I’m Not Photogenic….. Rubbish

Image by Corey E Sleap Photographer

Hi, I’ll be your photographer today, what I’m going to do is make you do the teapot, the knuckle chin, the awkward dip and then I’ll get the groomsmen to hold you up while the groom peeks up your dress. WARNING – If you see any of these pictures in a photographer’s portfolio keep on googling.

I talk with couples all the time and I’m finding that one of the most common comments is, I’m not photogenic or “insert groom’s name” hates having his photo taken.

You’re not alone, after all, why do you think many photographers stand behind the camera?

The way I look at it is I have two main jobs, number one is making nice, real, beautiful pictures, and the other is integral to the first and that is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. The pictures from your wedding day are supposed to help you remember the day in a good way but if you’re looking at your pictures thinking “oh I remember this photo I felt so awkward” then the photos are not doing their job.

Solution. Find a photographer that values authenticity, someone you can hang with, someone that has the same idea as you do. The only way to work that out is to have a good conversation. I always like having a phone call first, it doesn’t take too much time and you can get a feel for the photographer before you commit to a meeting. I think some good questions to ask are, Do you have a candid style? What do you like to do for the portrait part of the day? Can we work with you on some creative ideas?

Don’t ask about gear, or if they have a second shooter or assistant or what they will wear. You can ask that all later but you want to get a feel for what the photographer is about. You could even ask where they like to go on holidays, I tell you its way more important to know who a photographer is than what gear they use.

So what has this got to do with being photogenic? I think the term photogenic is garbage! Its not important. If you can have a great day and your photographer interacts with you in such a way that you feel normal and natural then you will look like YOU in your wedding photos. I’ve never met anyone that doesn’t look absolutely stunning on their wedding day. A beautiful dress, good makeup along with the joy of the day makes anyone photogenic.

There are so many great wedding photographers who care about their art and interacting with their couples out there. Don’t settle for anyone, find someone you can get along with who takes nice pictures and you’ll be happy I promise.

Ms Gingham says: I worry about not being photogenic as I’m sure most of us who are not professional models do! I love that this advice is all designed to make sure you do what you can to make yourself as relaxed as possible on your wedding day. This way you’ll look your best and being photogenic or not has no bearing at all!

About Corey: “I picked up a camera after a trip to Thailand, working in rehabilitation homes for children rescued from brothels. I was so moved by the work there that I decided to try use my creativity to help paint the picture for people at home about what is going on over there. My good friend Dj saw my work and took me under his wing. I started photographing weddings with him and when he moved to Queensland I stepped out on my own.”