How I Help Couples Relax in the 15 Minutes Before Their First Shoot

How I Help Couples Relax in the 15 Minutes Before Their First Shoot

Most couples arrive at their engagement or wedding shoot feeling some level of tension. They say things like: “We’re not photogenic.” “We always look awkward in photos.” “We hate being in front of the camera.”

And honestly — that’s completely normal. The first 10–15 minutes of almost every session feel a little strange for everyone. But by the end of those 15 minutes, something shifts. They laugh, they forget I’m there, they start being themselves — and the photos suddenly feel like them.

Here’s exactly what I do in those crucial first 15 minutes to turn nervous energy into natural, joyful connection — so the rest of the shoot flows effortlessly.

1. I Greet Them Like Friends, Not Clients

The second they step out of the car, I don’t start with “okay, let’s get started.” I greet them warmly, smile, ask how they’re feeling, make a small joke about the weather or the location. I say something like: “First 10 minutes always feel a bit weird — that’s normal for literally everyone. We’ll warm up together.”

Naming the awkwardness immediately takes away its power. They laugh. Shoulders drop. We’re already on the same team.

2. I Don’t Pick Up the Camera Right Away

I never start shooting the moment they arrive. Instead, I give them 3–5 minutes to just breathe in the space.

• I show them the location and say: “This spot is great for golden hour, but let’s just walk around first.”
• We talk about their day, how they met, a funny story — anything that makes them feel like they’re on a date, not a job.
• I point out something beautiful: “Look how the light hits the trees right now — it’s going to look amazing later.”

This short “warm-up walk” without a camera in hand lowers their guard instantly.

3. I Start with the Easiest Thing: Walking & Talking

I never begin with “stand here and smile.” I say: “Let’s just walk together for a minute. Talk about anything — your favorite memory, what you had for breakfast, whatever comes to mind. I’ll follow behind.”

Why walking works so well:

• Movement relaxes the body — shoulders drop, posture opens
• Conversation shifts focus from “how do I look?” to “what are we talking about?”
• They naturally look at each other, smile, laugh, touch
• I shoot from behind or the side with a longer lens — they forget I’m there

Within 5 minutes, the first real laugh usually happens. That laugh is the turning point — everything after feels easy.

4. I Use Music to Change the Energy

I always ask couples to bring a short playlist of songs they both love — something that makes them feel good, playful, romantic, or nostalgic.

Once we start walking, I say: “Let’s put on one of your songs. Just walk and enjoy it — no need to pose.”

Music is magic. It lowers defenses in seconds. They start moving to the rhythm, singing along quietly, laughing at the lyrics. Suddenly they’re not “being photographed” — they’re just being a couple on a date.

5. I Give Them Permission to Be Awkward (and Then Move Through It)

I always say: “The first 10–15 minutes usually feel a little strange — that’s normal. Everyone feels it. Let’s just start with something easy: hold hands and walk toward me while talking about your first date.”

Naming the awkwardness + giving a simple, story-based task usually produces the first genuine reaction — a laugh, a soft look, a squeeze of the hand. That’s the click moment. After that, most couples forget the camera exists.

6. I Show Them Proof Early (It Changes Everything)

After 15–20 minutes, I stop, show them 3–5 raw frames on the back of the camera.

Every single time the reaction is the same: “Wait… that’s us?” “We look… normal. And happy.”

Seeing themselves relaxed and connected flips the script. Self-consciousness drops dramatically for the rest of the session.

7. I Celebrate Small Wins Out Loud

When I see a real moment — a genuine laugh, a soft look, a natural touch — I say it immediately (quietly):

“You two look incredible right now.” “That laugh was perfect — do it again if it feels natural.” “The way you just looked at each other… keep doing that.”

Positive reinforcement builds confidence fast.

The Result I See Every Time

Couples who arrive convinced they’re “not photogenic” leave with:

• A gallery full of natural, emotional, joyful moments
• Confidence they didn’t have before
• Excitement instead of dread about wedding-day photos
• A new belief: “We actually do look good when we’re just being us.”

Because the truth is simple: Nobody is “not photogenic.” Some people just haven’t felt safe enough to stop performing yet.

That’s what I create in those first 15 minutes: a space where you can just be two people in love — nothing more, nothing less.

If you’re planning an engagement or wedding shoot in Edmonton and want to feel relaxed, seen, and genuinely happy in your photos — I’d love to be the one to help you get there. Reach out. We’ll turn “we’re not photogenic” into “these are the most us photos we’ve ever had.”