The camera points at me and…I freeze! I’m thinking about what lens the photographer is using. Does it make me look fat? Is everyone looking at me? Can they tell how anxious I am? Does this photographer have any idea about what it’s like to feel this way?
Getting married when you’re an introvert can be difficult. You just want to relax and have a good time and all of a sudden, you’re the center of attention. Throw having your picture taken into the mix and you have a recipe for anxiety.
And listen, there’s nothing wrong with being camera shy. I feel like, with most of the couples who contact me, at least one person describes themselves as camera shy/unphotogenic/introverted.
Never fear! I understand where you’re coming from. I get EXTREMELY anxious when I’m having my picture taken. That’s why I put together this wedding photography survival guide for introverts:
Practice Makes Perfect
The more often you’re in front of the camera, the less it feels like a chore. I highly recommend having an engagement photo session.
I’m fairly introverted myself, until I get to know the people I’m dealing with. It’s one of the reasons I go out of my way to learn as much as possible about the couples I’m working with. That way we all feel more comfortable around each other, and I’m not just some guy who shows up on the wedding day.
Become Friends With the Camera
I cringe when I see a camera pointed my way. There’s just so much going on in my head. If you feel the same way, one of the ways to make yourself feel more comfortable is to JUST DO IT.
Seriously, I do this ALL THE TIME. I have to post pictures and videos of myself on social media for my business, and I don’t like looking at myself in photos, but I have to. And, to be honest, the more often I do it, the more comfortable I feel.
My obective side starts to win out and I realize it’s not so bad after all.
Take selfies. You don’t have to post them. You don’t even have to smile. When a friend pulls out their phone to take a picture, don’t run away. Lean in! Get comfortable!
Put a Frame On It
Print out your favorite photo of the two of you, even if it’s just a 4×6. Put it in a frame and put it up somewhere around your home where you will see it often.
Look at it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!
Think about your love for one another every time you look at that photo. Those are the types of photos you’re going to get on your wedding day, with the your partner as well as with your friends and family members.
Do A First Look
There are a lot of good reasons for having a first look, but, if you’re an introvert, I think it is absolutely essential.
The moment you first see each other can be as private as you want it to be. It can be just the two of you, or you can invite a few close friends and family members if you want.
Either way, you have control over the moment and you don’t have to worry about a crowd. Also, take it from me, it does not lessen the emotional impact of seeing one another down the aisle.
Look at Your Partner
Remember what your wedding day is ALL about – your love for one another.
Your partner is marrying you!
They want YOU!!
All of those other people there, they don’t matter. This isn’t about them. It’s about the two of you.
Your Outfit is Your Armor
You’re going to be dressed up on your wedding day, whatever your form of fancy might be.
Your wedding attire should instill confidence. So, think of it like a suit of armor making you more powerful!
I have your back!
I know what you’re going through. I know how difficult it can feel, and I’m here to help. Your wedding day is going to be awesome, and I want to help. Reach out to me and let’s get a conversation going. Let me know what I can do to make this process easier for you!
