How to Take Amazing Pictures During Your Next Photo Session

For many, having professional photographs taken can be a daunting experience. The idea of standing in front of a camera and posing for shots can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking. The fear of not looking good enough or not knowing how to pose can cause many to shy away from getting professional photos taken. However, capturing special moments in your life is essential. After all, your wedding only happens once, your toddler won’t be a toddler forever, and that older loved one you cherish will someday go on to the sweet by-and-by. These images will serve as a reminder of the joyous moments in your life that you can look back on and cherish forever. Therefore, taking the leap and having those photos taken now is crucial to preserving the essence of those moments for years to come.

So, that’s all well and good, but this doesn’t help you actually take amazing pictures. So how do you do it? Well, I have a few tips for you to help you so that you can go into your next photo session feeling confident.

Relax. It’s normal to feel anxiety before getting your photos taken because you’re going into a new situation that you’ve never experienced before. Even if you have worked with the photographer before, you’ve never had this particular photo session, so you may feel nervous about it. Before you even get in your car to meet up with your photographer, take some time to do things that relax and distract you. Go for a walk, listen to your favorite audiobook, take a bubble bath - seriously, anything to calm your nerves can help you recenter your thoughts can help you when you get in front of the lens. Avoid doing nothing and just waiting for the session to tick closer, as that will amp up your anxiety and cause you distress.
Be prepared. It’s easier to feel more comfortable during a photo session if you’re prepared for it. For example, if you’re getting family photos taken, browse Pinterest or Instagram for family photo poses you know you like and show them to your photographer before the session. Pick out your outfits in advance and have them wrinkle-free and ready to go so that all you’ll need to do is throw them on before you head out the door. Also, if you have any props that you know you’ll want incorporated into the pictures, go ahead and pack them up in your vehicle so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute to get everything together. Being ready will help you feel less frazzled when the time comes to smile for the camera.
Practice beforehand. It may seem a little silly, but if you are going to get pictures taken, it’s a good idea to practice posing or making faces in front of a mirror first. That way, when you are beginning to feel awkward, your muscle memory will kick in and save the day. When you are posing, you may experience the sensation of facial expressions feeling forced or unnatural. However, with practice, you can learn to calm your face and create micro-expressions that are more genuine to your character. Various positions such as standing with feet apart or together, relaxing the jaw and eyebrows, and opening and closing the mouth can facilitate this process. Further experimentation with different poses, like placing the hands on the hips, crossing the arms, or sitting, may also prove to be beneficial. One technique that works for nerves is to inhale deeply and exhale slowly as your photographer takes the picture. This method promotes relaxation throughout the body, provides a focus point, and results in a composed and collected appearance in the photograph.
Get to know your photographer. Working with someone you trust is important, and you should work with individuals that you connect with. If you’ve never worked with a photographer before, it can seem overwhelming and unreasonable to just jump in front of the camera and be expected to start making photo magic with them. So, get to know your photographer a little bit first! Check out their work to make sure it fits your style. Give them a call for a chat on the phone or send them an email with any questions you may have before you start working with them. Your photographer is human and has quirks and interesting personality traits just like you do! Don’t view them as this scary, daunting force to be reckoned with; Just reach out and make that connection if you’re feeling nervous. Any photographer worth their salt will be open and excited to help you achieve great photos by getting to know you more if you just reach out to them.

Getting amazing photos during your next photo session is completely possible. Just follow these tips and you’re going to love the photos you get back from your photographer. If you’re interested in booking your next photo session with me, I would be happy to chat with you! Simply contact me today so that we can schedule a time that works best for you!