Relaxed wedding photos without awkward poses: this is how it worked for Carla & Alfred

We aren't fashion models, you know.

It is probably the sentence I hear most often from couples. Carla and Alfred said exactly the same thing when we spoke about their wedding. They wanted beautiful photos, but were afraid it would feel forced. No stiff poses. No overly romantic scenes.

Just photos that show who they really are. And that is exactly where good wedding photography begins for me. Not with perfect poses, but with trust and pleasant guidance.

A mix of guidance and spontaneous moments

During their shoot, we opted for a combination of quiet, classic moments and a more documentary style of photography. I let things unfold, but I certainly don't leave couples to their own devices. After all, most people don't stand in front of a camera every week.

That is why I provide guidance where necessary. Sometimes that is a small suggestion, sometimes a playful activity. Think of walking a short distance together, a little lift, a mini dance, or simply looking at each other while you talk.

It doesn't have to be that serious at all. In fact, the less you focus on “looking good in the photos,” the more natural the result becomes. I’ve even played Annemaria Koekoek with a couple to take the tension off. Anything goes, as long as it suits you. For Carla and Alfred, the focus was mainly on relaxation. Their wedding day would already be packed enough, so the photoshoot became a moment to step away from the hustle and bustle together for a while.

And it is precisely then that the most beautiful images are often created.

Documentary wedding photography does not mean that you have to come up with everything yourself.

A common concern among couples is that spontaneous photography means they just have to do whatever they want in front of the camera. Fortunately, that is not how it works. My role is to create the right conditions. I pay attention to the light, the surroundings, and your interaction. Sometimes I provide a little direction; sometimes I simply let a moment happen. This balance ensures that the photos feel natural, yet are still beautiful and well-thought-out. Carla and Alfred started their session a little cautiously, but after a few minutes, they were completely in their own bubble. From that moment on, I basically just had to move along with them.

blossoming love

a walk in the park

romantic get-together

Love bridges all

cuddling in the park

wedding bouquet

This is how you prepare for relaxed wedding photos.

There are a few simple things that help enormously to ensure the photography on your wedding day runs smoothly.

This is how you prepare for relaxed wedding photos.

Good preparation ensures that the photo shoot on your wedding day feels relaxed. A few small choices in the planning often make a big difference.

Start the day calmly

The preparations for a wedding day are often one of the most beautiful moments to capture. The atmosphere is still calm, and the tension of the day is slowly beginning to build.

I usually spend about an hour photographing this moment. Think of putting on the dress, the makeup artist's finishing touches, or friends helping you get ready.

A relaxed morning immediately creates a pleasant energy that you will also see reflected later during the reportage.

Choose a photo location close to your wedding venue

Time flies on a wedding day. Long travel times for photos often only make the schedule busier. That is why I almost always recommend a location close to your wedding venue. Many places have beautiful nature or stunning architecture in the surroundings that we can make use of. This way, you have more time left to enjoy the day together.

Allow sufficient time for the report.

For the photoshoot itself, about an hour is often ideal. That allows enough time to use different locations and let moments unfold without it feeling rushed.

Would you also like to have a first look? Then a little more time is often nice.

Just together, away from the hustle and bustle of the day

Many couples view the pre-wedding photoshoot as an exciting part of their wedding. In reality, however, it often turns out to be one of the most relaxed moments. After all, it is the only time you are together, away from all the guests and the impressions of the day. Carla and Alfred told me afterwards that this was exactly what they needed. Just taking a breath together, laughing, and realizing: this is our day.

And in the meantime, the photos emerge naturally.