How to Relax for Your Photo Session

Mar 27

One of the most common questions I get during my initial call with a client is how to get comfortable in front of the camera. Even I have a hard time being on the other side of the camera despite the years of experience I have had around image making. One of the most common compliments I receive from clients after they get their gallery back is how surprised they are at their comfort level. Always feeling so much better having realized the ease that came from their session than they expected. Here are a few guidelines to help you in your upcoming session:

My biggest advice here is to get on an initial phone call with your photographer before the shoot. Your photographer should walk you through the process, and help get you to a point where you feel like you know each other’s personalities. This is, in fact, the goal here, to bring out the YOU everyone deserves to see. Tell them your favorite music, what you do in your spare time, are you introverted? No problem! Your photographer wants to work with you and your comfort level.
BREATHE! As a yoga instructor, this is a technique I have learned that we all carry with us, but often forget to utilize - our breath. It seems too simple, but taking deep breaths throughout the day, and into the session will keep you calm and focused. Anxiety has no place here - exhale those negative thoughts! Try it right now … on your next breath out, open your mouth and make a big sighing noise. How do you feel? Your mind can only focus on one things at a time: and by taking a deep breath you relax not only your nervous system but also all the muscles around your face, neck and shoulders. It helps to feel more grounded, centered and present.
CHOOSE your thoughts
"I am not photogenic”
”I am shy”
”I am bloated”
”Is my hair ok”
”I don’t look like those people on Pinterest” — comparison is the literal THIEF of joy. You are YOU, and that’s all we need to create beautiful unique imagery!
”I hate my hair”
”I am worried I won’t be able to express myself in front of the camera”
I hear you, I get it, and though these thoughts may or may not be true, what you focus on in your mind shows through the camera. Let your photographer take care of the details; trust me, we see it all!
Choose to have FUN! Let go of the stress that may accumulate over getting your portrait taken, and instead focus on your partner, the love you have for them, how excited you are for your wedding day, having images of yourself that you’ll love and treasure. I’m always ready with Spotify on demand to set the vibe with my client’s favorite tunes if needed!

Plan ahead! Other than setting the date for your session, it’s really helpful to walk through any ideas or themes you may want to incorporate during your shoot; Talk with your photographer about outfits, color scheme, & weather changes, so you feel prepared with any situation. Having an extra pair of shoes if you’ll be out in nature, and a ‘touch up bag’ to include your lip color, hair accessories, and an emergency kit can absolutely set you up for sucess.
Let that shit GO! Any stress occurring in your life outside of your photo session will be there when you’re done, so no point in letting it stir during the 90 minutes you have with your photographer you are paying!
Easier said than done, I know, I’m 35 and still learning this! This photoshoot is for you, and about you. Ask your photographer if you can reschedule if you are going through something that may affect your ability to focus. Life happens, and your photographer should understand that!
Drink water. Get your beauty sleep the night before, even days leading up to your shoot, and then let go of all expectations knowing you are in good hands!
Move your body! A great photographer will not only guide you and your partner, but be aware of all those in-between moments - don’t be afraid to be yourself! If your photographer isn’t saying anything, that’s your cue to be yourself! You may be asked to fake laugh, dance, look away, run towards your photographer, you name it. Don’t be afraid to let loose - it is often in these moments where the best candid, natural images occur. Just be yourself!

Choosing the right photographer is so important. Having a trusting connection with them can make or break your images. They will patiently wait, because that’s what we do. And before you know it, you have let go, and surrendered to the situation.

The best images, in my opinion, happen at the end of the shoot; but why not get comfortable sooner and create even more magic?!