Looking natural during your couples photoshoot.

Think you need to be a full-time model to look natural on camera? What if I told you that Austin and Lucy had absolutely no previous experience with professional photography or posing prior to our couple's photo session on Brighton beach last month? Looking back at the lovely authentic photos we captured I almost can't believe it myself! But because they showed up with an open mind, ready to have some fun and not take themselves too seriously, the end result was a gallery of over 200 authentic, joy-filled images which make them look like seasoned pros.

I met Austin and Lucy by chance one evening on Brighton Bandstand, just after sunset. They were sharing a really sweet moment dancing together, silhouetted against the sky. I couldn't resist snapping a photo on my phone, and went over to introduce myself so I could send it to them. They told me they were engaged, and that small moment led to this session. We even recreated the original phone photo properly during their shoot, which you’ll see towards the end of the gallery.

They left their photo shoot feeling far more relaxed about having professional photos taken on their upcoming wedding day, which is something many couples are understandably nervous about. Camera shyness is a common stress, so overcoming that ahead of time was really important, and gave them one less thing to worry about on their big day. So if you're someone who's nervous about having your photo taken, have a scroll as I take you through these images of Austin & Lucy, along with some tips for how I help couples break free from camera-shyness in my photo shoots!

Don’t worry about “posing” — just focus on each other.

Instead of encouraging couples to think about how they look, I create situations where they're more focused on how they feel. That could be sharing a laugh, a hug, a dance, or just a goofy moment.

Natural interactions always looks better than forced poses. And if you're thinking, but how do I act natural? Don't worry! I start by telling you exactly what to do: where to stand, where to look, what to do with your hands. Think of that as setting up the canvas before we start painting. From there I'll guide you with subtle prompts — maybe whispering something to each other, or simply looking into each other's eyes. The prompts are designed to evoke real reactions and genuine moments between you both which I'll capture as they happen.

It's not about nailing any specific pose, but rather capturing your connection and getting you to focus on each other instead of me, with zero pressure to be perfect. Before you know it you'll be interacting like I'm not even there.

Keep moving.

I always recommend never staying still for too long. Movement helps shake off awkwardness, so I'll always be prompting couples to walk together, spin, play, or sway together. Even small movements help keep things natural, so we'll always go with the flow. I’m also constantly on the lookout for interesting spots, backgrounds, and light, to keep the session dynamic and keep your photos varied and unique.

Dress comfortably and true to yourself.

One of the most common questions I get before a photo shoot is: “What should we wear?” I’ve got a few helpful guidelines, but the main thing is to feel like yourself. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Skip the big logos and graphics – You want the focus to be on you, not a loud brand name or bright design stealing the spotlight.

Go easy on bold patterns – Stripes, spots, or clashing prints can draw the eye away from your wonderful faces

Avoid all black – While it might look sleek, it sometimes causes you to blend into the background depending on location and lighting.

Coordinate but don’t match – You don’t need to wear the same thing, but a sense of cohesion (in tone, style, or vibe) always looks great. For example, if one of you is in a floaty dress and the other’s in a full tracksuit… it might look a little off.

Wear clothes you can move in - We won't be standing still the whole time, so having an outfit you can freely move, sit, hug and laugh in is key.

That said, the most important thing is that your outfit feels right for you. Whether you dress up or keep it casual, don’t wear something just because it “looks good”. Wear what feels comfortable, and if breaking one of the above “rules” is what makes you feel amazing, then go for it!

CHOOSE A LOCATION THAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU

The location of your couple shoot can play a big role in how comfortable you’ll feel, and how the photos turn out. Here’s what I recommend:

Pick a place that suits your vibe – If you love the outdoors, we could head to the beach, woods, or open fields. If you’re more into the urban landscape, then colourful streets or city parks can be perfect.

Consider somewhere meaningful – A place that’s part of your story, like where you had a first date or a favourite walk, can add a layer of connection to the images.

Avoid places that stress you out – If crowds make you nervous or you don't like the idea of being photographed in a public place, we can steer clear of busy spots. It's about finding somewhere that you can be yourselves.

I’ve got ideas if you’re unsure – You don’t have to have it all figured out. I’m happy to suggest locations based on your vibe, the kind of backdrop you like, or just the mood you’re going for.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Hopefully that's me! Here’s how communication can help you feel relaxed on your photo shoot:

Let them know how you’re feeling – Nervous? Excited? Awkward in front of the camera? A good photographer can adapt the session to make you feel more at ease.

Tell them a bit about yourselves beforehand – How you met, what you like doing together, what makes you laugh. These little details help your photographer tailor the session to you and prompt natural moments.

Speak up during the shoot – If something feels off, uncomfortable, or not “you,” say so! It’s your session and it should be fun.

Ask questions – Whether it’s what to wear, what to expect, or whether you can bring your dog (always a yes), don’t be afraid to ask.

In conclusion, Be yourself!

Hopefully you feel a little more prepared for your couple photography session, and a little more at ease if you're someone who feels particularly awkward in front of the camera. Will this get rid of all your nerves? Of course not! Having your picture taken is always going to feel a bit weird at first, but a good photographer won't pretend otherwise, and will never rush you. As long as you show up with an open mind and ready to feel a bit silly at first, you will be absolutely fine. And the end result will forever thank you for it.

Looking at these pictures of Austin and Lucy, would you know that they felt the same nerves most people do about having their picture taken? Or does it look like they ended up having so much fun that they've completely forgotten the camera was even there?