How to Look More Natural in Your Next Photoshoot
As a photographer for over 15 years, I’ve stood across from so many different women in front of my camera. Within those years, I’ve learned how to navigate and truly support women being photographed. I’ve heard it all: "I’m so awkward when I get my photo taken" or "I hate getting photographed." Yet, when my clients receive their galleries back, they consistently tell me they finally see themselves. That is what I do best. I don’t care to photograph an unrecognizable version of you that only exists 10% of the time. I want to capture the version of you that steps out and shows up for herself.
Being photographed is a deeply vulnerable practice. Most of the time, clients meet me on set knowing nothing about me, and within a span of a few hours, my job is to build enough comfort and trust that getting their photo taken isn’t so scary anymore. Over time, I’ve picked up key practices to show women how to feel their absolute best during a photoshoot so their final images make them feel happy, excited, and confident.
Here are my best tips on how to look more natural in photos and feel completely like yourself during your next photoshoot.
1. Prep the Playlist
This always seems like an unnecessary detail, but when done right, it’s the one thing my clients constantly tell me they’re glad I recommended. Music dictates energy. Certain songs instantly shift your posture and get you feeling like yourself. As you plan for your next photoshoot, keep an ear out for every song that makes you feel good (like you want to get up and have a dance party) and start popping them into a dedicated shoot playlist. I promise you, your photographer won’t mind one bit.
2. Try On Your Outfits Before Shoot Day
You shouldn’t be trying your outfits on for the first time on the day of your photoshoot. Instead, try them on a few days before and see how they actually fit you. Take photos of yourself wearing them in natural light and see how you feel. Do they make you feel and look your absolute best, or did you pick an outfit simply because it was on your Pinterest mood board? If an outfit isn't comfortable off-camera, it won't feel natural on-camera.
3. Practice Your Poses & Movement
On the back of trying your outfits on, test out your poses at home. Whether you’re alone or with a partner, put your outfits on and test the different ways you might be moving or sitting. Set up your phone on a tripod and snap a few test photos, or have someone take a few quick shots of you. This step helps you see how your clothing sits during each pose. Take it a step further and notice where your outfit bunches up when you sit down or lean on a chair. Testing your movement beforehand is the true test for posing naturally in photos.
4. Find the Right Photographer for You
This might sound a little extra, but finding the right photographer is like finding the right therapist. It is entirely based on rapport and comfort.I’ve been on shoots with other photographers and watched how they interact with clients. The energy on set is the difference between someone simply telling you to "put on a smile" versus naturally getting a real smile out of you that truly shows you off. Find a photographer who not only works within your budget, but actively makes you feel safe, grounded, and great about yourself.
Final Thoughts: Learning to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
When you put all of these preparation steps together, you’ll start to not only look more natural in your photos, but you’ll start to genuinely feel more natural getting your photo taken. Being in front of the camera is like taking up a new sport. You may not feel like a natural right from the beginning, but with time, practice, and the right environment, you’ll learn your angles, trust your presence, and it will be smooth sailing from there.