How to Look Natural in Photos
Confession time: I hate being photographed.
But the thing is, the more and more experience I have on the other side of the lens, the more comfortable I feel! Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to help you look natural in photos.
1. MENTALLY PREPARE
I don’t want to go all woo-woo on you, but it’s all about your attitude. Believe you’re going to have a great time and look fantastic, and I promise you will! Additionally, be sure to select clothing that looks and feels good. Don’t force anything unnatural or uncomfortable. If you prefer jeans and a tee and bare feet, that’s totally cool. If you want to get dolled up in a girly dress, that’s cool too. Do you. Before the session, treat yourself to a mani/pedi, hair cut, and any other beauty services that make you feel good. And, hire a professional hair and makeup artist to help you look your best for your session.
2. FOCUS ON YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
My number on secret while at the shoot? Focus on each other. When I feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, I grab my man’s hand, look him in the eyes, or nuzzle into his neck. It helps me feel less self conscious, and those intimate, cuddly photos are so beautiful. Kiss, hug, and pretend I’m not there.
3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO LAUGH
At the beginning, you’re going to feel a bit awkward. That’s ok. Embrace it and laugh it off. It’s kinda like that fear we had in middle school of doing something so embarrassing that the entire school would talk about it for months. In retrospect, no one cares, right? I don’t judge! In fact, if you look awkward, that’s on me. Let me worry about the posing and making the session so fun you forget to be uncomfortable!
4. PDAs ARE A-OK
I know it feels a little awkward to cuddle, hug, and kiss in front of someone as they snap your photos, but I promise, it’s not at all. I love documenting love, so go ahead and give each other lots of hugs and kisses. In fact, I encourage you to cozy up. If the idea of lots of strangers around feels weird, we’ll choose a secluded location for your session. Going back to #2, if you’re focused on one another, it helps remove the feeling of staring in the camera like a deer in headlights.
BONUS: GETTING MARRIED? OPT FOR AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION FIRST
The number one thing I hear from brides and grooms: “We are so awkward in photos.” I always laugh, because I hear it all the time. ALL. THE. TIME. Then at your session or wedding I discover you’re actually supermodels in the making. How you feel matters, so if you feel as though you’re awkward, let’s do a trial run with an engagement session so I can prove you wrong! Then it’ll be smooth sailing on your wedding day.
For my clients: please be sure to email me to request my session guide with tons more information.
Did you find this post helpful? Be sure to read this post for more insight to help you look natural in photos
