One of the biggest fears my clients have before booking a photoshoot is feeling awkward in front of the camera. I have seen even the most extroverted individuals freeze in front of a lens, so don't feel bad if you can relate! Not everyone is comfortable with taking pictures, but anyone can learn to have a much easier time taking them. I have compiled a small list of the tips that I find work best for building confidence during a photoshoot.
1. Bring your Favorite Music
Now obviously this tip won't work at a wedding, but for 99% of shoots, good music can help clear the mind of any nerves. Pick something that can evoke the emotion you want in the photos and let the magic begin. Want some fun and high-energy photos? Bring your favorite upbeat song that you can dance to in-between frames. Want to have a chill and airy feel to your shots? Some easy listening can help you better embody that goal.
2. Practice Posing Before the Shoot
Posing and modeling is a skill, and one of the best ways to feel more confident in any new skill is to practice. It may feel funny at first, but practicing posing in front of the mirror can do so much for someone not yet used to being in front of a camera. Get familiar with moving your body in ways you like and find appealing. Remember, the number one person you want to impress with these photos is yourself. Find the angles you find most flattering of yourself and get comfortable recreating them over and over.
3. Bring a Prop
This is a huge plus for a lot of clients because it not only gives them something focus on other than the lens, it usually brings a unique twist to the photos. It doesn't have to be big, but make it personal. I've seen clients bring balloons, confetti, flowers, and more. Not every shot has to include the prop. Sometimes my clients only want one quick set while popping open a champagne bottle. Still, having something can give you a bit of a safety fallback when you feel overwhelmed or can't think of something else to do.
4. Bring Some Posing Examples you LOVE
Pinterest has been a blessing for clients and photographers alike. Sometimes I get clients that bring dozens of screenshots on their phones of pictures or poses they want to emulate. As a photographer, I never want to fully copy another photographer's work, but I can always help pose you and replicate the feel of the photos you love. Not only will having control of your own direction ease your mind, but you can also relax and know that you will be getting some awesome shots you know you love.
5. Go Full Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Create a persona. I have had clients go full diva once the camera comes out because they feel more confident just going into a full character. I liken this to method acting. Some actors full dive into a role by living as their character for the entire duration of the movie shoot, which can often take months at a time. The same rules apply for the shoot. Even in between setting up or walking to another location, staying in character lets you disassociate from the anxiety you might be feeling and just absorb all the confidence of a superstar.
Bonus Tip!
Always feel free to ask your photographer for help. It's part of the job. I have been doing this for enough time that I can help clients pose and get gorgeous shots. Sometimes the poses might feel a bit silly or awkward and you may need to just trust us. Other times the shots we try might not turn out as well as we'd hope. However, understand that photographers are in the business of making you look as good as possible.
The most important thing to remember is to have fun. Whether you are a pro at having pictures taken or are looking to have it done for the first time, everyone gets a little nervous. Hopefully knowing some of these tips will eliminate those nerves and help get you a memorable experience you can look at for years to come.
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