Feeling comfortable in front of the camera

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they are nervous about having photos taken or that they don't think they're very photogenic - well I'd have a lot of loose change!!! 

It is totally okay to feel this way when you turn up to a photoshoot. I know what it is like to have a camera pointed at you and feel nervous & self-concious. In fact I think I could take out the prize for best 'frozen fake smile' face! 😁

So for this very reason before I even start shooting at a session I tell my clients that there is no pressure on them, it's my job to make sure we create some awesome photos and the aim is to relax and have fun. I want to create natural, fun portraits so it's important everyone feels at ease in front of my camera. 

Here's some of the things I do to help you enjoy your time in front of my camera & ensure you walk away with beautiful, fun photographs...

I KEEP IT LAID-BACK - Your vibe attracts your tribe right?! So if I'm laidback and at ease, it rubs off. If I was just to turn up with camera in hand and start shooting I would get images that are entirely not reflective of my style. Instead I love to spend even just a few minutes before starting the shoot to set up a relaxed, laid-back vibe. If it's an engagement shoot we often start chatting about how wedding plans are coming along, sometimes we even go for coffee or a wine before the shoot to catch up! If it's a family session I make sure I personally introduce myself to everyone and chat a little to the kids.

I TALK A LOT - yes sorry I do like to talk! I talk a lot from behind my camera, in fact I've found I only go silent when my clients are interacting & absorbed in each other rather than worrying about what I'm doing and I love capturing these moments. But the reason I do talk a lot when I'm doing a photoshoot is to give you directions or something to do so that you don't feel frozen & awkward.

I don't expect anyone in front of my camera to know what they should be doing or how they should be standing - so I'm not going to leave you out there in silence and not provide any encouragement along the way! I can be the queen of awkward when it comes to explaining myself at times so I might even show you how I want you to stand or position yourself and then let you make it your own.

YOU DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO LOOK AT THE CAMERA - It can be excuriatingly awkward to stare into the lens of a camera right?! (Or am I the only one?) I often ask my clients to interact, cuddle, talk, tickle the kids, whatever - and just simply ignore me. Firstly I love these types of photos. But also these simple acts can help you feel more comfortable and break down that barrier, so that when I do ask you to look back towards me you are carefree.

TRUST ME - Let me worry about finding complimentary light. Let me take care of finding the right angles and ensuring your posing looks natural. By putting your trust in me you can let go of thinking about all those things. And by doing so you can have fun & enjoy being in the moment. 

Probably the number one comment I hear at the end of a shoot is how much fun it was considering the initial nerves, or often surprise from the guys at how easy the photoshoot was. Everybody deserves beautiful portraits of themselves & their loved ones and it doesn't need to be uncomfortable or awkward.

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