8 minute read
The truth? Most people aren't awkward in photos at all.
It happens almost every shoot.
"I'm so awkward in front of a camera."
It probably isn't as bad as you think.
First of all, give yourself some credit. When someone tells me they’re awkward in front of the camera, I wonder if it comes from a genuine fear of not knowing what to do, or if they’re trying to protect themselves from feeling judged. The truth is, most people who feel this way aren't actually awkward, they just haven’t had an experience that makes them feel comfortable being photographed yet.
I'm gonna start this off by saying feeling and being awkward during a photoshoot are two different things. I'm going to tell you the difference. I'm going to explain what goes on behind my eyeballs behind the camera. I'm going to tell you why you shouldn't feel this way, and how I make it easier for clients who don't know that they're rockstars.
If you're a photographer looking for ways to help your client feel less nervous during your time together, then keep reading! I got stuff for you too. Click here if you want to skip right to it.
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I know what it feels like to feel a little insecure when you’re no longer the one in control of the camera. Taking a selfie gives you the ability to choose the angle, the lighting, and the moment you want to capture. Handing that responsibility over to someone else can feel a little intimidating. Especially when it’s your next favorite photo (or your new profile picture) on the line.
"Does she know my good side?"
First of all, that's my favorite question to ask, kings and queens. I know how it goes.
What if your hair looks weird? What if you picked the wrong outfit? What if everyone can tell you aren't used to posing? Or worse... What if you don't like these pictures? Before you start to panic and decide you don't like them before you even see your gallery, understand that you booked this photoshoot for a reason! You want these pictures, and you want to look good in them. So let yourself!
When you are feeling awkward, you don't always look that way. But telling yourself you are, or feel, awkward will push you in that direction. It's a mind over matter kind of thing. If you are being awkward, well then that is just something you and your photographer (cough cough) are going to have to work through together! Everyone gets a little awkward. But there are ways to change that.
I could only hope it is every photographer's goal to make you feel your best during their time with you. I mean, if that's not what we're doing it for, what are we doing?
What we have here is a mutualistic relationship. I help you discover a little more of your confident side, and you help me create the kind of images that remind me why I love doing this in the first place. It’s a win-win. And honestly, it’s what keeps me excited to keep doing the damn thing.
When I’m posing you in front of my camera, one of my main goals is to help you feel comfortable. Not only because it makes the experience better for you, but because a comfortable person is a lot easier to photograph. The more you relax, the less we’re “taking pictures” and the more we’re capturing real moments.
Telling people how to pose their body and where to put their appendages is part of my job.
"Where should I put my hands?"
I'm gonna tell ya, I promise.
One of the last things you'd want from a photographer, besides objectively bad pictures, is someone that is judgmental. Someone whose #1 priority isn't helping you feel and look your best. This is why it's super important to scout your photographer a bit. Check around your area for a photographer whose style you like. Once you've found a couple, check out their website. See their vibe. Look at the tone they are trying to set. Read through their "About" section and check their testimonials while you're at it.
Reach out! When you reach out to this photographer, take note of what it's like to talk to them. Does it feel like you're talking to a friend? Are they short or cold or taking forever to answer?
Definitely don't sleep on referrals, either. If a close friend or family member is praising a photographer's work and attitude, you're probably heading in the right direction. I love love love when people refer me to friends and family. Makes my little heart sing.
Anywho, once you have found your photographer, feel confident in your choice! Go into the shoot with an open mind. Look in the mirror before you go, check yourself out, and get ready to shine! I demand it!
Don't feel ashamed to let your photog know if you have any jitters. It will help prepare them to put in the little bit of extra effort to boost your confidence, and immediately take the lead in positioning you at your best angle.
I can usually see a client slowly start to feel more comfortable as the session goes on. I actually did a shoot a few months ago, a senior session, where I literally watched the shyness melt from her face and body and she was totally feeling herself. She felt good! And that right there goes such a long way.
If you aren't used to getting professional pictures done, it isn't a surprise you don't feel your most comfortable during the process. A lot of new things feel a little scary. Especially when it's dealing with being vulnerable and letting someone else take control of how you are being perceived.
That's why I said earlier, do not be afraid to tell your photographer that you're a little nervous! But not in the self deprecating way, absolutely not. Don't tell someone else, and yourself, that you ARE something you feel is negative.
No "I'm so awkward" or "I'm not photogenic".
I want to hear, "Are you able to help me pose and find my best angle?" or "I'm going to need a little help with what to do with my body. I'm a little nervous."
I’m going to be real and honest with you for a second. We can usually tell. A few poses into a session, most photographers can pick up on whether someone is feeling comfortable or still trying to figure things out. The good news? That’s completely normal. If you tell your photographer upfront that you’re feeling nervous, you’re not making things harder, you’re actually helping speed up the process of getting you comfortable, relaxed, and feeling like you’re just hanging out with a friend.
I love getting people to loosen up. Shake the arms out, move around a little, laugh at something ridiculous, tell me a funny story. The best photos usually happen when you stop worrying about the camera and start enjoying the moment.
Don’t ever feel weird about letting your photographer pose you. Seriously. If you’re standing there thinking, “Am I supposed to know what to do right now?” the answer is no. That’s literally why I’m here. You’re paying me to guide you, adjust you, and occasionally tell you where to put your hands because, let’s be honest, everyone asks that question at some point.
Now, if I ask you to do something that crosses a comfort line, speak up! I want you to feel like yourself. But if your only concern is, “I don’t think I’ll look good doing that,” trust me for a second. Some of the best images happen when you’re willing to try something outside your comfort zone. I always tell my clients, “I know it feels silly, but it won’t look silly.” And if it does? You’ll never know, because I’m definitely not putting that photo in your gallery. Your silly moments are safe with me.
I know I said "I" a lot in this post, but it's because I'm speaking from my perspective. I hope you carry my words to any photographer you decide to book with, and expect nothing less than someone who has your best interest at heart the whole session.
I also hope this helped you breathe a little easier about your next photoshoot. Because here’s the truth: nobody is expecting you to show up with the posing skills of a runway model. If you did, you probably wouldn’t be reading a photographer’s blog. You’d already have an agent, a stylist, and someone telling you where to stand.
For those of us without a whole team following us around, I want to leave you with a few things I need you to remember.
It is so okay and so normal to not feel the most comfortable you've ever felt during a photoshoot. Especially if it's your first time, or you're with a new photographer.
Do not be afraid to speak up for yourself! Whether it's stating what side is your favorite, ideas for poses, or poses you aren't interested in. DO IT!
Make sure you really do your research and find the right photographer for you!
Do not tell yourself that you are something negative. Remind yourself you just feel that way, because we can change that. And we will.
I hope to see you soon!
-your friendly neighborhood photographer
A note to my fellow photographers
If you read the blog, you may hear some repeat stuff in here. If you didn't read it.. Hmph!
Helping your client feel comfortable during a session is huge. As photographers, we wear a lot of hats. Yes, we’re photographers, but we’re also editors, location scouts, stylists, hype people, problem solvers, and sometimes even part-time therapists.
At the end of the day, our job is simple: create images our clients love while giving them an experience they’ll remember. From my time behind the camera, I’ve learned that a few small changes can make the entire process easier, more enjoyable, and a lot less stressful for everyone involved.
BE FRIENDLY!
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how much personality can make a difference. As photographers, we work in the service industry. Yes, photography is considered a luxury service, but that doesn’t mean our clients deserve anything less than kindness, respect, and genuine appreciation.
If anything, the fact that someone chose you and trusted you with their hard-earned money should make you even more grateful. They didn’t have to choose you. But they chose your talent, your vision, and your ability to capture something meaningful. Never forget that.
don't pressure
I will be the first to tell ya, I am a photographer, unfortunately not a saleswoman.
Times are tough out here. I wrote a separate blog explaining why photographers charge what they do. Not only to help clients better understand the value behind photography, but also to help other photographers recognize and charge their worth. If you’ve ever wondered why the numbers look the way they do, or you’re a photographer trying to better understand your pricing, feel free to check it out here.
So yeah, times are tough. Don't be another reason people feel pressured to spend money they aren't comfortable spending. Help your client understand what your packages include, how you can help them, and what you can offer that works in their budget if possible. Helping a client feel comfortable starts at the very beginning.
COME PREPARED
Like I've said, part of our job is to help the client. If you're a newer photographer, there's no shame in not knowing it all. Maybe you still experience photoshoot jitters. It can be intimidating when people are giving you money and putting their trust in you. I'm 13 years in and I still get nervous. This is why it's important to prep.
Pinterest and Unscripted are great apps to check out regarding posing for all kinds of sessions. Spending some time on inspo sites can help greatly improve your confidence behind the camera, and your ability to do the same for your client.
Arriving to a location early to check out prime spots is another game changer. You can make one location look like five if you do it the right way.
Figure out what lighting you like to shoot in, and what time of day that happens to be. Check out what the sun looks like at your location. Find some shady areas (very helpful during harsh sunlight hours). Bring a reflector if you're feeling crazy.
Get ready to do the dang thing
It’s no shock that you may have to take the reins and lead when it comes to posing. This is more common than not. Most people who step in front of your camera are not professionals (they might be, and in that case, kudos to you both!), and they might have no idea what to do with their hands, where to look, or how to make a pose feel natural. That’s okay, that’s why you’re there.
A big part of being a photographer is being a director. You are not just capturing a moment, you are helping create an environment where that moment can happen. Sometimes that means giving specific instructions, like “turn your shoulders this way,” “put your weight on your back foot,” “look at them instead of the camera,” or even the classic “relax your arms.”
The key is to guide without making your client feel like they’re doing something wrong. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being graded on their ability to pose. Your job is to build their confidence, give them direction, and make the process feel easy.
Remember, your clients hired you because they trust your vision. They’re expecting you to lead them toward the images they saw in your portfolio. So don’t be afraid to take control, demonstrate poses, adjust when needed, and hype them up along the way.
The best photographers aren’t just good at taking pictures, they’re good at making people feel like they belong in them.
