Introversion and Wedding Photography:

Capturing Moments for the Quiet Ones.

If you're an introvert (like me) and are getting married, you may be dreading the thought of being in the spotlight and posing for endless photos. I totally get it… but don’t worry… for every loud, in your face, do this/do that type of photographer out there, there are many wedding photographers who specialise in capturing natural, candid moments that reflect your true personality. In this article, I'll explore how to find a photographer who understands introversion and who can create stunning photos that feel authentic to you.

First off though, just something a little more personal. I have always been pretty quiet. Don’t get me wrong, I love talking to people and am quite comfortable in crowds etc. but I would rather ask questions and listen than talk about myself. I’ve often had people say to me ‘you’re quiet arent you’ or ‘you don’t say much do you’… like its a bad thing. And for quite a while I believed this. But then I read a book called ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain and it really helped me gain confidence to just be who I am. It’s a must read for anyone that might feel the same. With this in mind, this piece will make reference to ‘introverted couples’. This isn’t a ‘slur’ or in any way a criticism… it’s just an over arching term for the many people that might feel just like me!

Understanding Introversion and Its Impact on Wedding Photography

This may be a gross generalisation, but introverts tend to be more introspective, thoughtful, reserved and feel uncomfortable in large crowds or situations where they're the centre of attention (I can totally empathise with this… I dislike any sort of attention). Consequently, when it comes to wedding photography, introverts may prefer a more intimate and natural approach, rather than staged and posed photos. With that in mind It's important for a wedding photographer to understand introversion and be able to create a comfortable environment for introverted couples.

Finding the Right Wedding Photographer for Introverts

When looking for a wedding photographer as an introverted couple, it's important to consider a few key factors:

Portfolio: Look for a photographer whose portfolio reflects the natural, candid style you're looking for. Make sure their photos feel authentic and not overly posed.
Communication: It's important to find a photographer who is a good communicator and takes the time to get to know you and your partner. This will help create a comfortable environment on the wedding day. I for one try to meet every couple I work for before the wedding itself unless it is totally impossible to do so.
Experience: Look for a photographer with experience shooting weddings. This might sound ridiculously obvious and applies to all weddings really (unless you are comfortable with someone without/looking to gain experience) but with experience comes the ability to keep calm under pressure and therefore create a more relaxed environment for couples… which brings me to this:

Creating a Comfortable Environment for Introverted Couples

This is the key to it all really.

On a wedding day, it's important for the photographer to create a comfortable environment for introverted couples (all couples really). This might include:

Getting to Know You Before the Wedding Day

It's pretty obvious, but it’s important to feel comfortable with your wedding photographer. That's why it's important to find a photographer who takes the time to get to know you and your partner before the big day.

I like to:

Set up a meeting to discuss your vision for your wedding photos
Ask questions about your personalities, interests, and relationship
Build a rapport and establish trust with you

Scouting the Location for Quiet, Intimate Settings

Introverted couples may prefer quiet, intimate settings for their wedding photos. That's why it's important for the photographer to scout the location ahead of time (not necessarily before the wedding, but during down time on the day… during the wedding breakfast for instance) and look for places that reflect your personality. This may include:

Finding secluded spots away from the main crowd. It makes for far more appealling, relaxed photographs and gives you time together which is super important!
Using natural lighting can create a cozy atmosphere. It also results in a more organic feeling process, rather than having lighting everywhere which can feel a little more ‘photoshoot’ esque and ‘in your face’ type of experience.

Being Flexible and Adaptable to Unexpected Situations

Weddings can be unpredictable, with unexpected situations arising at any moment. That's why it's important for a wedding photographer to be flexible and adaptable:

Being prepared for changes in the weather or lighting
Adjusting the schedule to accommodate the couple's needs
Being open to creative ideas and improvisation

Giving You Space and Time to Recharge

Make time to take breaks from the crowd or step away for a few moments of quiet together. A good wedding photographer will understand this and be respectful of your needs.

Consider scheduling breaks throughout the day to allow yourselves to recharge
Your photographer should look for opportunities to capture candid moments of you together, without posing or directing
Is mindful of your comfort levels and avoids putting you in situations that feel awkward or forced is super important.
Encourage you to be yourselves and have fun, rather than focusing solely on getting the "perfect" hero shot.

And finally, some FAQs:

Q: How can I find a wedding photographer who understands introversion?

Look for photographers with a portfolio that reflects a natural, candid style. Communication is also key - find a photographer who takes the time to get to know you and your partner before the wedding day.

Q: Will an introverted couple's wedding photos look different from those of extroverted couples?

Yes, it's possible that an introverted couple's photos may have a more intimate, quiet feel to them. But ultimately, every couple's photos should reflect their unique personality and style together with that of the photographer you choose.

Q: What if the photographer I choose doesn't seem to understand introversion?

It's important to communicate your needs and concerns with your photographer. If they're not willing to accommodate your needs or make you feel comfortable, it may be worth considering a different photographer.

In Summary:

As an introverted couple, it's important to find a wedding photographer who understands your personality and can create stunning photos that feel authentic to you. Look for a photographer with a natural, candid style, good communication skills, and experience shooting weddings with introverted couples. By creating a comfortable environment and allowing the couple to be themselves, your photographer can capture beautiful, genuine moments that will be treasured for years to come!

Introversion and Wedding Photography: Capturing Moments for the Quiet Ones.