One of the most common things I hear when I first meet with clients is, “I’m not a model.” I get it. We all want to feel comfortable in our own skin, and having a camera in your face can make us feel like we can’t be ourselves! Maybe you’ve thought, “ugh, I’m not photogenic.” If this is you, I’ve got good news. There’s a secret to getting great pictures even if you don’t look or pose like a model. It’s not about having all that; it’s about how you feel and present yourself during a session. Trust me, the more confidence and comfort you feel, the better the photos will turn out.
That’s why my goal with every session. I want to empower you and give you confidence—even if it means I’m a little over the top! We all need a hype-man, right?! Here are my top five tips to help you look and feel your best, and ultimately get photos you’re going to love! And if you stick around to the end, I've share one extra bonus tip!
Let’s start with the obvious—your outfit. You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s so important to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a brand-new wardrobe, but pick an outfit that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Do you have a favorite shirt or a dress that always gets you compliments? Wear that! The more comfortable you feel in your clothes, the more naturally your confidence will shine through in your photos. If you’re not sure what to wear, just ask me! I’m here to help!
You know how you feel when you’ve had a great night’s sleep? Energized, refreshed, and ready to take on the world! That energy translates directly into your photos. This is why my wife and I are always telling our kids that sleep is their superpower. Sleep heals you! If you’re tired or sluggish, it’s hard to fake that "I’m feeling amazing" vibe in front of the camera. So, prioritize rest the night before your session. Not only will you look more vibrant, but you’ll also feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy the process. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to wake up feeling amazing?
This tip might sound more like a health tip, but it’s directly related to how you look on camera. Staying hydrated leading up to your session helps your skin look fresh and glowing. Plus, when you're well-hydrated, you'll have more energy and feel less tired during the shoot. I’m always packing a water bottle in my bag for a session! So, grab that water bottle, keep sipping, because hydration matters!
Nothing is worse than feeling stiff or awkward in front of the camera. I get it; we tend to freeze when the camera comes up. One of the best ways to overcome that is through movement. Instead of standing still and worrying about every pose, try adding some natural movement. How would you act if the camera wasn’t there? Take a walk, do a little twirl, or even laugh at something silly—it loosens up your body and gives your photos a more relaxed, authentic vibe. Just have fun! Plus, movement often brings out those candid moments that make for the best shots. So, don’t be afraid to let loose a little. After all, isn’t it more fun to enjoy the moment rather than stressing over every detail?
Often, the most memorable photos aren’t necessarily the ones where everything is "perfect." It’s the moments that show connection—whether that’s with your surroundings, your loved ones, or just with yourself. On the day of the shoot, be sure to relax and don’t stress. It’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. After years of photographing weddings, families, and portraits, I’ve learned that if something can go wrong, it will. But I’ve also learned to roll with it and just laugh. If you carry that stress into the session, it will show. So, focus on connecting with your family or with your photographer. Photos that capture genuine emotion and interaction always stand out. Instead of focusing on nailing every pose, think about who or what makes you feel happiest, and let that feeling guide you. When you connect emotionally, it will shine through in the photos—and isn’t that what makes a picture truly special?
Extra Tip!
Finally, and this one’s important: trust me. I know it can be intimidating to be in front of the camera, especially if you’re not used to it. But remember, we’re in this together. None of my clients are models. So, let’s laugh at silly things, chat about life, and just have fun while keeping it simple. My job is to guide you through the session, offer helpful direction, and make sure you feel at ease. You don’t have to know how to pose or what to do with your hands—that’s what I’m here for! My goal is to help pose you just enough to capture great photos but not so much that you can’t be yourself! When you trust the process and let go of any stress or worry, the photos will reflect that confidence.
Feeling your best and looking great in photos isn’t about fitting into some impossible standard. It’s about confidence, comfort, and being true to yourself. When you focus on feeling good—whether it’s through your outfit, sleep, hydration, connection, or just trusting the process—the result is always the same: incredible photos that capture the real, amazing you. Ready to give it a try? Let’s make some magic!
