How to Loosen the F*ck Up at a Photo Shoot

Photography

Nov. 27

So you signed up for a photo shoot. Congrats!

But wait… you just remembered how much you HATE being in front of the camera! 😨

Whether it be photos to commemorate your birthday, maternity, or business (yay!), being in front of a camera sometimes sucks.

Why does it feel so awkward?

Where do you put your hands?

Open- or closed-mouth smile?

Person holding a sandwich in front of a window, slightly smiling

But before you go too hard on yourself, just know that you’re not alone!

In our six years of branding photography experience, it’s rare we run into someone who actually loves photo shoots right off the bat. It definitely takes some getting used to!

So here are some tips for feeling more comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera on shoot day.

We want to start by saying that it’s important to work with someone you feel comfortable with. Try scheduling a call or two with the potential photographer to see if you two connect! Once this is done, you’ll have won half the battle!

Second, if you are working with an experienced photographer, they will often create a welcoming environment and provide you with some photography tips and tricks to relax.

And for those of us who want to be extra prepared, here are five photo tips to help you relax and feel more photogenic at your next photo shoot:

Tip #1: Treat the first 20 minutes as a warmup

This will give your body time to relax into the space, so you’ll look less stiff throughout the shoot. You and your photographer will also have time to adjust anything that may look off and workshop solutions.

Tip #2: Book more time than you think you need

This is especially true for your first photo shoot. If you decided to rent the shoot location, give yourself an extra 30 minutes to an hour so there’s no need to rush anything. When you rush, you increase your anxiety, leading to stress and awkward-looking photos. This also gives you more time for that warmup we just mentioned.

Tip #3: Set the mood

Often times, we encourage our clients to turn off their notifications, play their favourite music or bring a friend or well-behaved furry companion. And honestly, we’re not against responsibly enjoying a drink (or shot) on set either! Do what you have to do to make yourself comfortable!

A person holding an iPad and smiling at it

Tip #4: Prepare within limits

While it’s tempting to plan out every detail of the photo shoot to a tee, we caution against overpreparing. Fun fact: Photo shoots never go exactly according to plan. Sure, it’s a great idea to create a Pinterest mood board beforehand, but don’t expect to get a shot similar to each and every Pin on the board. Some shots may look similar, but some may look different and come out even better than you expected. So don’t limit yourself! Use mood boards as more of a guideline, not a definitive shot list.

Also, having a plethora of props and outfits is awesome, but can become overwhelming. The more you bring with you, the more you’ll feel rushed to capture everything! Take it easy and trust that the photographer will try to capture as much as they can.

Tip #5: Don’t take the process too seriously

The key to some of the best photos is calm and composure with just a hint of silliness. Forget that your brother calls you “hamster face” or that the bully in high school said you weren’t photogenic. That so-called hamster face is absolutely beautiful, OKAY?

Let us stress about getting the best shots and angles. You hired a professional for a reason! We want you to be relaxed and know that the minute the camera comes out, you’ve done all that you could! Now it’s time to smile, laugh and HAVE FUN.