Getting your portrait taken can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not used to being in front of the camera. It’s completely normal to feel uneasy when the spotlight is on you. Many people feel a bit jittery before a photoshoot, but don’t worry, you’re not alone.
And the good news is that there’s loads you can do to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. We’ve put together this guide to help you feel more at ease and get the most out of your portrait session. We’ll talk about everything from picking the right portrait photographer to practicing your best poses.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to step in front of the camera with confidence, feel like a professional model pulling poses and have a great experience. Let’s dive in and get you prepped for your portrait session.
Featured image by Surrey-based portrait photographer Jason Saunders.
First things first, make sure you have a chat with your photographer about your ideas and vision. Whether you’re looking for something more traditional or something a bit avant garde, your photographer will be able to help you find the right style. Portrait photographers like Nigel R Glasgow are incredibly skilled at capturing different styles.
By sharing your ideas and vision, you can make sure the photos reflect your personality and style. Show them some pictures you like from their portfolios or from Pinterest or Instagram. This’ll help your photographer get a clear idea of what you’re aiming for.
Plus, discussing everything before the shoot helps build a connection early on. This means that you’ll already have a working relationship and feel a lot more comfortable when the big day arrives.
What you wear can make a huge difference in how you feel during your session. Choose outfits that you love and feel great in. When you’re comfortable, it shows in your photos.
Think about the location and theme of your shoot when picking your clothes. Casual, formal, fun, or stylish — go with what suits the setting and makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Bringing a few options to the shoot is a smart move, too. It gives you variety and helps you switch things up if needed.
Don’t forget about accessories. They can add a personal touch to your outfit but keep it balanced so they complement rather than overshadow your look. Try out a few looks before the shoot and get a second opinion if you’re not 100% sure if something works.
Practice makes perfect, and when it comes to portrait poses, a little practice goes a long way. Spend some time in front of the mirror, trying out different poses and expressions. Find your best angles and get comfortable with them.
There are plenty of posing guides and tutorials online. Check them out for tips and inspiration. Another great source of inspiration is checking out portrait photographers’ portfolios, where you can see how other people pose and what you’d like to try out.
Practicing these poses helps you discover what works best for you and can make you feel more confident. It also helps you not to feel quite as silly when you’re pulling a serious face for a corporate portrait or showing off your pearly whites in a more casual portrait.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being comfortable and letting your personality shine through.
Bringing a friend or family member to your session can be a game changer. They help you feel more at ease as you won’t arrive alone and they’re a bit help making you feel more comfortable.
Plus, they can be handy to have around for practical things like fixing your hair or holding props. A familiar face can turn a nervy experience into a fun day out that ends with brilliant natural portraits you love.
Sometimes, just having someone you trust nearby can make all the difference. Choose someone who knows you well and can help bring out your best self during the shoot.
And who knows? They might even get inspired to book their own session!
Choosing the right photographer is crucial to getting photos you’re over the moon with. Every photographer has a unique style, so find one whose work you love. Browse through portfolios to see which style you really like and take your time choosing.
Once you’ve found a photographer whose style you love, reach out and have a chat. Discuss your ideas and see if you click. Building a good relationship with your photographer can make you feel way more comfortable and confident during the session.
While the end result is fantastic photos, a portrait session is also about the experience. The right photographer will make you feel at ease and have fun, which usually results in much better photos.
While getting your portrait taken can feel daunting, working with a professional portrait photographer can make the experience enjoyable and stress-free.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and capture some amazing portraits, we’re here to help. Head over to our portrait photographers page to browse through the portfolios of some of the finest portrait photographers in the UK.
On their portfolio pages, you’ll find examples of their previous work, get to know more about them, and get an idea of their pricing. Once you find a photographer whose style resonates with you, you can contact them directly through their portfolio page.
Good luck with your portrait session, and we can’t wait to see the stunning images you create!
