Want to hire a photographer but have your doubts about being photogenic? There are many people out there who struggle with being confident in front of the camera. So I’m sharing four ways that you can build camera confidence before your photo session—and expect better photos as a result!
Much of the photo session success rests in your photographer’s hands (which is why I suggest you pick a good one!). From lighting and angle choices to operating the equipment with creativity and precision- your photographer is doing a lot of the heavy lifting!
But photographers aren’t doing sessions solo. They’re photographing you! And there are very simple things you can do to heighten the wow factor of your photos.
Unclench your jaw
Day to day, we hold in a lot of stress, anxiety, and insecurity. Cameras pick up on these things. When we start a photo session feeling stressed out or uptight, we will look stressed out and uptight in the final images.
I’ve worked hard to reduce stress and anxiety related to your session. From taking outfit anxiety off your plate, to having relaxed in-home sessions, your experience is intentionally crafted to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Still, it’s all too easy to walk around for a month not realizing your jaw has been clenched! Take some time right now to do some deep breaths. Want to go a step further? Try a progressive muscle relaxation technique before your session begins, to relax each muscle group one by one. Your photos will thank you!
Be Body Positive
Self-talk can be an ongoing struggle for some, and it tends to compound the second a camera comes out of the bag. While it’s probably wishful thinking to be at complete peace with our bodies by a certain calendar date, it is important to reframe and prepare for any body image concerns you might have.
This is one of the many reasons I hold pre-session consultations for every client. Your consultation is a time we can talk these things through and plan for maximum comfort and camera confidence.
It’s also worth remembering that your loved ones love you not because of how you look, but because of who you are. I promise you, when your family and friends look back at your photos, they won’t be thinking about any of the things you might criticize.
They’ll be enjoying the love you share and the memories you make with them instead. That is exactly what I aim to capture.
Soak Up Self-Care
What’s that, you ask? I know we are all busy, and it’s easier said than done. But going back to basics is not only great for your health, it can mean a more enjoyable and impactful session experience.
Believe it or not, things like adequate sleep, a nutritious meal, physical activity, moisturizing and hydrating make a difference. Ideally, we’d be doing these regularly, but at a minimum try to take extra care the week or two leading up to your session.
The camera will thank you for taking good care of yourself!
Hit Pause on New Products
While it’s great to soak up some self-care prior to a photo session, do use caution with new products. I’m talking things like new types of nail polish, hair dye, facial masks, lash glues, and so on. Right before a photo session is not the time you want to find out about an allergy to random ingredients.
If you do plan to try new products prior to your session, stick with well-known vendors as opposed to obscure online shops. Better yet, let the professionals help you prepare and look your best! I’ve curated a comprehensive list of recommended hair and beauty stylists in town, if you feel like some sprucing up would do you good.
See? That wasn’t so bad. I guarantee your photos will reflect the love and self-care you put in. The rest of the magic? That’s on the photographer.
Work with Me
If you live near Phoenix, Arizona, and want to hire a family photographer for beautiful candids, you’ve come to the right place! Book a photo session here!
