Having your photo taken can be a vulnerable experience and can often cause people to feel awkward which results in bad photos. Thankfully there are several things you can do to make being photographed a more enjoyable experience, here are a few:
1) Wear something you feel confident and comfortable in
Maybe it’s jeans and a t-shirt, or a dress you feel comfortable sitting down in. Avoid wearing clothing that’s too restrictive or avoid wearing heels in an adventurous location. What you need is an outfit that’s clean, wrinkle-free, and colors that look great on you.
2) Connect with your photographer beforehand
When you’re photographed by a friend or family member it often feels more relaxed and you can be yourself. This is how I aim to photograph people. I want to get to know you and your interests, have great conversations, laugh, dance, and have a great time. Tell me about funny moments you’ve had together, that time you first learned to ski together or made a favorite recipe. When photoshoots are spent with less time thinking about how to pose or what to do and more about having fun. You can enjoy all the little moments and spending time with your loved ones.
3) Remember that every person is their own worst critic
We all have things we may not like about ourselves but it can get worse when we fixate on them. Sometimes it’s about embracing the awkward, trusting that things will go well and that you’ll get great photos. A great photographer will capture you in the best light and be able to get more great photos of you.
During most life events people have their picture taken so getting comfortable in front of the camera is worth doing. Whether it’s having a profile picture for work, LinkedIn, or a social media account, portraits are a part of life and a way to remember each year or memories we have.