Why Your Wedding Photos Don’t Have to Be Perfect, Just Real | by a relaxed, documentary wedding photographer in Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire
When I first picked up a camera, I thought photography was about chasing perfection, perfect light, perfect smiles, perfect poses. But the longer I do this, the more I realise the best photos aren’t perfect at all. They’re real.
They’re the slightly blurry moment when your niece runs into your arms just before the ceremony. They’re your mum’s hand on your shoulder, your partner’s nervous laugh, the confetti that didn’t quite go in the air because someone threw it too early. They’re honest, human, and a little bit chaotic, and that’s exactly why they matter.
Wedding Photography in Nottingham by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
If you’re planning a wedding in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire and you’re not into stiff posing, or the idea of being photographed makes you cringe a little, this post is for you.
What ‘Real’ Wedding Photography Means
There’s nothing wrong with beautiful, editorial style wedding photography, I love it as much as the person wanting that photography (the secret is in the fact that the person WANTS that), but it’s not for everyone. For many couples, the idea of being posed and directed all day just doesn’t sit right. You want to be in the moment, not performing it.
That’s where documentary style photography comes in.
It’s about capturing your wedding as it really happens, the joy, the nerves, the unexpected moments you didn’t plan for but will talk about for years. It’s about presence, not perfection. And it doesn’t require you to be anything but yourselves.
You Don’t Have to Be “Photogenic” to Look Beautiful
“We’re not very photogenic.”
But honestly? I don’t believe in that word. You’re not models, and you don’t need to be.
Looking good in photos isn’t about angles or filters. It’s about being relaxed, connected, and comfortable enough to let your real self show. The smile that creeps in when your partner says something ridiculous. The way your eyes light up when you see your best friend in the crowd. That’s what I’m looking for through the lens, not perfection, but presence.
My job isn’t to tell you how to pose. It’s to help you feel so at ease that you forget the camera is even there.
Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire | The Perfect Backdrop for Real Moments
We’re lucky around here. Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are full of magic and not the overly styled kind, but the kind you find down winding country lanes, in sun dappled forests, or wildflower meadows that haven’t been cut back yet.
Whether you’re getting married in a rustic barn near Bakewell, a village church in Southwell, or you’re eloping in the Peaks with just a couple of close mates and your dog, the scenery here does a lot of the heavy lifting.
And because so much of what I do is about keeping things relaxed and true to life, the natural beauty of this part of the world fits perfectly. It’s not polished. It’s real. And it makes for the kind of photographs you’ll actually feel when you look back at them.
Tips for Getting Natural Photos (Even If You Feel Awkward)
Spoiler: most people feel awkward. That’s totally normal, and it’s my job to help you get past that. Here’s how:
Don’t look at the camera – Look at each other. Talk, laugh, hug, move around.
Do something with your hands – Hold hands, play with your dress, pat your dog. Little movements help everything feel more natural.
Move around – Walking, spinning, slow dancing, skipping down a hill — movement creates genuine emotion and helps loosen you up.
Choose someone you feel comfortable with – If you feel like you can be your weird, wonderful self around your photographer, everything else falls into place.
When we work together, we’re not aiming for perfection. We’re aiming for connection. For photos that feel like you, not like something staged or borrowed.
Final Thoughts? Embrace the Chaos
Weddings are messy, emotional, funny, and full of life. That’s what makes them brilliant.
So if you’re planning your day in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire and you’re worried about how you’ll look in photos, or whether you’ll know what to do in front of the camera, please know this: you don’t have to perform.
You just have to show up, be present, and let the real stuff happen.
That’s what I’ll be looking for through my lens.
Thinking About Wedding Photography That Feels Like You?
If you’re planning a relaxed, down to earth wedding and want photography that captures it all without the fuss, I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Check out some of my recent work here
👉 Get in touch to chat about your wedding plans
Lauren x
Let’s keep it real. Let’s keep it beautifully imperfect.