Here what you need to know about how to look and feel confident (and not awkward) during a photoshoot – bonus points if you’re prepping for your Paris portrait session with us!
The first time or even the hundredth time in front of the camera can often bring on some nervous jitters (or lots of anxiety) for most people. If you’re not a professional model, it’s not every day that you’re in front of a camera lens. It’s NORMAL that you’d be nervous or wouldn’t know exactly what to do.
This is what this blog post and easy bullet points is for, because after thousands of Paris photo sessions, this professional photographer has a lot to say (and share!).
Posing people and making you feel comfortable in any given situation has become second nature to us. BUT there are certain real life and easy things that you can do to help you feel more comfortable in front of a camera.
1. Practice makes perfect: How to look and Feel Confident
The more you practice being in front of the camera, the more comfortable you will feel during you a photoshoot.
Try taking photos of yourself at home, or even just practicing posing in front of the mirror. Ok, maybe this feels weird the first time you do it but it really is a great start to helping you slowly ease your way into being comfortable and shaking any nervous ticks.
Not everyone is comfortable in their own skin (isn’t that a lifelong journey anyway?). But knowing how YOU like yourself to look by posing in front of a mirror can really help you understand how to move your body. Then, once you’re in front of the camera during your photo shoot, we’ll go deeper into what to do.
We’ve spent a LOT of time over the last decade making sure we know the best way to pose each body type. A common mistake is just standing with your legs together almost military style. Try moving your legs apart, a bit like how you would stand if you were chit chatting with your BFF. Put your weight onto one leg (not like a flamingo, more like just if you were hanging out). Already you look more relaxed!
2. Relax your body in front of the camera during your photoshoot
Tension in your body can show up in your photos, so try to relax and let go of any tightness or stiffness. Take deep breaths and shake out your arms and legs to help loosen up.
So often, right after posing our clients we’ll take a strategic pause and ask you to take a breath and relax your shoulders. It’s one of the easiest ways for your body to find a sweet spot that feels more comfortable within a pose.
I know, I know, the whole thing might be totally OUT of your comfort zone to start with but it doesn’t mean you should be dwelling on it. Literally the worst thing you would do is say something like “This is so awkward”, it’s really only awkward if you make it awkward.
If you’re able to let go a little and try something new, it can make ALL the difference in front of the camera.
3. choose your photoshoot wardrobe with intention
What you wear can have a big impact on how you feel and how you come across in front of the camera.
Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and avoid anything that is too tight or constricting. Wear things that make you stand out, but still feel like YOU.
Having a Paris photo shoot is often a reason to do a little shopping before. If you don’t have time, do some “shopping” inside your wardrobe. Start by choosing a favorite outfit where you feel like a million bucks.
Going into a photo session with confidence can often start with how you’re feeling inside your clothing.
Anything itchy or you always have to keep adjusting is probably not the right choice, even if it does look cute.
If you’re doing family photos, this applies to everyone and ESPECIALLY kids who will truly melt down if they aren’t comfortable or are too cold in their outfits. It’s an important way to prep for success.
High school kids often have their own style, embrace your kids how they are RIGHT NOW. It’s okay if in a few years they change style or looks, you want to celebrate who they are in this moment. It becomes an affirmation that you love them in all of their ever changing forms.
Need advice on what to wear to a Paris Photoshoot?
Check out our blog What to Wear for a Paris Photoshoot: The Ultimate Guide to Outfit Ideas for all the inspiration you need for building a perfect outfit for your Paris portrait session!
Putting together your dream outfit will help you look and feel more confident during your photoshoot.
4. Hire a Paris Photographer you trust for your photoshoot
One of the most important things and often a defining factor of success is to work with a photographer who you trust and feel comfortable with.
Look for someone (ask your close friends or a family member for recommendations!) who has experience working with people who are new to photography, and who can help you feel at ease and guide you through the process. Skill level and that you feel like you can connect with the team is so important.
The first step to finding a photographer is often asking around for references or simply googling what you want!
You’ll find a ton of information on how to find and book a Paris photographer online. You want someone who will give you great tips on your shoot day and before.
You want to see great lighting on their portfolio online and on their social media and of course you’ll want to see the creative ways they work with each client and with all types of weather.
Schedule your Paris photo Session with us at Katie Donnelly Photography. Let’s bring your vision to life and make you feel confident in front of the camera!
5. Use positive Self-Talk to build Confidence during a photoshoot
This is SO IMPORTANT. The way you talk to yourself has a big impact on how you feel and how you come across in photos. Try using positive self-talk to boost your confidence and calm your nerves.
Self affirmations can sometimes feel funny but even thinking little things like:
“I look great today!”
“Today is going to be fun and playful”
“All I need to do is be me”
…can completely change how you feel about the session. It sets the tone for the day. Saying things like this to your family too can really set the intention of the session and help build confidence for everyone during a photoshoot.
“Hey guys, the biggest thing I want you to remember for today is that whatever we do or are asked to do, we are going to have fun with it.”
When you are actively participating and showing up with positivity, the entire session changes. This alone can help you feel less awkward and more comfortable during the photoshoot.
6. Make eye contact with the camera during your photoshoot
Making eye contact with the camera can help you feel more connected and engaged. Try to focus on the lens and imagine that you’re having a conversation with the person behind it. Or even better, the person behind the camera should be having a conversation with you!
We are talkers. So often during a photo session we first start with conversation even before picking up the camera. We love learning about each client and are all about the talking!
Even if you’re camera shy, talking and making eye contact helps boost your confidence during a photo shoot and really make that connection you want in a great way.
7. Think About Your Body Language during your photoshoot
Your body language can convey a lot of information in front of the camera, so try to use it to your advantage.
Stand up straight, make open hand gestures, and try to avoid crossing your arms or looking down. Simple tweaks like leaning towards the camera (slightly) instead of leaning away from it can make you look more friendly and less scared. It also becomes more flattering too. And I guarantee, this will make you more confident during a photoshoot.
Oftentimes, the first take we do is always something with movement. We love walking as it helps get those first nervous jitters and emotions out! With body language, it’s the simple things that take the portraits to the next level. Things like putting a hand in your pocket, or around your daughter can make you look more comfortable during a photoshoot.
photoshoot props
Little movements of connection bring a portrait from “stiff” to “relaxed and connected”. If you don’t feel like you’ll know what to do with your hands, sometimes adding something to your portraits can help. We love heading to a café. Pose with a croissant or a cup of coffee! This can help you feel more confident and natural.
I also think it’s so fun when clients bring something personal to use as a prop. We’ve had clients bring along vintage film cameras, books, journals, pets (!), rugby balls, and much more. Don’t feel obligated to bring anything, but if there’s something specific that really feels like an expression of YOU, then bring it along!
8. Play with Different poses & Expressions
Experiment with different poses and facial expressions to see what feels most comfortable and natural for you.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and see how it feels. We want to celebrate all of you. Smiles are amazing but let yourself also have different expressions in front of the camera. The flexibility will make you look and feel more confident during a photoshoot.
9. Take Breaks during your Photoshoot
If you start to feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to take a break.
Step away from the camera for a few minutes, grab a drink of water, and give yourself a chance to recharge. This doesn’t often happen during our sessions because they’re not so long.
And also we naturally have breaks between locations and love to do a lot of variety so we tend to be walking and talking a lot. But if you need it, take it!
10. Enjoyment, not perfection
Remember that it’s never about perfection – Photography is about capturing real, authentic moments, so don’t worry about trying to be perfect.
Just take a breath, have fun, and enjoy the new experience.
Ready to Book your Paris photoshoot?
Click HERE to book your Paris photoshoot with us at Katie Donnelly Photography!
If you’re looking for a Paris Family Photographer, you’re in the right place. Get in touch via our contact form for more info! We were voted best Paris Portrait photographer by Expatriates Magazine! We can’t wait to make you look and feel confident during a photoshoot.
