Hate Having Your Picture Taken?
The guide to stress-free, zero-cheese wedding photography for camera-shy couples.
My Approach
Let’s get the awkward confession out of the way first: When I speak to most of my couples who book me, the vast majority say, "We absolutely hate having our photo taken.”
If the thought of a camera being pointed at you all day makes your stomach drop, you are in good company. Usually, this fear comes from terrible school photos, forced family portraits, or the dread of a photographer making you stand in a line for two hours faking a smile while your canapés go cold.
But what if your wedding photography didn't feel like a photoshoot?
For the Camera Shy
If the thought of a camera being pointed at you all day makes your stomach drop, you are in good company. Usually, this fear comes from terrible school photos, forced family portraits, or the dread of a photographer making you stand in a line for two hours faking a smile while your canapés go cold.
The Antidote: 100% Documentary, 0% Posing
My approach to wedding photography is entirely documentary-led. I’m not there to direct your day; I’m essentially just a guest who happens to have a decent camera (who knows how to use it!)
The absolute best, most authentic photos happen when you forget I am even there. I blend into the background to capture the real story of how your day actually felt. The nervous laughs in the morning, the tearful hugs, the chaotic confetti runs, and you just sipping champagne and having a laugh with your mates. No staging, no forced moments. Just your day, totally unstaged.
The "Just 20 Minutes" Portrait Promise
"But what about the photos of just the two of us?"
Don't panic. When it comes to your first portraits as a married couple, I keep it incredibly relaxed. I will only steal you away for about 20 minutes (usually less!), usually as the sun is starting to set (when the light is best)
I don't do stiff posing. I'll just give you some very minimal direction—like where to stand for the best light—and then let you two just have a breather and a chat. It gives you a moment of quiet away from the chaos, and you'll be back on the dance floor before your guests even realise you've been gone.
The Ultimate Icebreaker: The Pre-Wedding Shoot
If you are still feeling camera nerves, my Pre-Wedding Photoshoots are the absolute best cure.
We meet up, go for a walk somewhere nice (dogs are highly encouraged!), and just hang out. It gets the "camera awkwardness" completely out of the way before the wedding day. By the time I turn up on your wedding morning, I’m just Phil, a mate with a camera, rather than a stranger telling you what to do. You might even realise that having your photo taken is actually... dare I say it? Fun! Best of all, they are included free of charge when you book me for all-day coverage of your wedding day!
Kind Words
Phil photographed our wedding at Norwood Park in the summer of 2025. From our initial contact with him, we were struck by his friendly approach, making everything so easy and stress-free.
On the wedding day, we were really impressed with his ability to put us at ease. We found that taking pictures on our big day became one of the highlights, as these periods were filled with laughs and special moments.
The pictures that we got back were incredible, capturing our guests and us in ways we will cherish forever!
Lucy & Conner
Let’s Chat About Your Day
If you want beautiful wedding photos without the awkward posing, let's grab a coffee or a cuppa Yorkshire Tea and chat.