How to feel less Awkward in front of the camera
Dec 9, 2024
How to feel less Awkward in front of the camera during your session.
Today I’m share my 6 tips to couples who feel awkward when it comes to being in front of a professional camera.
Build a Relationship Before the Shoot
As a Documentary Wedding Photographer I always build a connection with my couples pre-shoot through a brief zoom call and questionnaire. After you inquire, we will hop on that zoom call to, first get to know one another and second, to lay out the details of your session or wedding. Once you officially book, I continue to build this connect through a questionnaire. This questionnaire helps me know your love story that much better so I can create a session that is authentic to you and your partner.
Set the Tone
Setting the tone starts with your experience and to do that I send out a session guide. This guide is filled with inspiration, tips and some of my top photo locations to help ease stress and plan for a fun filled session. My couples main feedback is always that I made them feel relaxed, comfortable and taken care of. We always start a session with hugs and lighthearted talk. Throughout the session I make it all about you two by bringing up answers from your questionnaire and elaborating on it. This is a great way to ease the nerves. Be sure to check out what past clients rave about when working with me! Here are some 5 star reviews from past clients
Giving Simple Directions
Your not a model and I won’t treat you like one. The goal is to feel relaxed and comfortable. Again, it all starts with the planning and questionnaire. Learning about your relationship helps me create an authentic story. I will direct in light prompting that only extenuates your natural connection. What we are trying to create is a day in your life.
Encourage Movement
Movement can be playful and spark laughter, plus it’s a great way to create candid moments and authentic interaction. Movement is also a great way to feel less awkward because it allows you to use parts of your body, when motionless can feel less natural. If you’d like to check out more prompting ideas here is some inspiration from my Pinterest page. Couples Posing Ideas
Create Connection
The way to feel less awkward is by building moments of connect. This could be done by pulling your partner in close, hugging, cuddling and kissing. We are creating an intimacy between you two that only you posses. Natural smiles and laughter can be achieved through various forms of silly faces, jokes or shared quirks.
Take Breaks
Even though our session only lasts a short time, taking breaks throughout helps make you feel like this isn’t just a photoshoot. Outdoor sessions are great because we can be shooting in one spot than easily move on to another while chatting like old friends. This is just another example of making you feel less awkward in front of the camera.
I hope these tips give you a moment to breathe and remind you that your session doesn’t have to feel awkward. Knowing that your photographer is there to help ease the stress is a key part of planning a successful and enjoyable experience. If your interested in learning more or feel like this blog brings us closer and would love to book your session or wedding with me, inquire here.
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