You know the moment. You’re standing in front of someone with a camera, vaguely holding hands with your partner, totally unsure where your feet should go or what you’re supposed to do with your face. Yep — that’s awkward city, population: you two.

If that sounds way too familiar, you’re not alone. As a Charlotte wedding photographer who spends a lot of time with couples who describe themselves as “not photo people,” let me be the one to tell you: feeling awkward at first is 100% normal. Truly!

I’ve had couples show up saying, “We’re not the PDA type,” or “They hate having their photo taken,” only to leave laughing, hugging, and saying, “That was actually fun!” And that transformation? It’s my favorite kind of magic to witness.

Let’s talk about how we get you there – from awkward to authentic – with real tips that’ll help you enjoy your engagement session and (bonus!) feel like yourself every step of the way.

Why Feeling Awkward Happens (and Why It’s Totally OK)

Let’s be real: unless you moonlight as a model, having a camera pointed at you can feel super weird. There’s pressure to perform, to “smile naturally,” to act like no one’s watching when someone absolutely is. It’s enough to make anyone freeze up.

That’s why I don’t expect you to just “know” how to pose or act naturally during your session… because that’s my job – guiding you through each step and helping you relax into the moment. I’ve worked with so many couples (especially around Charlotte, Fort Mill, Waxhaw, and Indian Land) who showed up nervous and left giddy…and with gorgeous, genuine photos that reflect who they really are.

One sweet couple I photographed in Fort Mill told me right off the bat: “We’re nervous. We’ve never done this before.” But I could see their natural chemistry immediately, even in the jitters. With lots of praise, a few laughs, some goofy prompts, and sneak peeks on the back of my camera to show how incredible they looked, they melted into the moment and totally rocked it.

My Top Tips for Making Photos Feel Natural (Even if You’re Awkward)

1. Trust Your Photographer to Lead the Way

I get it. Worrying about where to look, how to stand, and if your arm looks weird can be distracting. But here’s the good news: it’s not your job to know what to do. I use a mix of simple poses and fun, personalized prompts so you never have to guess what’s next.

Whether it’s a cozy forehead touch or a silly prompt that gets you laughing, your only role is to show up exactly as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.

2. Turn the Session Into a Date

One of my favorite tricks? Treat your engagement session like a fun, low-key date night. Wear something that makes you feel good (not just look good), choose a location that fits your vibe (coffee shop cuties or mountaintop dreamers, let’s go!), and let it be about the two of you enjoying each other.

Bonus tip: bring music! I’ll happily play your favorite playlist on my speaker to help bring out that natural joy and comfort.

3. Give Praise, Get Confidence

This one’s on me during the shoot, but it matters: I love hyping my couples up with compliments, genuine encouragement, and little wins along the way. You’d be amazed how a simple “Yes!! That was perfect!” followed by letting you peek at the back of the camera turns nerves into pride fast.

When you see how amazing you look — not overly posed, but genuinely joyful and connected — the confidence kicks in like a Super Mario power-up.

4. Don’t Fake It, Just Feel It

Awkward about PDA? No problem. Your session isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. If piggyback rides and eyebrow kisses make you cringe, skip them! We’ll capture the type of connection that’s real for you, whether that’s quiet hand-holding or cracking up during an inside joke.

I always tell my clients: “You don’t have to perform. Just show up as yourself.” Real smiles. Real laughter. Real love.

5. Keep Moving (Motion = Emotion!)

Still poses can feel, well…stiff. That’s why I like to keep sessions moving enough to stay relaxed. Walking, swaying, even spinning around (light twirls only, ha) help break static tension and replace it with real interaction.

Think: laughing while bumping shoulders, sneaky forehead kisses while strolling, or simply reveling in the moment. Movement invites emotion, and emotion makes the best photos.

You Deserve Photos That Feel Like You

I truly believe that every couple deserves to see their love reflected in joyful, authentic photos. Not pictures that look like someone else’s Pinterest board, but ones that feel warm, connected, and completely you.

Feeling awkward doesn’t mean you won’t get amazing pictures. If anything, your vulnerability makes your story even richer. I’s my joy to help you feel seen and celebrated just as you are.

So if your partner is unsure, if you’re nervous about not being “camera-ready,” pause and breathe…because the truth is, you don’t need to change a thing to be photo-worthy.

Ready To Feel Comfortable & Confident?

Let’s turn those nerves into laughter and those awkward vibes into genuine memories. I’d love to help you both feel like yourselves in every photo: confident, comfortable, and connected.

You can learn more about engagement sessions (included in all my wedding photography coverage!) at Claudia Wolff Photography, and if you’re ready to chat or start planning your own relaxed, joy-filled engagement session, just reach out here. I’m here to make magic (and mischief!) with you.

Love,
Claudia