Top 5 tips on how to feel comfortable in front of the camera

Wedding Photoshoot

Part of a photographer’s job is to make sure that bridal couples feel comfortable and confident at their engagement sessions and for their Wedding Photoshoot. Don’t let the camera make you nervous! Having a professional taking your photos is a lot more exciting (and relaxing) than your grandpa or mom taking the photo.

In the past few years, Coba from Coba Photography has come up with ways on how to help you feel comfortable, and what you can do as well.

So, if you’re a bit camera shy, read these Top 5 tips on how to feel comfortable in front of the camera.

1. Preparation

Preparation, preparation, preparation.

“If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail…” Some of the best advice ever given.

Being prepared for your photoshoot is vital for you and the wedding photographer. They make sure to come to your photoshoot prepared; knowing which spots at the location they want to use for photos.

How do wedding photographers prepare you? Before a photoshoot or wedding, Coba usually sends the couples a questionnaire to complete. This helps her to get to know you a bit better. And also to know if you have any back injuries she should be aware of. Within that questionnaire, she would also share some outfit ideas with you.

How can you prepare? Get rest, choose your outfits beforehand, get your hair & make-up done… And be ready to have fun!

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2. Relax

Being camera shy is, for most people, is their first reaction when being photographed. The idea of being photographed causes anxiety for a lot of people. A professional photoshoot with your partner should be fun, not stressful. Rather than treating a photo session as a chore or something you are dreading, think of it as a fun date! Trying something new for a date is always a great idea! Try to enjoy the environment, whether inside or outside, and use it as a time to connect with each other.

You don’t have to force anything, just try to relax. It usually takes 10-15 minutes to relax in front of a camera.

A photo session is not a where the photographer will constantly take photos of you. It involves a lot of talking, walking, engaging with your photographer and your partner, and taking breaks. You won’t be in one spot the whole time, you will be moving around.

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3. Keep the conversation going

Communicating with your photographer on your shoot is a great idea. If you’re nervous about any part of your body or how you look, tell your photographer. He or she will make sure to capture your best angles. Using light, the best camera gear, and skill – the end result of the photos might surprise you!

The better I understand any of your anxieties, the better photographers can pose/guide you to look your best!

And also keep the conversation going between the two of you… on shoots, Coba likes to encourage couples to tell each other sweet/funny things.

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4. Be comfortable

Choose an outfit that you will feel comfortable in, but also one that you look and feel pretty in. When you choose a location, think about a place (type of location) you two enjoy going to. Another great way to help ease the nerves is to include an activity; drinking coffee/beer, cycling – whatever you feel like doing.

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5. Guidance on posing

Wedding photographers make sure to understand you as a couple, and what you feel comfortable doing or not doing. So that they can help relax and help guide you to know what to do.

“Don’t let the word ‘posing’ scare you…” says Coba. “It is just a fancy word for me showing you how to stand, where to put your hands. Definitely NOT like the shoots you see of models… I have a more informal approach. The point of it is to make you feel comfortable and confident. This also helps you to trust me as your photographer.”

A typical guidance/pose would sound something like this: “Jordan & Lea, I would love for you two to walk from this spot over to where I am. You will be holding hands while you walk. Walk at a slow pace. And while you walk towards me I will tell you if you should look at each other, look at the camera and when you should hug/kiss.” Now, that doesn’t sound too difficult or scary, does it?

They will NOT make you standoff in the distance and tell you: “Okay now give me your best pose…”

Another important note: natural-looking photos don’t always happen naturally. Photographers will have to give guidance and then capture the moments in between, and how to create your own ‘natural moments’.

6. Embrace the ‘awkwardness’

Continuing with the guidance & posing from before; you will feel awkward and uncomfortable at first. But after 15min you should have a hang of things. Just embrace the way you feel. If you feel like being silly, then DO THAT! Photographers want to capture you as a couple!

In the end, they want to help you get over your discomfort. Don’t take it all too seriously. Photographers are designed to handle and adapt to almost any situation in life! We hope these tips will help you feel more comfortable the next time you have to be photographed!

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