and simply spend time together.

While you’re doing that, I’ll be quietly looking for all those lovely little moments. The stolen glances. The nervous laughter. The ridiculous jokes. The way you hold each other. The moments when you forget I’m even there.

And yes, I’ll give you some gentle direction when you need it. You’ll never be left standing there thinking, “Erm… what do we do now?” I might even throw in a few terrible jokes along the way. Anything for a genuine smile!

Natural wedding photography without the awkward posing

When couples search for a natural wedding photographer in Manchester, Stockport or Cheshire, they’re often looking for something very different from traditional, heavily posed wedding photography.

And that’s exactly how I like to work. I want your photographs to look and feel like you.

That doesn’t mean I won’t take some beautiful portraits of you both. I absolutely will. But rather than spending hours on formal posing, I prefer to create portraits that feel natural and relaxed.

Maybe we’ll take a little walk around your venue. Perhaps we’ll find a quiet corner away from your guests. Maybe we’ll head outside for some golden-hour photographs. Or, if you’re having a city wedding in Manchester, we might wander through the streets and use the architecture and atmosphere around us.

The photographs become part of the experience rather than an interruption to your wedding day.

Wedding photography for people who hate having their photograph taken

If the thought of couple photographs makes you feel slightly terrified, I promise you’re not the only one.

I’ve photographed hundreds of people who have told me: “I hate having my photograph taken.” And then, afterwards, they’re often surprised by how much they enjoyed it.

My background as a model also gives me a really good understanding of what it feels like to be on the other side of the camera. I know how strange it can feel when someone is watching you and taking photographs.

That’s why I’m constantly looking for ways to make you feel comfortable rather than self-conscious.

You don’t have to become a model for the day. You just have to be yourselves.

Why I include a pre-wedding shoot

One of the reasons I include a pre-wedding shoot with my full-day wedding photography packages is because it gives us the perfect opportunity to get to know each other before your wedding day.

You get to experience what it’s like to be in front of my camera without hundreds of guests watching you. We can have a wander, chat, laugh and try a few different things.

You’ll quickly discover that having your photograph taken doesn’t have to feel awkward at all.

And by the time your wedding day arrives, you already know me, you know how I work and you know that I’m not going to spend the day shouting instructions at you! Instead, you can relax and enjoy yourselves while I get on with capturing the story of your day.

More than just your wedding photographer

For me, being your wedding photographer isn’t simply about turning up on the morning of your wedding with two cameras. I want you to feel supported from the moment you enquire.

That might mean meeting for a coffee in Stockport or Manchester, having a Zoom call, helping you think through your photography timeline, answering questions or simply reassuring you when wedding planning starts to feel a little overwhelming.

I’ve photographed weddings in Manchester city centre, Stockport, Cheshire and the Peak District, as well as weddings further afield, and no two celebrations are ever the same.

Whether you’re planning a big wedding, an intimate celebration, a city elopement or something completely different, I want your photographs to reflect the two of you.

What my couples say

One of my lovely brides, Sarah, recently left me this review:

“Kellianne made our day truly special. She is such a wonderful, bubbly person and made me feel completely at ease throughout our wedding day. Her ability to capture beautiful, natural photographs is incredible. From our first conversation through to the wedding itself, she made everything stress-free and easy. She genuinely feels like someone you’ve known for years.”

She also mentioned how I helped when parts of the day changed at the last minute, and apparently even made sure the bride and groom got drinks when the bar was busy!

That review means so much to me because it sums up exactly what I want every couple to feel. Relaxed. Comfortable. Supported. And like you’ve got a friend with a camera rather than someone making you pose all day.

You don’t have to be “good” in photographs

I think sometimes we put far too much pressure on ourselves to look perfect in photographs.

Your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot. It’s the day you marry your favourite person.

So I want you to remember how it felt. The nerves before the ceremony. The moment you see each other. Your friends making you laugh. Your parents getting emotional. The ridiculous dancing. The champagne. The quiet moments together. The people you love being in the same room.

Those are the things I want to photograph. And those are often the photographs you’ll treasure the most.

Wedding photography in Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire

If you’re looking for a relaxed, natural wedding photographer in Manchester, Stockport, Cheshire or the Peak District, particularly if you’re someone who feels awkward in front of the camera, I’d love to hear from you.

You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to be comfortable in front of a camera. And you definitely don’t need to become someone you’re not for your wedding photographs.

You just need to be yourselves. I’ll take care of the rest.

Looking for a wedding photographer?

If you’re planning your wedding in Manchester, Stockport, Cheshire, the Peak District or beyond, get in touch and tell me all about your plans.

I’d love to hear your story, have a chat about what you’re looking for and see whether I might be the right photographer for you.

Kellianne Photographer
Natural, relaxed wedding photography across Manchester, Stockport, Cheshire and the Peak District.
Storyteller • Image Maker • Creative Photographer
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