5 Tips to Feel More Comfortable in Front of the Camera

It’s totally normal to feel camera shy, especially if you’re not used to having your photo taken. My job is to make your engagement and wedding photography session feel as natural and relaxed as possible like you’re just hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera.

Here are five simple tips to help you feel more comfortable, confident, and natural in front of the camera:

1. Pick a Photographer You Actually Like

Find an engagement and wedding photographer whose personality and photography style feel like you. This one sounds obvious, but it really matters.

Loving a photographer’s portfolio isn’t enough. Chemistry matters more than anything. If you don’t click with the person behind the camera, the experience can still make you feel and look awkward.

But when you feel comfortable with your photographer, you’re much more likely to relax, have fun, and let your personality come through in your photos.

2. You Are Not a Model, and That’s normal

I mean that respectfully. Seriously, you don’t need to know how to pose.

You don’t have to arrive at your photo session knowing exactly what to do with your hands, where to look, or how to stand. That’s what your photographer is for.

Photographers can give you direction when you need it, and sometimes just let you do your thing.

The best photos usually happen when you’re not thinking “Am I looking okay right now?”. Just show up as yourself and let your photographer take care of the rest.

3. Keep Moving

Walk. Run. Jump. Laugh at your partner. Look away. Look back. Sway from side to side. Basically, anything but freeze.

Little movements make photos feel more natural and give plenty of genuine moments to work with. You don’t have to hold a pose perfectly or stand completely still while your photographer is taking your photos.

Just keep moving and trust your photographer.

4. Look Good, Feel Good

Want to know a little secret? When you feel good, it shows on camera. 😉

So come looking your best!

Wear an outfit you feel amazing in, maybe get your hair done and put some makeup on, or do whatever makes you feel like you but on a really good day.

You don’t need to go overboard or completely change yourself. Just put a little effort into feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.

When you feel good about how you look, you naturally carry yourself better. And trust me, the camera notices.

5. Have Fun!

Seriously, don’t overthink it.

The more you get stuck in your head thinking if you look awkward, the more stressed you’re going to feel and the camera is going to pick that up. 😂

So relax. Forget about the camera and just enjoy the moment. The best photos usually happen when you’re actually having fun.

Still Feeling Camera Shy? That’s Okay.

I’m a Sydney-based photographer and I can take photos you’ll actually love to look at forever. Whether you’re booking for an engagement, a wedding, or a portrait session, you deserve to enjoy the experience and not spend the whole time worrying about how you look.

Get in touch and let’s chat about your date, your plans, and some great locations for your photography session.