How to stop feeling awkward in photos
Have you ever experienced this? You see a camera pointed at you and suddenly you don't know what to do with your hands, where to look, or how you're supposed to stand. You feel like it’s your first day on Earth in your body, why does just standing there feel weird? Well never fear, this feeling is way more common than you think, and this post will give you 5 tips to keep those awkward feeling from happening!
If you’re feeling nervous about looking awkward going into your photoshoot just remember, you don’t need to know how to pose, you don’t need to know what to do with your hands, your photographer will guide your through everything, and most importantly, the goal is NOT to look like a professional model, it’s to capture YOU.
Focus on the people you’re with, not the camera
Some of the best photos happen when you forget the camera is there. When you are focused on the connection with your partner or your family your photographer can capture that authentic connection. You may not be looking at the camera, but these photos convey something deeper than just standing there looking at the lens.
Things to do to focus on your people:
Look at your kids
Hug your partner
Talk to each other
Play with your kids
Hold hands
Walk together
Whisper something funny in each others ears
Hug your kids
Movement makes photos feel more natural
Standing still in front of the camera does feel weird and awkward, so movement gives your something to do and results in more natural expressions and relaxed body language. Moving around will also loosen you up and relax your nervous system.
Easy movements:
Walking
Swaying
Dancing
Twirling
Playing with the kids
Adjusting your your jacket
Holding hands
Brushing hair away from your face or your partner or kids face
Hugging
Give Your Hands something to do
“What should I do with my hands” is the most common phrase photographers hear, for whatever reason the hands are the root source of awkwardness. But they don’t have to be, instead of overthinking where your hands should go, let’s give them something to do.
What to do with your hands:
Put a hand in your pocket
Hold your partner or kid’s hand
Put your arms around someone
Adjust your jacket
Touch your partner’s arm
Hold your kid’s shoulder
Gently touch your hair or face
Gently touch your partner or kid’s hair or face
Remember you are not being judged
Your photo session is not a test of how attractive, photogenic, or coordinated your are, the goal of your photo session is capture who you and your family are in that moment in time. Your photographer is there to photograph perfection, they are capturing your authenticity and connection. Perfection is not expected. You don’t have to look perfect to have beautiful photos.
trust your photographer
As your photographer I am watching for lighting, background, composition. But I am also paying attention to your movements, poses, facial expressions, and body positions so that you don’t have to think about it them. I’ll give you directions, prompts, and movements to do so you don’t have to memorize a bunch of poses. All you have to do is listen to the prompts and have fun with your family. And if I ask you to do something that sounds silly or feels a little awkward, trust me. Sometimes a movement or pose that feels unnatural looks amazing in a photo.
A few things to do before your shoot to make sure you feel your best
Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in
Be well rested
Eat before hand
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive
Tell your photographer if you are nervous
Come ready to have fun
You don't have to be a model, know how to pose, or even like having your picture taken to have photographs you'll love. Come as you are, trust the process, and let your photographer guide you. The best images often happen when you stop worrying about the camera and start enjoying the people you're with.
If you are thinking about booking a family or couples session in Lake Tahoe but feeling a little nervous about being in front of the camera, that's completely okay! My goal is to make your session relaxed, fun, and easy, even if you normally feel awkward in photos. I'll guide you throughout the session so you never have to wonder what you're supposed to do.