5 tips to feel comfortable in front of the camera

Feeling comfortable in front of the camera is one of the best ways to make sure you get great photos. I’ve taken photographs of lots of people — everyone from babies and children to regular adults to professional models. Obviously models are very comfortable in front of the camera to the point of not having to give them any guidance. Regular people generally need some of that guidance.

Not everyone I have photographed is comfortable in front of the camera. Some people look stiff no matter how much guidance I give them. It’s great when my photo subjects are completely comfortable, but when they aren’t it’s my job to help them feel comfortable.

If you are getting your photo taken, here are a fivew ways you can feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Look your Best

If you look your best, you should feel better about yourself. You should feel better about having your photo taken. I know for me, looking my best makes me feel more confident. Dress to kill and go into that photo session knowing that you are going to look great in those photos. That should help you feel more comfortable.

Practice Relaxing

If you have an important photo shoot coming up, ask a friend to take your picture beforehand for a short session and practice relaxing. Shake your arms so they are more relaxed and less stiff. Move your shoulders around to make sure they are relaxed and not tense. Then do that practice session and relax as much as you can. When the time comes for your professional session, remember these relaxation techniques.

Talk to your photographer

When you chat with your photographer you will hopefully become more comfortable about him or her. Engage in conversation and learn more about each other. You will feel less like a stranger is holding a camera in front of you and more like you are working with a friend. You should feel more comfortable in front of the camera if you feel comfortable with the photographer. This should not be one sided. The photographer should actively seek to converse with you so you don’t have to shoulder the bulk of the conversation yourself.

Engage with anyone else in the photo

If you aren’t alone in your photo it helps to engage with others in the photo. If this is a couples photo session, interact with each other. You are in this together. Try to talk and feel comfortable with each other in the moment. One thing I like to do is tell my couples just to interact with each other and pretend like you aren’t having your picture taken. This can lead to more natural looking photos. Talk, cuddle, touch each other in front of the camera. This will help you relax and feel more comfortable.

Hold something in your hands

One of the biggest questions people in front of the camera is “what do I do with  my hands?” Where to put your hands isn’t difficult. The important thing is that they look relaxed. Your photographer will guide you here. One thing that might help is if you have something in your hands. Consider something natural that might work in the photo, like a hat, a pair of sunglasses, etc.