I used to think couples needed to pose to get good photos. I was wrong.

Before photographing my last wedding, I assumed that when it came time for photos of the couple alone, I'd need to take charge. I'd need to direct them, tell them what to do, and help create the moments that would eventually become the photos.

I never wanted the photos to feel staged - I just wasn't sure how else to get “good” photos.

Then the wedding happened, and by the time we left the ceremony, one thing was obvious.

They were very tired.

They'd been around family and friends all day. They also hadn't eaten much - I had some biscuits in my bag and offered them some, and the reaction was bigger than I expected. They were genuinely relieved.

It was a small moment, but it taught me something important before we'd even started the shoot. They needed a moment to breathe.

Before we started, I explained to them how I wanted this to feel. I told them not to think of it as a photoshoot, but more as a bit of private time together. I said I'd throw in the occasional question or conversation starter, but mostly I wanted them to enjoy being together.

And that's exactly what happened.

We talked about their first date. Their first kiss. Their favourite things they’ve done for each other. Embarrassing things they'd done just to impress each other. The kinds of stories that only really exist between two people who know each other well.

Soon, they stopped worrying about the camera. That's when the smiles started becoming natural, and the laughs became genuine. That's also when some of my favourite photos were made.

The lesson for me was that I didn't need to become a director. I didn't need to manufacture energy that wasn't there, but rather to notice and encourage the energy that was already there.

Looking back, I think that's what most people are worried about when they say they're uncomfortable in front of a camera. It's not the camera itself, but more the fear that they'll be expected to perform.

They just need reassurance and a little bit of space. Sometimes they might need a biscuit too.