How to Handle Nerves as a Wedding Photographer: Dear Devlin
DEAR DEVLIN
How to Handle Nerves as a Wedding Photographer
Dear Devlin,
Do you ever get over the pre-wedding nerves? I’m new to the industry this year and so only have a few weddings under my belt but bookings are increasing and the anxiety I feel in the lead up isn’t improving. I expected it for my first few proper weddings but thought with a few under my belt I’d start to feel more confident.
I’ve had no problems with my delivery or anything to knock my confidence, my clients have all been happy, but I spend the 48 hours before feeling sick, with stomach issues, not sleeping, worrying about messing up and not delivering what I need to. Have you any tips for helping with this because right now, it’s making me think my brain is telling me this isn’t the right route for me!
Worried in Worcester
“So the fear you’re feeling? That’s not failure talking. That’s passion in disguise”
Dear Worried in Worcester,
Ahh, the good old pre-wedding nerves. I hear you, and I really, really get it.
Now, I would love to be able to say, “Don’t worry, this will pass with time!” But I’ve been photographing weddings for 25 years, and the truth is… the nerves have never fully gone away for me.
The day before a wedding, I still run through every possible worst-case scenario at about 2.30am what if my gear fails, what if I’m late, what if I miss the key shot, what if a memory card corrupts… The list goes on, right?
In this job, there is a lot of responsibility. We are being trusted to document one of the most important days of someone’s life, often with no second chance. Of course, that’s going to bring some nerves.
But here’s what I want you to know, nerves don’t mean you’re not cut out for this. They mean you care.
You said yourself, your clients have been happy. You’ve not dropped the ball. Your delivery is strong. So the fear you’re feeling? That’s not failure talking. That’s passion in disguise. And I promise you, the most dedicated photographers I know still get jittery before a wedding.
How I Manage the Pre-Wedding Fear
The key isn’t trying to eliminate the nerves – it’s learning to co-exist with them. Here’s what helps me:
- Preparation is your power. I prep and pack my kit two days before a wedding. Batteries charged, cards cleared, outfits picked, gear checked. I write out a day plan and send it to my second shooter if I’ve got one, so I’m not waking up thinking, “Where am I meant to be and when?”
- Clear your schedule the day before. If you can, keep the day before your weddings free of stress. Don’t shoot. Don’t run errands. Try to do fun non-work stuff and rest your body.
- Flip the script. If I find myself lying in bed replaying all the things that could go wrong, I flip it: “What’s the best that could happen?” What if the light is perfect? What if the couple are a dream to work with? What if I create some of my best work yet? This often tricks my brain into relaxing – or at least gives me a better shot at falling back asleep.
- Talk yourself down. You’ve had nerves before, and everything turned out fine. In fact, your clients loved you. So why should the next one be different? The evidence is in your favour, my friend.
Let’s Talk About the Tummy
Those stomach issues sound intense, and I do want to touch on that. Stress affects the body, and for many of us, it manifests in our gut. If you’re seeing a clear pattern in the 48 hours before a wedding, it’s time to treat those two days as sacred.
Here’s what can help:
Breathe. Stretch. Walk. A walkout in nature always clears away stress for me, a few rounds of deep belly breathing, or even a quick yoga flow or HIIT can work wonders for your nervous system.
Eat light and often. Smaller meals with good protein, fibre, and healthy fats can support digestion and stabilise energy.
Ditch the sugar, caffeine, and junk. Sorry! But keeping things simple and clean will stop any extra strain on your body.
Hydrate like a pro. Water is your friend. So is coconut water, and a good peppermint tea or ginger if your stomach needs soothing.
So… Is This Career Right for You?
In short? Yes. You’re doing brilliantly.
There is nothing in your message that says you’re failing – quite the opposite. You’re showing up, you’re delivering, your clients are happy, and you’re growing. The anxiety doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong job – it means you are passionate and want to get it right. And in this industry, we need more photographers who do.
You’re just doing something big and meaningful, and that’s always going to stir up big feelings.
CAN I HELP WITH YOUR
PROBLEM?
Drop me a note with any industry issue that you might have and I will do my best to offer up some advice.
After a couple of decades as a wedding photographer, the chances are high that I will have some experience that might be relevant or have some insight into what your best course of action could be
The process is 100% anonymous, so feel free to share whatever is on your mind currently and know that this is a safe place.
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