How to not be awkward in pictures 😉

“We aren’t photogenic, and we’re afraid we are going to be awkward in pictures. Do you have any tricks to make us look photogenic?” Almost every consult I have, I hear something along these lines.

Let me just say, first, you are preaching to the choir. You would think with posing people all the time that I would be super photogenic, but no. I am Queen of the ‘Kward. I get in front of the camera, and all of the sudden I’ve turned into Ricky Bobby, not knowing what to do with his hands.

(Points if you get that reference)

So if most of my clients are self-proclaimed “awkward in pictures” and “not photogenic”, how do we end up with so many pictures of my clients looking natural, having fun, and relaxed? Good question.

I always ask people one question when they tell me that they are awkward in pictures: “When is the last time you had a professional pose you?”

Crickets…

For most people, it’s when they were a senior in high school. Even at that, it was cheesy studio stuff where they tell you to turn your head until it feels like your ear is on your shoulder. No, no, no. Don’t worry. I won’t do that to you. I bring actions into my images to make you forget you are posing. The movement keeps you from looking stiff, and if I’m being honest, the session is just way more fun that way.

For getting natural looking pictures, the best thing you can do is hire a photographer that you feel super comfortable around. I tell my clients at the beginning of the session, “Don’t worry about your hair, or if your arm looks weird. Let me worry about that stuff. The more you are worrying about how something looks, the less you are focused on how handsome that hottie next to you is.”

It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I want you two to get lost in each other.

You are naturally cute together. My job as your photographer is to make you feel comfortable enough to show off that cuteness, and to build trust that I will tell you if there is something that needs to be changed up a little bit.

Once you have hired a photographer you trust, make sure you tell them specifically what you are nervous about. Are you a blinker or do you have a “good side”? Tell us, so we can help you work it!

Last, but not least, if you are still worried, lets grab a glass of wine together before the session starts! My good friend Amanda Donaho suggested this on her Tip Tuesday on her Instagram, (you should follow her! @AmandaDonahoPhotography) and I loved it! One glass will be enough to take some of the nerves away, but not enough to give you sleepy eyes. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to go out! You are both dressed up!

Have anything else that helped your pictures go smoother?! Let me know in the comments! 🙂