Why Being Nervous for Your Candid Engagement Photography Might Be the Best Thing Ever

When I sit down with couples before their wedding day or candid engagement photography, one of the most common things I hear is:
“We’re not really comfortable in front of the camera.”
“We’re pretty shy.”
“We don’t know how to pose.”And can I tell you something? I LOVE hearing this! Nine times out of ten, those couples—the ones who walk into the session feeling a little nervous or unsure—end up creating the most honest, heartfelt, and downright magical moments.

Let me explain why.

A couple stands close and embraces on a sunlit patio, with steps and a dark doorway in the background for their candid engagement photography
A couple stands close and embraces on a sunlit patio, with steps and a dark doorway in the background for their candid engagement photography
A couple stands close and embraces on a sunlit patio, with steps and a dark doorway in the background for their candid engagement photography
A couple stands close and embraces on a sunlit patio, with steps and a dark doorway in the background for their candid engagement photography
A couple stands close and embraces on a sunlit patio, with steps and a dark doorway in the background for their candid engagement photography

Leaning Into Each Other

The first thing I always tell couples who feel nervous is this: Forget the camera. Focus on each other. Hold hands. Share a quiet laugh. Whisper something silly or sweet. Those little moments—the ones that are completely and uniquely yours—are everything!

A couple embracing and smiling, standing close together. The woman has long hair and is wearing a sleeveless top, while the man is in a long-sleeve shirt for their candid engagement photography. The image is in black and white.
A couple walks hand in hand under a brick archway, smiling at each other. The woman wears a white dress, and the man wears a white shirt and khaki pants. They appear happy and relaxed for their candid engagement photography

When you let yourselves just be together, without overthinking or stressing about what’s happening on my side of the lens, magic happens!! You’re not performing or posing; you’re just living in the moment. And I promise, those are the moments your photographer (and you!) will cherish the most.

Nerves as Your Secret Superpower

Here’s the thing about nerves: they make you human. They add a layer of vulnerability that, ironically, can make your photos even more powerful and genuine. When you’re feeling shy or uncertain, you naturally gravitate toward your partner for support. You lean closer, share glances that only the two of you understand, and laugh at the awkwardness of it all. That’s where the authenticity lives—in those quiet, unposed moments.

A woman in a white dress smiles at the camera, while a man in a white shirt and brown pants stands in the background.
A couple stands holding hands against a textured wall. She is in a white dress, and he is in a white shirt and pants. Black and white photo.
A couple sits closely on a stone ledge by a pond with lily pads, the woman holding the man's arm.

I’ve seen it time and time again. Couples who are nervous end up creating something that no amount of “perfect posing” could replicate. It’s like the nerves melt away as they lean into each other, and what’s left is just pure magic.

A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors, with the woman looking at the camera and the man facing away.

Why Candid Engagement Photography Wins Every Time

The truth is, the most timeless and meaningful photos don’t come from picture-perfect poses. They come from the moments in between: the quick laugh, the way your partner looks at you when they think no one’s watching, the way you naturally find comfort in each other’s presence. And guess what? Those candid moments are exactly what I’m there to capture!

A couple kisses in a shadowed, textured stone-walled area under soft sunlight for their candid engagement photography
A couple kisses in a shadowed, textured stone-walled area under soft sunlight for their candid engagement photography

As a photographer, my job isn’t to force you into a cookie-cutter pose or make you feel like you need to be anyone or anything but yourselves! It’s to document the connection you already have—the one that’s uniquely yours. And that connection, nerves and all is what makes your photos truly special!

A couple embraces while kissing against an old stone wall on a sunny day.
A couple in white clothing holding hands and walking in a sunny open space with stone walls.
A blurred black and white image of a couple dancing outdoors in front of a historic building with three bells.
Woman in a white dress smiles while walking beside a man in front of a stone wall.
A couple embraces closely, with the man's forehead resting on the woman's head, both appearing peaceful and content. The image is in black and white.

Let’s Capture some Candid Engagement Photography!

If you’re heading into your session feeling a little nervous, don’t fight it. Let the nerves be part of the story. Focus on each other, lean into the little things, and trust that your photographer will capture the magic that naturally unfolds. At the end of the day, the best photos are the ones that feel like you. And I don’t think there’s anything more important than that. So go ahead, bring your nerves—and let’s turn them into something beautiful! Let’s Connect, contact me here!

Check out more candid engagement photography on the blog!

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