10 Simple Tips to Feel Confident in Front of the Camera (Even If You Hate Having Your Photo Taken)
Do you dread being in front of the camera? You’re not alone.
Many of us feel awkward, unsure, or downright uncomfortable when it’s time to smile for the camera. Maybe you worry about not knowing how to pose, or you’re convinced you’re “just not photogenic.” The truth? Most people feel the same way—but confidence in front of the camera isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being yourself.
As a photographer, I’ve worked with countless clients who started their session feeling nervous and unsure, only to leave with a smile, realizing they looked—and felt—amazing in their photos. With the right preparation and mindset, you can do the same.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 simple, actionable tips to help you feel confident, natural, and even enjoy your time in front of the lens. Let’s turn that camera-shy energy into something magical!
Preparing for Your Session
Choose the Right Photographer for You
Your photographer can make or break your experience in front of the camera. It’s so much easier to feel confident when you’re working with someone who gets you, listens to your concerns, and creates a space where you can relax and just be yourself.
When you’re looking for a photographer, don’t just pick someone based on pretty photos (though that’s important, too!). Pay attention to how they talk about their work and how they interact with their clients. Do they seem approachable and supportive? Do they explain their process in a way that makes you feel comfortable?
It’s okay to ask questions before booking, too. Tell them about your worries—whether it’s feeling awkward, not knowing how to pose, or being camera-shy. A great photographer will know how to guide you through the session and help you feel at ease, so all you have to focus on is enjoying the moment.
You’re not just hiring someone to take pictures; you’re trusting them to bring out your best self. Choose someone who makes that easy.
Practice Ahead of Time
It might feel a little silly, but practicing in front of a mirror can do wonders for your confidence in front of the camera (and let’s be honest, you probably did it as a teenager anyway!). Don’t just focus on your smile—practice good posture (it’s the ultimate confidence booster), explore angles that flatter you, and find poses that feel natural and comfortable. Once you’ve practiced in front of the mirror, take it a step further and try the same poses without it. This helps you get used to how those movements feel, so you’ll be more comfortable during your session. The more familiar you are, the more confident you’ll feel—and confidence always shines through in photos. (P.S. I’ve got a blog on posing coming out next month, so stay tuned!)
Dress for Comfort and Confidence
The outfit you choose for your session should do more than just look good—it should make you feel good. When you’re wearing something that fits well, feels comfortable, and boosts your confidence, it sets the tone for the entire session. On the flip side, an outfit you don’t love can impact your mood, and trust me, that will show in your photos.
The right outfit isn’t just about looking great—it’s about putting you in the right mindset. If you’re feeling stuck on what to wear, I’ve got you covered. Check out my blog with tips on picking the perfect outfit here or reach out to me for suggestions. I’m always happy to help, and you’re welcome to borrow something from my client closet, too
Don’t Skip Self Care
Taking care of yourself before your session can make a huge difference in how you feel. Get a good night’s sleep, hydrate yourself, and eat something nourishing beforehand. These simple things can help you feel refreshed, energized, and ready to shine. Bonus points if you take a little extra time for something that makes you feel good, like doing your hair, makeup, or even squeezing in a short walk or meditation. Feeling your best will make it easier to relax and enjoy the experience.
During Your Session
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
Have you ever been at a gathering where you didn’t know anyone, so you ended up bonding with the host’s pet? There’s a reason that connection made you feel at ease: it was authentic, judgment-free, and full of genuine emotion.
The same principle applies to your photo session. Instead of overthinking your pose or worrying about looking awkward, focus on making connections—with your loved ones or even with me, your (nonjudgmental!) photographer. When you’re living in the moment and letting those connections shine, the awkwardness fades, and your photos become naturally emotive and authentic.
Communicate your concerns
This step is so much easier if you’ve followed tip #1 and chosen the right photographer. Let me know about your insecurities, preferences, or anything you’re nervous about. I want to tailor the session to your needs so you feel supported and confident every step of the way.
Engage in movement
Posing doesn’t have to feel stiff or robotic. Some of the most beautiful, natural photos come from simple actions—walking hand in hand, laughing, or playing together. Movement not only adds energy and life to your images but also helps melt away any awkwardness that can come with holding a static pose.
Shifting your mindset
Take a few deep breaths
Nerves have a sneaky way of showing up in photos as stiff shoulders or forced smiles. The good news? You can calm your body and mind with a slow, deep breaths before and during your session. Deep breathing signals to your brain that you’re okay, helping to lower your heart rate and relax your body. And when you’re relaxed, it’s easier to feel confident.
Focus on the moment
Remember, this session isn’t about “performing” for the camera—it’s about creating meaningful memories. If you start feeling tense, try using mindfulness to bring yourself back to the present.
Take a moment to see your loved ones. Notice the little details about them—their smiles, their laughter, the way they hold your hand. Tune in to your surroundings. What do you hear? Birds chirping? Kids giggling? An airplane overhead? How does the air feel on your skin? Is the ground beneath you cool and grassy, or rocky and uneven?
Grounding yourself in these details can help you feel more connected to the experience and less caught up in your nerves. When you’re present, your photos will naturally reflect that joy and connection.
Trust the Process
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your session—it means you care about how your photos turn out! But here’s the thing: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you show up. Trust that your photographer (hey, that’s me!) knows how to guide you, help you feel at ease, and bring out your best. You don’t need to know all the perfect poses or angles—that’s my job. Come as you are and let me handle the rest. When you relax and trust the process, the magic happens, and your photos will reflect the natural, beautiful moments we create together.
Ready to take the next step?
Feeling camera-shy doesn’t have to hold you back. With these tips—and the right photographer—you can feel confident, relaxed, and excited about your photos. If you’re ready to book a session or just want to chat about how we can make your experience amazing, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something beautiful together!
