Did you know that approximately 10 million people in the United States suffer from Body Dysmorphia Disorder? This disorder forces people to hyper focus on a perceived flaw in their appearance. This number doesn’t even account for all the people who just don’t feel confident on camera.
Trust me, I get how uncomfortable it can be to have your photo taken. But I’m all about body positivity and helping you feel like the best version of yourself in your photos. That’s why I put together a list of tips to help you look and feel confident and relaxed in your portraits. Read on to learn more!
1. Start With the Right Mindset
Your mindset influences your reality. It affects the way you think and feel about yourself, others, and certain situations. It also affects your ability to look confident on camera. One of the benefits of this is that you have the power to change your mindset. For example, focusing on the positives can lift your spirits and help you relax.
Telling yourself, ‘I hate having my picture taken,’ or, ‘I don’t think I’ll look good in my portraits,’ leaves you stressed over things you can’t control. Instead, try thinking of 3 positive things about your photoshoot. For example, think about how excited your partner is for the photoshoot, how nice it will be to have updated photos together, and how you love the chosen location.
2. Choose the Right Outfit and Location
Feeling comfortable is an important part of being confident. Before your photoshoot, consider what you can do to feel more at ease. I recommend focusing on your photoshoot location and your outfit. When taking new photos, a lot of people opt to buy new outfits or wear clothes they save for special occasions. I’m all for this, but make sure they’re clothes you feel comfortable and confident wearing.
The same can be said about Seattle photoshoot locations. A park that you’ve spent a lot of time in is going to help you relax more than somewhere unfamiliar. If you don’t have a favorite location, consider visiting your chosen location ahead of time to get more familiar with it.
3. Leave Extra Time
Having little to no time to get settled before your photoshoot can prevent you from feeling relaxed. The feeling of running late is even worse for photoshoot anxiety. Leave more time than you think you’ll need to prepare and arrive for your photo session. Even if things don’t go as planned, such as running into Seattle traffic during rush hour, you’ll have a time cushion to keep you as calm as possible.
4. Look at Pose Ideas
Searching for ‘Pacific Northwest photoshoot ideas,’ will leave you with tons of inspiration as far as locations in the Greater Seattle Area and poses. Consider creating a mood board or just collecting some sample poses to help you get excited about your photo session. Having a plan for your photoshoot can also help you feel more in control and relaxed.
5. Feel Confident on Camera With Practice
One of the best ways to look confident on camera is to practice. Pull up your pose inspiration and try a few of them out. Familiarizing yourself with how to position your body helps it feel more natural during your photoshoot.
Another option is to look at your inspiration pictures from your Pinterest board. Consider why you like certain photos or poses and try articulating this to your photographer.
6. Create Movement
Shake out your nerves, literally! Feeling anxious and nervous can leave you looking stiff on camera. Take a deep breath and shake out your joints.
I like to use prompts more than poses during my photography sessions. While posing absolutely has its place in a photo session, prompts keep you loose and relaxed. Plus, the natural movements offer better results in your final images. An example of a prompt is:
“Hold hands with your partner and swing your arms while walking towards the camera.” Make this prompt your own by looking at each other or at the surrounding area instead of just at the camera. Variety is the spice of life after all!
7. Trust Your Photographer
As your photographer, I want you to love yourself and your photos, so I’m going to make sure to use prompts and poses that help you feel natural, relaxed, and confident. If you’re feeling nervous or have some concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can make a plan together that has you feeling like the best version of yourself. Trust me, I’ve got your back!