So, you booked a photoshoot...
...and, unless you are a professional model, you're probably feeling a bit of anxiety around the thought of being in front of a camera. As a photographer, here are my tips for you on how to feel less awkward when you're taking pictures.
1. be ok with feeling uncomfortable
Anytime you are trying something for the first time, it's bound to feel a little uncomfortable. And that doesn't have to be a bad thing!! Just like attempting a new sport, sometimes you just have to jump in and go for it! Maybe you've seen a pose on Pinterest that you want to try--just go for it! Your photographer isn't going to judge! Once you've taken the first few pictures, I bet you'll even start feeling a little relaxed!
2. Find a photographer that you vibe with
Speaking of your photographer, it's so important to book a photographer you feel comfortable with. For some people, it might help to have a photographer that will pose you completely. Like, "Sit right here with your left hand holding your right elbow. Now prop your chin up on your right hand and tilt your face slightly down while looking at the camera." Or you might be someone that wants a prompt from your photographer. Something like "Walk towards me swinging your arms a little more than you normally would. Don't look at the camera, just look left and right as you walk." See if the photographer says anything on their website about their style of directing photo sessions. That will help you know what to expect!
3. wear an outfit you feel comfortable in
Because at the end of the day, you don't need another thing to worry about. If you're constantly thinking about your skirt riding up, you're not going to be able to relax into the session. I'd recommend picking an outfit that you already know makes you feel good about yourself! If you're wearing an outfit for the first time, try it on beforehand and make sure you can move around comfortably, that it's not itchy, etc. If you can't decide, flowy dresses are great for photos. Not only are they good for movement and twirling, but they can also give you something to do with your hands!
4. give yourself something to do
One of the most common questions people ask when they're being photographed is, "what do I do with my hands?!" If you're doing solo portraits, that can definitely be a source of stress. Like I said before, if you're wearing a dress, you can hold onto the fabric of the skirt and swish or lift the dress. If you're wearing pants, putting your hands in your pockets is a super easy fix! Another thing I would recommend is creating a "theme" for your photoshoot. If it's a senior session, that makes it easy--graduating is your theme! But if these are just portraits, you can choose a theme that connects with you. Maybe you bring a bouquet of flowers to hold or the painting you're working on. Or maybe you choose to do your pictures in a location that carries a theme: a library, a state fair, a coffee shop, or a vintage store.
Not to toot my own horn...
...but if you are looking for a photographer that will make you feel like you can relax and be yourself (even in front of the camera!), maybe I'm your gal! I typically direct sessions by guiding you through prompts that keep the session moving and give you lots of different poses that are natural to you!