If you think that the stars on the red carpet just woke up one day and knew exactly how to take a great photo, you wouldn’t be 100% correct. Stars work with experts to learn how to take a great photo. So if you aren’t in the latest Hallmark movie (sorry, that’s my jam), I don’t expect you to know. But I can help you learn how to not look awkward in photos.
Something I take really seriously is understanding how you feel about taking photos. Are you nervous, excited, reluctant, self-conscious? Every person is different. That’s why I always send a questionnaire to gather information and I chat with clients about how they are feeling before the camera ever leaves my bag.
Most people want to look natural in their photos. Avoiding the staged, painful-cheek-stretched grin look. I totally get that. I don’t want that for you either. We want you to look natural. To bring the real you out for the camera to glimpse and capture it. You don’t have to feel uncomfortable.
So here are my five professional tips to “how do I not look awkward in photos”.
1. Stop thinking about it.
You’re going to feel like you look awkward in photos when you are concerned about looking awkward. I know that sounds funny, but when your focus is on how you appear in pictures, you are going to miss out on the experience and not really let yourself be natural.
When I do sessions, I make it super interactive and full of movement. This tends to not only relax you, but take the focus off the appearance and onto the person you are or focus on the person standing near.
During a couples’ session, if they tell me, “Wow. We really enjoyed ourselves. We won’t ever forget this day” and that they “grew closer as a couple”. That is worth more than anything because when you look at those photos, you’re going to remember the words you shared and the experience you had.
But you can’t enjoy the beautiful sights, the day, or the person you’re with if you keep thinking about awkward elementary school photos.
2. Get the lead out. Move around.
This is not your grandma’s photo session. No one will tell you to sit still and sit up tall. It’s not necessary and it’s not important.
I suggest you feel free to dance and make funny faces. Tip your head back and laugh. Be yourself. Enjoy the fact that something special is going on it your life or you wouldn’t be capturing it. Settle into that joy. You will only graduate high school once. You’ll only capture that special look in his eye when he stares at you today, once. Your kiddos only look exactly like they do right now for … like minutes before he or she grows some more and changes totally.
Don’t worry if you think you have an ugly chin, your arm looks icky or stiff. The photos you receive show your best qualities. They highlight more than what you see. Trust me.
A good photographer delivers the photos where you look like a rockstar because they want you to know you are one. There isn’t anyone else on this planet who is exactly like you. No one. That’s important.
AND a good photographer knows all the tricks to keep you from looking unflattering.
3. Choose comfy, stylish clothes.
Although that super starched shirt looks cool on the rack, it may make you feel so uncomfortable in photos! And when you feel uncomfortable, you might look uncomfortable.
Don’t get me wrong, I totally am encouraging you to try new things. Be trendy! But wearing clothes that don’t fit right or are scratchy, tight, or something you always have to “yank up” can distract you from celebrating why you are taking photos in the first place.
4. Spit it out. Speak up.
Share your concerns. A good photographer wants to know what you are nervous about or self-conscious of. It helps them know how to make you feel awesome during your session and help calm your nerves. They want to help you not look awkward in photos.
5. Remember why you’re here.
Take a deep breath. And remember why you’re here. In the sense of the photo session and … if you’re feeling “deep” why you’re here on this spinning rock that God designed. You have a purpose and a place in this world. And we are going to capture that together.
In the end, these photos are priceless because you are in it. Ignore Instagram. That world isn’t in charge and it doesn’t need to tell you what you have to be- it comes down to you and the person next to you and the story you are making.
I hope you found this super helpful as you are prepping for your sessions! If you have questions or want more tips reach out to me! I would love to help you with anything. Also, feel free to download my What To Wear eBook on my website to help you find the bestest, awesomest, most comfortable outfits!
Thanks again, friends!
Laura