Are you camera shy? Then keep reading! Most of my couple’s tell me that they are uncomfortable in front of the camera – especially the guys 😉
Can I tell you a secret: I’m a bit camera shy myself! Even though I am a photographer, I can also feel awkward on the other side of the camera!
My job as a photographer in Cape Town is to make sure that my couples feel comfortable and confident at their engagement sessions and during their weddings. Don’t let the camera make your nervous! I promise that having a professional taking your photos is a lot more exciting (and relaxing) than your grandpa or mom taking the photo 😉
In the past few years, I have come up with ways on how I help you to feel comfortable, and what you can do as well.
So, if you’re a bit camera shy, like me… read my top 5 tips on how I make you feel comfortable in front of the camera below.
1. Preparation
Preparation, preparation, preparation… Can I say it again??
“If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail…” Some of the best advice I have ever received.
Being prepared for your photo shoot is vital for you and myself. I make sure to come to your photo shoot prepared; knowing which spots at the location I want to use for photos.
How do I prepare you? Before a photo shoot or wedding I send all my couples a questionnaire to complete, this helps me to get to know you a bit better. And also to know if you have any back injuries I should be aware of 😉
Within that questionnaire I also share some outfit ideas with you.
How can you prepare? Get rest, choose your outfits beforehand, get your hair & make-up done… And be ready to have fun!
2. Relax
Being camera shy is, for most people, is their first reaction when being photographed. The idea of being photographed causes anxiety for a lot of people. A professional photo shoot with your partner should be fun, not stressful. Rather than treating a photo session as a chore or something you are dreading, think of it as a fun date! Trying something new for a date is always a great idea! Try to enjoy the environment, whether inside or outside, and use it as a time to connect with each other.
You don’t have to force anything, just try to relax. It usually takes 10-15 minutes to relax in front of a camera.
A photo session is not a where I will constantly take photos of you. It involves a lot of talking, walking, engaging with your photographer and your partner and taking breaks. We won’t be in one spot the whole time, we will move around.
3. Lets keep the conversation going
Communicating with me as your photographer on your shoot is a great idea. If you’re nervous about any part of your body or how you look, tell your photographer. I make sure to capture your best angles. Using light, the best camera gear and my skill – they end result of the photos might surprise you 🙂
The better I understand any of your anxieties, the better I can pose/guide you to look your best!
And also keep the conversation going between the two of you… on shoots I like to encourage my couples to tell each other sweet/funny things 😉
4. Be comfortable
Choose an outfit that you will feel comfortable in, but also one that you look and feel pretty in.
When you choose a location, think about a place (type of location) you two enjoy going to.
Another great way to help ease the nerves it to include an activity; drinking coffee/beer, cycling – whatever you feel like doing 🙂
5. Guidance on posing
I always make sure to (try my best to) understand you as a couple, and what you feel comfortable doing or not doing. So that I can help relax and help guide you to know what to do.
Don’t let the word ‘posing’ scare you… It is just a fancy word for me showing you how to stand, where to put your hands etc. It is NOT like the shoots you see of models… It is a more informal approach. The point of it is to make you feel comfortable and confident. It also helps you to trust me as your photographer.
A typical guidance/pose would sound something like this: “Jordan & Lea, I would love for you two to walk from this spot over to where I am. You will be holding hands while you walk. Walk at a slow pace. And while you walk towards me I will tell you if you should look at each other, look at the camera and when you should hug/kiss.” Now, that doesn’t sound too difficult or scary does it?? 🙂
Trust me, I will NOT make you stand off in the distance and tell you: “Okay now give me your best pose…” Like, I don’t even know what I will do when someone tells me that… LOL.
Another important note: natural looking photos don’t always happen naturally. I have to give guidance and then capture the moments in between, and how create your own ‘natural moments’.
6. Embrace the ‘awkwardness’
Continuing with the guidance & posing from before; you will feel awkward and uncomfortable at first. But after 15min you should have a hang of things. Just embrace the way you feel.
If you feel like being silly, then DO THAT! I want to capture you as a couple!
In the end I want to help you get over your discomfort. Don’t take it all too seriously. We are designed to handle and adapt to almost any situation in life! I hope these tips will help you feel more comfortable the next time you have to be photographed 🙂
Got any questions or ready to book your own session? Say ‘hey’ here.
