How to Get Natural Wedding Photos Without Feeling Posed
One of the most common things couples say to me when they first get in touch is, “We’re not very photogenic” or “We hate being posed in photos.” And honestly? That’s completely normal.
Most people don’t spend their lives in front of a camera, and the thought of being photographed all day on your wedding can feel intimidating. The good news is that natural wedding photos don’t come from knowing how to pose — they come from feeling comfortable, relaxed, and present in the moment.
As a wedding photographer in North Yorkshire and the North East, my entire approach is built around helping couples look and feel like themselves, without stiff posing or awkward instructions.
The Secret to Natural Wedding Photography Isn’t Posing
Natural wedding photography isn’t about standing a certain way, tilting your head, or knowing what to do with your hands. In fact, the more couples try to pose, the more unnatural the photos often feel.
The most genuine wedding photos happen when couples forget about the camera altogether. When you’re laughing, talking, holding hands, or sharing a quiet moment, that’s when real expressions appear. Those are the images that feel emotional, timeless, and completely you.
That’s why documentary wedding photography works so well for couples who don’t like being photographed. Instead of directing every movement, I quietly observe and capture what’s already happening.
Choose a Photographer Whose Style Matches You
This is one of the most important steps. If you want natural wedding photos, you need a photographer whose style is built around storytelling rather than heavy posing.
When you look through a photographer’s portfolio, pay attention to how the people look. Do they feel relaxed? Are they laughing? Are there moments of emotion? Or does everything look very staged and structured?
A relaxed, documentary wedding photographer will guide you gently when needed, but won’t turn your wedding day into a photoshoot. Venues like Rushpool Hall, Acklam Hall, Danby Castle Barn and Scarborough Spa are perfect for this style because they allow the day to flow naturally without constant interruption.
Forget About the Camera (Seriously)
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the biggest mindset shifts couples can make. The more you focus on the camera, the more self-conscious you’ll feel. The more you focus on each other, the more natural your photos will be.
On your wedding day, you’re not expected to perform. You’re there to get married, celebrate, and enjoy yourselves. When couples allow themselves to be present — talking, laughing, reacting — the camera becomes irrelevant, and that’s when the magic happens.
Some of the strongest images I capture are moments couples don’t even realise are being photographed at the time.
Portraits Don’t Have to Feel Awkward
Couple portraits are often the part people worry about the most, but they don’t need to feel uncomfortable or forced.
Rather than standing you in one spot and telling you to smile, I’ll usually give you something simple to do — walk together, chat, hold hands, or just take a quiet moment away from everyone else. This gives you space to relax and be yourselves, and it creates photos that feel genuine rather than posed.
Most couples are surprised by how easy this part feels once they realise it’s not about “performing” for the camera.
Build Breathing Space Into Your Timeline
Feeling rushed is one of the quickest ways to feel awkward in photos. When a wedding day timeline is too tight, couples don’t get a chance to relax, and that tension shows.
Allowing even ten or fifteen minutes of calm time for portraits can make a huge difference. It gives you a chance to breathe, connect, and enjoy being together — and that always results in better photographs.
This is something I help with during planning, making sure your wedding photography timeline supports the day rather than controlling it.
Trust the Process (and Each Other)
The couples who end up loving their wedding photos the most are usually the ones who let go of expectations and trust the process. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to worry about looking perfect. You just need to be present.
When you focus on your partner, your guests, and the experience of the day, the photos naturally take care of themselves.
That’s when you end up with images that don’t just look good, but feel like your wedding.
Natural Wedding Photography in North Yorkshire & the North East
If you’re planning a wedding and want photos that feel relaxed, honest, and full of real emotion, choosing the right photographer makes all the difference. Natural wedding photography is about telling the story of your day as it actually happened — not recreating it afterwards.
I photograph weddings across North Yorkshire, Teesside and the North East, focusing on real moments, genuine connection, and relaxed storytelling.
If you’d like to see how this approach looks in real weddings, you can explore my portfolio, read through recent wedding blogs, or get in touch for a no-pressure chat about your plans.
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Your wedding photos should feel like you — not a version of you trying to pose.
