The idea of having your photo taken can feel daunting.
Whether it’s a personal portrait, a family session or a shoot for your small business, there’s often a sense of pressure to get it just right.
You might be worrying about what to wear, how to pose, or whether the kids will behave.
But the truth is, a successful photo session doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach and a bit of preparation, it can actually be enjoyable – even fun.
As a professional photographer working with individuals, small businesses and charities across Cranleigh and the Surrey Hills, I’ve seen firsthand how a little planning goes a long way.
So here are some practical tips to help you feel relaxed, confident and ready for a photo session that feels natural and easy.
Choose the right time and place
Start by picking a time that works best for you.
If you’re booking a portrait session, think about when you feel most comfortable and energised. For most people, that tends to be earlier in the day rather than late in the afternoon when tiredness can set in.
If children are involved, aim for a time that fits around naps or meals so everyone is in good spirits.
Location also plays a big part in how relaxed you feel.
If you love the outdoors, a shoot in the Surrey Hills or a local park might suit you best. If you’re more comfortable indoors, we can shoot at home or at your business premises.
The key is to choose a place where you feel at ease – the more familiar and comfortable the surroundings, the more natural the photos will look.
Dress comfortably and be yourself
One of the most common questions I’m asked is “what should I wear?”. The short answer is: wear something that feels like you.
Choose clothes you feel good in – something that fits well, suits your style and doesn’t need constant adjusting. Avoid busy patterns or bold logos that can distract from your face. Neutral tones and solid colours tend to work well in photographs.
If it’s a family session, try to coordinate without matching too closely. Similar tones work better than identical outfits.
And for brand photography, consider how your outfit reflects your work and the message you want to send.
If you’re a yoga teacher or a creative entrepreneur, your clothing can show that – it doesn’t have to be formal.
Don’t worry about posing
You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job.
A good photo session should feel more like a conversation than a performance. I’ll guide you gently throughout, helping you to find natural positions that feel right and look good on camera. If something feels awkward, we’ll change it.
The best photos often come when you forget the camera is even there. That’s why I spend time getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable before we start.
Sometimes, we’ll chat for a bit before I even pick up the camera. That connection makes all the difference – especially if you’re not used to being in front of the lens.
Think about why you’re doing it
Having a clear reason for the session helps you feel more focused.
Are you updating your headshots for your website? Capturing a moment with your children before they grow any bigger? Telling the story of your charity’s work?
When you know why the photos matter, you can approach the session with more purpose and less pressure. You’re not trying to be perfect – you’re simply showing something real and meaningful. That mindset shift can make all the difference.
Allow plenty of time
Rushing is the enemy of a relaxed photo session. Give yourself time to get ready without feeling flustered.
If we’re meeting on location, plan to arrive a little early so you can settle in. The same goes for getting children dressed or preparing your space if we’re shooting at home or work.
It’s also worth clearing some space in your day afterwards. If you’re heading straight to a meeting or another appointment, it can make the session feel hurried.
A more open schedule means we can take our time, pause if needed and let the session unfold at a natural pace.
Trust the process
Finally, trust the process.
It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but remember that you’re not doing this alone. My role as a photographer is to guide you through the session, keep things simple and bring out the best in you.
We’re working together to create something you’ll be proud of – and maybe even enjoy along the way.
Every session is different because every person is different. That’s what makes photography so rewarding.
Whether we’re capturing a business you’ve built from scratch or a quiet moment between you and your child, the most important thing is that it feels true to you.
If you’re thinking about booking a photo session but feel a bit unsure, I’d love to talk it through.
Get in touch, and let’s chat about what you need. We’ll plan something that fits around your life, feels easy on the day, and gives you photos you’ll want to share.
