Battling Wedding Day Anxiety: Tips for Building Confidence as a Wedding Photographer
DEAR DEVLIN…
Battling Wedding Day Anxiety
“Dear Devlin, I’m not new, new to wedding photography, but I have only been doing this a few years along with my full time job. What I’m worried about is that I worry that people don’t relax with me in front of the camera, I give compliments and am chatty but I worry I’m not like other photographers who constantly seem to get amazing feedback. I try really hard on a wedding, I am easy going, really nice but I feel very anxious like I haven’t performed after a wedding. I don’t know if people can sense my anxiety on a wedding, or if it is all in my head. Have you got any advice?”
Tortured Photography Society
“The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Have a detailed plan for the wedding day, including a shot list and a timeline. ”
Dear Tortured Photography Society,
First off, it’s great that you’re reaching out for advice – recognising and addressing your concerns is a crucial step toward growth and confidence as a wedding photographer. Feeling anxious, especially when balancing wedding photography with a full-time job, is completely normal. Here are some tips to help you build confidence and create a more relaxed environment for your clients:
1. Recognise Imposter Syndrome
Understand that imposter syndrome is a common experience among creatives. Many photographers, even those who seem incredibly successful, have felt the same way at some point. Remember, social media is a curated space where people showcase their best moments. Rarely does anyone share their struggles or less-than-perfect reviews.
2. Set Up a Client Feedback Survey
Instead of guessing how your clients felt about working with you, set up a client feedback survey. This can provide you with valuable insights and help you understand what you’re doing well and where you can improve. Honest feedback from your clients can be incredibly reassuring and help you grow.
3. Build a Connection Before the Wedding Day
Spend time getting to know your clients before the wedding. Schedule an engagement shoot or a pre-wedding consultation. This helps build rapport and makes them feel more comfortable around you. The more they see you as a friend rather than just a service provider, the more relaxed they’ll be.
4. Preparation is Key
The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Have a detailed plan for the wedding day, including a shot list and a timeline. Familiarise yourself with the venue beforehand if possible. I usually have a good look around any blog posts that I can find from a venue so I can see it in all kinds of weather and I arrive early to do a recce. Knowing what to expect can significantly reduce anxiety.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques
Incorporate mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques into your routine. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even a quick walk can help calm your nerves. Arrive early to give yourself time to settle in, if you cut it fine, you will arrive stressed. Instead I like to get to prep slightly before my start time and introduce myself to whoever is there, have a brief chat with the principal client and then get a camera out.
6. Positive Reinforcement
Remind yourself of past successes and positive feedback. Create a folder of client testimonials and thank you cards to review when you’re feeling anxious. I call this a ‘Glory File’ and advise every photographer to have one because our natural position is to only recall the negative things that people say about us and gloss over the positive things. Yet positive reinforcement can boost your confidence and remind you of your capabilities.
7. Develop a Signature Style
Focus on what makes your work unique. Your clients chose you for a reason, and it’s often because of your individual style and approach. Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through in your interactions and your work. Knowing that you have a signature style gives you something to always rely on when you are thinking of what to photograph.
8. Communicate Clearly
Clear communication can alleviate anxiety for both you and your clients. Let them know what to expect from you on the wedding day. Being clear about your process helps them feel at ease and reduces uncertainty. Remember this is often the only time they are professionally photographed away from school photos and corporate headshots.
Battling Wedding Day Anxiety: Tips for Building Confidence as a Wedding Photographer
9. Aim To Enjoy Yourself
When you’re relaxed and enjoying yourself, your clients are more likely to mirror that energy. If you go in tense then this will add to any anxiety they already have. I’ll bet that you enjoy photographing weddings way more than that full-time job so try thinking this is my time to have some creative fun and get paid for it!
10. Let Go Of Perfection
Remember that capturing genuine interactions is more important than achieving technical perfection. Focus on the connections and emotions, that make each wedding unique. These authentic captures often resonate more with clients than perfectly posed shots.
11. Understand The Context
Brits can be awkward in front of the camera, often brought up to avoid showing off, which creates tension. As an empath, you might pick up on and absorb this tension, but remember, it’s not your responsibility to change their nature. All you can do is create a good experience for them, which it sounds like you’re already doing, and deliver photos that reflect the wedding back to your couples.
12. Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from your clients and peers. Constructive criticism can be incredibly valuable. Additionally, consider finding a mentor or joining a community of photographers, like our Photography Farm, for support and guidance.
Remember, nobody constantly gets amazing feedback, and everyone experiences times of doubt. Social media often portrays a shiny, happy world, but it’s important to understand that everyone, even the most successful photographers, face challenges and receive occasional negative reviews. Your commitment to your craft and willingness to improve are what truly set you apart. Keep pushing forward, and your confidence will grow. Remember the more relaxed you are, the more at ease your subjects will be.
I never leave a wedding thinking ‘I nailed that!’ and more often than not spend the journey home thinking only of the photos that I didn’t take. However, these wise words from John Dolan at our Thrive conference helped with this: “Don’t worry about the pictures you miss because your clients only get the pictures you take.”
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