What is Natural Wedding Photography?
If the idea of being the centre of attention on your wedding day makes you feel a little uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many couples tell me they’re worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, or that their wedding will turn into one long photoshoot.
That’s exactly where a natural, relaxed approach to wedding photography comes in.
Your wedding day should be about celebrating your relationship, with the people you love - not about worrying where to stand, how to pose, or whether you’re “doing it right” for the photos. Natural wedding photography is designed to take that pressure away, while still giving you beautiful, meaningful images you’ll love looking back on for years to come.
So what does that actually look like on a real wedding day?
Let me explain a little more about my approach and the experience you can expect.
A Balanced Approach
Once couples decide they don’t want posed, magazine-style images, they often assume the only alternative is completely documentary coverage - the promise that nothing will be staged and everything will just “happen naturally”.
While that sounds appealing, in reality most couples appreciate a little guidance. After all, this is likely the first time you're doing this, and you’re not expected to know what works best in front of a camera.
My approach sits somewhere in the middle.
There are moments during your day where it’s best for me to step back, observe, and quietly document what’s unfolding. These are the moments full of genuine emotion - laughter, nerves, happy tears, hugs, and those interactions you might not even notice at the time.
At other points, I’ll gently guide things. I’ll look for flattering light, beautiful backdrops, and calm pockets of time, and I’ll give you simple direction so your photos feel relaxed and natural, never stiff or forced.
You’re never “performing”. You’re just being yourselves - with a bit of help when it’s needed.
Let’s break it down
Getting Ready
Bridal prep is largely documentary - I’d say around 10% of it is gently guided, and that’s very intentional.
This usually includes photographing key details such as outfits, accessories, flowers and stationery, as well as a relaxed group photo with the people you’re getting ready with. These are the images that help set the scene and give context to the rest of the story.
Outside of that, I let the morning unfold naturally. I’ll quietly observe, step back when needed, and capture the interactions as they happen. I may suggest standing near a window or adjusting where something is happening for better light, but nothing is rushed or overly staged. It’s about keeping the morning calm, enjoyable, and true to how it felt.
The Ceremony
During your ceremony, my role is to be as unobtrusive as possible. I’ll move carefully and respectfully to capture different angles, expressions, and interactions, but without interrupting what’s happening.
Group Photos
I keep this part of the day organised and efficient so it doesn’t take over your time with guests. I’ll guide people where to stand, keep things moving, and make sure everyone feels comfortable.
The aim is to get the photos you’ll value in the future, without it feeling like a chore.
Couple Portraits
This is where couples often say, “But we’re awkward in photos…” and it’s exactly why my approach works so well.
Natural wedding portraits don’t mean being left to stand there wondering what to do. Instead, I give gentle prompts that get you moving, talking, laughing, and interacting with each other. You might walk together, hold hands, look at each other, or simply have a quiet moment away from the crowd.
By keeping things fluid and relaxed, the focus shifts away from the camera and back onto each other. The result? Portraits that feel genuine, comfortable, and very you.
The Evening
As the day moves into the evening, my approach becomes even more hands-off. This is when guests relax, personalities come out, and some of the most joyful, unexpected moments happen.
I’ll be moving around the room capturing candid interactions, the moves on the dancefloor, and the atmosphere as it builds. These photos often become favourites - not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real.
That said, if you or your guests want a photo together, just grab me - I'm more than happy to help. Natural photography doesn’t mean disappearing - it means being present without directing the flow of the evening.
A Final Thought
Natural wedding photography isn’t about leaving everything to chance, and it’s not about turning your day into a styled shoot either. It’s about knowing when to step back and when to gently guide, so you can enjoy your wedding without feeling watched, posed, or pressured.
Your day will move quickly. Things will happen that you don’t see. Moments will pass in a blur. My role is to quietly collect those memories for you - the big ones, the small ones, and everything in between.
If you’re planning a wedding and want photography that feels relaxed, honest, and focused on people rather than poses, I’d love to hear more about your plans.
Written by Eleth Mageehan
First Written: 7th June 2023, Last Updated: 22nd January 2026
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