How to feel comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day: Tips from a documentary-style wedding videographer
When it comes to wedding videography, many couples feel a bit nervous about being on camera—after all, it’s not every day that you’re the star of a film! The good news is that with documentary-style wedding videography, you don’t have to worry about being overly posed or directed. This style is designed to capture your day as it naturally unfolds, giving you a relaxed and authentic wedding video without the pressure of performing for the camera.
If you’re planning on working with a documentary-style wedding videographer, here are some tips to help you feel comfortable and at ease on your big day:
1. Embrace the Natural Flow of Your Day
Documentary-style videography is all about authenticity. Your videographer’s job is to capture the day as it happens, without staging or interrupting the flow of events. That means you won’t need to worry about memorizing lines, hitting specific marks, or maintaining a perfect pose. Instead, focus on enjoying your day, being present with your partner, and savoring the real moments.
Tip: Allow yourself to fully experience the joy and emotions of the day. Whether it’s a quiet moment before the ceremony or a spontaneous dance move on the dance floor, the more relaxed and in the moment you are, the more natural your video will feel.
2. Let the Videographer Work in the Background
One of the key aspects of documentary wedding videography is the subtlety with which the videographer works. You’ll often barely notice the videographer moving around, as their goal is to blend into the background and capture genuine interactions without intruding.
Tip: If you feel nervous about the camera, remind yourself that the videographer isn’t there to direct you—they’re there to document your story as it naturally unfolds. You don’t need to act or perform; simply be yourself and enjoy your day as you would without the camera.
3. Have Fun with Your Partner and Guests
The best moments in documentary-style wedding videography come from genuine laughter, candid conversations, and organic interactions. So, instead of feeling like you need to “do” something for the camera, just focus on having fun with your partner and your loved ones.
Tip: Whether you’re having a quiet, emotional moment with your partner or laughing with your friends during the reception, let yourself enjoy the process. The more you relax and let go, the more authentic the footage will be. And remember, those candid moments are often the most memorable ones!
4. Trust Your Videographer
A good documentary-style wedding videographer is an expert at capturing authentic moments while making you feel comfortable. They won’t interrupt your special moments or force you into awkward poses. Instead, they will allow you to experience the day freely, while unobtrusively documenting it.
Tip: Before the wedding, take some time to communicate with your videographer about any concerns or preferences you may have. Discuss your vision, any must-have shots, or areas where you feel a little camera-shy. The more your videographer understands your comfort zone, the more relaxed you’ll feel on the day of the wedding.
5. Remember: You Don’t Have to Be “On” All Day
Some couples worry that they need to constantly be in the spotlight, maintaining a picture-perfect demeanor throughout the day. But with documentary-style videography, you don’t need to worry about that. The beauty of this style is that it captures moments when you’re just being yourself—whether you’re fixing your dress, sharing a quiet moment with your partner, or even laughing with your family.
Tip: You don’t need to try to look “perfect” all the time. Just let yourself be authentic and present. The moments that feel the most genuine are often the ones that will make the best memories.
6. Take a Moment to Relax Before the Day Starts
The morning of your wedding can be a whirlwind of activity, emotions, and anticipation. But taking a few quiet moments before the day begins can help you reset and feel at ease before the cameras start rolling.
Tip: Consider taking a few moments alone or with your partner before the ceremony to breathe, reflect, and collect your thoughts. Whether you meditate, write in a journal, or just quietly enjoy each other’s company, this can help you feel grounded and less camera-conscious when it’s time for your big day to unfold.
7. Allow for Unscripted Moments
One of the hallmarks of documentary-style wedding videography is its focus on unscripted, raw moments. These moments—the laughter, the happy tears, the spontaneous interactions—are what make your wedding video truly unique. Don’t feel like you have to perform for the camera or craft a “perfect” moment. Just let the day unfold naturally, and your videographer will capture those meaningful moments when you least expect it.
Tip: If you’re feeling unsure, just remind yourself that the beauty of documentary filmmaking is that the best moments often come when you’re not trying to make them happen. Let the videographer do their job, and trust that they’ll capture everything in the most natural way possible.
8. Don’t Overthink the Posing
With traditional wedding videography, there can sometimes be a focus on creating specific poses or shots. But in documentary-style videography, the emphasis is on capturing movement and real emotions rather than perfectly posed images. You won’t need to hold awkward positions for long periods or follow a specific set of instructions.
Tip: If a shot requires some direction, just follow your videographer’s cues but keep it relaxed. For example, if you’re asked to walk together or share a quiet moment, simply do what feels natural and let the videographer capture the moment. You won’t need to do anything out of the ordinary, and the result will feel more natural.
9. Stay Present and Enjoy the Day
One of the best ways to feel at ease in front of the camera is to simply focus on being present in the moment. Your wedding day is about you, your partner, and the people you love. The less you focus on how you look on camera, the more authentic your video will feel.
Tip: Whether you're walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, or celebrating with loved ones, keep your attention on the people around you and the emotions you're feeling. This genuine connection will translate into a wedding video that’s full of heart and sincerity.
Final Thoughts
Working with a documentary-style wedding videographer should be a fun, stress-free experience. By focusing on being yourself, letting go of the pressure to be “perfect,” and trusting in the subtle, unobtrusive nature of documentary filmmaking, you can feel completely at ease in front of the camera. Documentary-style videography will allow you to experience the day as it happens—naturally, beautifully, and authentically—while your videographer works quietly in the background to capture the real moments that make your wedding day so unforgettable.
So, relax, enjoy your day, and let the magic unfold! Your wedding video will be a true reflection of the love, joy, and authenticity that makes your day so special.