Tips to Relax in Front of the Camera
I totally get it. Hiring a photographer can be super intimidating. You’ve probably got a million questions running through your mind: Will the photographer know what I want? Will she get my good side? Will the photos turn out how I envision them? How can I not look so awkward in front of the camera? Will I end up liking the photos despite all of my other concerns? Keep reading for some top tips to relax in front of the camera so you can get images you LOVE!
Whether you’ve worked with a professional photographer before, or this is your first time ever, you may not know exactly what to expect. If this is your first time working with me, then it’s still going to be a whole new experience. It can be nerve racking and scary when preparing for your session, especially when you’ve invested time and money into getting photos that you will treasure for the rest of your life. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients, and I’m here to tell you: you’re not alone. Every client starts out the conversation with: “I’m really awkward. I’ve never done this before. I hope you can get some good shots.” Even I have those same feelings when I get my photo taken! So here are some tips and to help you get comfortable in front of the camera, and while planning your session:
Tips to relax before you get in front of the camera
- Find a photographer that you connect with! I treat all of my clients like friends. I know that sounds cheesy, but how can you be yourself with someone that you don’t feel comfortable with? If you want photos that really capture who you are and your relationship with each other, then having someone behind the camera that you connect with is the first step.
- Tell me all about you – the more detail the better! It’s easier for me to tailor your session to your personality when I know more about you. Are you adventurous and outgoing? Shy and timid? What do you like to do for fun?
- Create a shared Pinterest board! Now I’m not saying we’re going to recreate every pose you have on your board. That won’t give you genuine looking photos, but it will give me a better idea of how you want your session to look.
After following these three steps when planning your session, you’ll already feel more relaxed about getting in front of the camera.
Tips to relax in front of the camera
- Choose outfits that make you look and feel good. Think about it – if you don’t love your outfit, then now matter how amazing you look in your photos, you just won’t love them. You can see some outfit ideas on my Pinterest Inspiration board here.
- Trust the photographer. I’ve done this enough times to know when the best lighting is available, where the best spots are, and how to capture the magic I see through my lens.
- Let go of your reservations and have FUN! I have so many games and little things for you to do during your session that will evoke natural smiles and laughter. Just go with the flow (even if you think my ideas are silly), and I promise you’ll end up with genuine photos.
I hope these tips and tricks help calm your nerves before your next session and give you the confidence to totally rock it! If you find the right photographer, then getting your photos taken can actually be really fun. At the end of the session, you’ll realize how comfortable you were, and already be excited about the next time you’ll be in front of the camera.
What are some of your biggest fears and worries about being in front of the camera?
