Arizona Portrait Photographer: How to Feel Confident in Front of the Camera
One of the things I hear the most from my clients is, “I don’t take pictures well” or “I feel super awkward in front of the camera”. This is not uncommon friends, and something I myself struggle with from time to time as well. I know how strange it can feel to stand there in front of the camera, trying your best to look cute and feel relaxed, and channel an unnatural amount of camera confidence when really inside you feel stiff, awkward and like everyone is judging you. I get it, I really do! But today I want to share with you some tips and tricks to help you feel more confident in front of the camera for your next family photo session or branding session or senior session. Ready…
Tip #1: Practice Posing
This is where my senior portrait clients excel, posing. High schoolers, or anyone under the age of 25 for that matter, know what it is to take the perfect selfie because they have practiced and posed endlessly and know exactly what looks good on them. Anyone over the age of 25 (maybe 30) needs to take a lesson from them. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it can be a great help on the day of your session. Whether you’re a model or a mom, it helps to have a look in the mirror to know which angles you prefer on your body. Everyone has a profile they think is more flattering, maybe a side of the face? So get some alone time and stand in front of your mirror and just take an assessment (and NO negative speak). It’s my job to guide you through your session, to move you in and out of poses that are natural and flattering, but knowing these things about yourself already can be empowering. And, and I can’t stress this enough, if you do have a profile you prefer or a body part you’d like to downplay PLEASE let your photographer know…communicate, communicate, communicate!
Tip #2: Wear something…
Sexy, comfortable, beautiful. Wear matching outfits, wear holiday outfits, dress up or dress down. Dress for the occasion or dress for the theme or dress the part. Whatever you wear make sure you feel confident and attractive and that YOU are shining through. When all else fails go with dressing confidently and comfortably. Wear an outfit you love and your confidence will shine through so much more.
Tip #3: Ignore that inner voice of doubt
It's so easy to let that little voice in your head take over when you're having a photo taken. Whether you're in a town full of people or in the middle of nowhere one on one with your photographer, doubt will start to creep in. You may feel concerned what other people think of you, or think you're being judged, but I promise that most of the time people don't even notice or they don't care. Photographers don’t mind if you feel shy or even awkward at first, it's our job to make you feel comfortable. So try to forget about the rest of the world around you and enjoy the process.
Tip #4: Have Fun
It doesn’t matter what type of photoshoot you’ve scheduled with your photographer…a family session, a personal portrait, boudoir…this is for YOU and it should be fun. Here’s my biggest tool in my personal toolbox to help people feel confident in front of the camera: I channel all of my personal awkwardness and make my clients laugh. Let me tell you, it’s hard to feel awkward and uncomfortable when there’s someone acting like a fool in an attempt to make you laugh. The more you relax in a photoshoot and let yourself go, the more fun you'll have, the more confident you will feel, and the nicer your photos will be.
Tip #5: Communicate
I can’t stress this enough, keep an open dialogue going with your photographer. Even and especially during your photoshoot! If you get lost or feel stuck or feel like something isn’t working or feels inauthentic let them know. Sometimes all that’s needed is a new cue or a redirection. Sometimes a small break is needed or maybe focus on another person (if it’s a group photo). Whatever it is, talk to your photographer and they can help you work through it and get back on the path to feeling comfortable once more.
It can be incredibly uncomfortable in front of a camera but it doesn’t have to be. I hope these tips help you when it comes time for your next photoshoot. So don’t worry and trust that your photographer will be able to peel back the layers of your discomfort and get to the core of who you are and help you shine!
