For many people, having their photo taken ranks somewhere between public speaking and a trip to the dentist on the list of “things I’d rather avoid.” I get it—being in front of the camera can feel awkward, vulnerable, or just plain intimidating.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a natural model to get photos you love. You just need a photographer who understands how to make the process fun, easy, and pressure-free.
Over the years, I’ve worked with countless clients who were camera-shy, and time after time, they’ve walked away saying, “That was way easier than I expected!”
So, if you’re feeling nervous about booking a session, don’t worry—I’ve got you. Here are my tried-and-true methods for helping even the most camera-shy clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the lens.
1 – Start with a Chat (No Cameras Involved)
Before the camera even comes out, I make sure we’ve had a proper conversation—whether that’s in person, over the phone, or via email. I want to get to know you: what you do, what kind of vibe you’re going for, and what makes you tick.
The more comfortable you feel with me as a person, the more at ease you’ll feel when the shoot begins. I’m not just showing up to point a camera at you—I’m here to collaborate with you, listen to your concerns, and help you feel seen in the best possible way.
Tip: If you’ve had a bad experience with photos in the past, let me know! It helps me tailor the session to your needs and avoid anything that’s made you uncomfortable before.
2 – Set the Scene with a Relaxed Atmosphere
The vibe of the shoot makes a huge difference. If things feel formal or rushed, that tension will show up in the photos. That’s why I create an environment that feels calm, friendly, and relaxed from the get-go.
I often put on background music, crack a few jokes, and keep the conversation flowing throughout the session. Instead of making it feel like a “photoshoot,” I treat it like a hangout where we just happen to be taking photos. This helps clients relax and forget about the camera altogether.
Example: One of my clients told me she was dreading her headshot session because she hated being photographed. I played her favourite upbeat playlist during the shoot, and by the end, she was laughing and dancing between shots. The result? Authentic, joyful photos that captured her personality perfectly.
3 – Guide, Don’t Pose
Most people freeze up when they hear the word “pose.” That’s why I focus on guiding my clients into natural, flattering positions rather than giving rigid instructions.
I’ll often ask clients to make small adjustments—shift their weight, take a step, or angle their shoulders—while keeping things fluid and relaxed. I also incorporate movement into my sessions because it creates more candid, dynamic shots.
Tip: If you’re not sure what to do with your hands (a common struggle!), I’ll suggest easy, natural actions—like tucking a hand in your pocket, adjusting your hair, or holding onto something like a coffee cup. These small details make a big difference in making your photos look natural rather than posed.
4 – Distract the Nerves with Conversation
One of the simplest ways to help clients relax? Talk to them! When you’re chatting and engaged in conversation, you’re less likely to overthink how you’re standing or whether your smile looks forced.
During the shoot, I’ll ask light-hearted questions—anything from “What’s the last TV series you binged?” to “What’s your dream holiday?” It’s amazing how quickly nerves melt away when you’re talking about something you enjoy.
Example: During a branding shoot, I asked a nervous entrepreneur to explain the story behind her business name. As she told the story, her passion shone through, and she completely forgot about the camera. The result? Gorgeous, authentic photos full of warmth and pride.
5 – Pause and Reset When Needed
Sometimes nerves creep back in, and that’s totally fine! If I notice a client starting to look stiff or unsure, I’ll hit pause. We’ll take a breather, have a laugh, and reset. There’s no rush—it’s all about making sure you feel good in the moment.
If a client feels more comfortable in a different setting—like outdoors instead of in a studio—or needs a bit more time to ease into things, I’m happy to adjust. It’s your session, and I want you to feel in control.
Tip: If you start feeling awkward, take a moment to breathe and shake it out—literally! A quick stretch or a laugh can instantly loosen you up and help you reset your mindset.
6 – Celebrate the Wins
Throughout the session, I’ll show you some of the shots on the back of the camera. Seeing how good you look in real-time can be a massive confidence boost! It’s a great reminder that you’re absolutely nailing it, and it often helps clients relax even more for the rest of the session.
You Don’t Need to Be a “Natural”—You Just Need the Right Support
If the idea of being photographed makes you cringe, you’re not alone—but I promise, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. With the right approach, a little guidance, and a whole lot of patience, even the shyest person can walk away with photos they love.
If you’re ready to book a session but want to feel completely at ease from start to finish, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create a relaxed, enjoyable experience where you’ll feel confident, comfortable, and yes—even have fun!
Get in touch today, and let’s capture the real, relaxed you—no awkward poses required.
