4 Tips to Make Your Next Photoshoot a Success!

We’ve all been there right? Nervous to death before a photography session. Whether its your engagement photos, anniversary photos, or even your wedding day photos, you’ve probably dreaded that moment your photographer lifts up their lens, sticks it in your face, and starts clicking. Listen, I get it. Most people don’t feel naturally comfortable in front of the camera. The second that lens comes up we feel self conscious, not to mention we don’t know what to do with our hands, am I right?! So how can we fix that?

Friend, I want to ease your nerves and help prepare you, so that when you go into your next photoshoot you go in confident and ready to have FUN! All it takes is a little knowledge and preparation. Here’s 4 tips to make your next session (no matter what it is) even better! Let’s say yes to confidence and later days to nasty anxiety. You with me? Awesome.

Tip #1: Focus On Your Partner

That’s right, I’m fully giving you permission to ignore your photographer. Here’s the thing, the less you focus on the fact that someone is photographing you, and the more you think about how much you love the person you’re looking at, the better your photos will be, I promise! Doing this will naturally loosen you up and make you more relaxed. Look into each others eyes, and let your surroundings melt away. Be goofy, quirky, and intimate, however you naturally act together, the better. Think of how you are when you both are on a date. I’m guessing not stressed right? Do this and not only will your photos be more real and less posed, but you’ll have more fun cause you’ve basically just turned your session into a cuddle fest. 😉

Tip #2: Don’t Undervalue the Importance of Hair and Makeup

Take this one with a grain of salt. I’m not telling you to doll yourself up to look like Barbie if that’s not your style. What I am saying, is that no matter what your personal vibe may be, a little bit of thought into your hair and makeup will go a long way in photos. Makeup smooths out your skin and enhances your natural features, while your hairstyle is a great way to express your style creatively. Here’s an idea: make a fun day out of getting your hair and makeup professionally done before your next shoot, and show up feeling like a rockstar. You won’t regret it.

Tip #3: Pre-Plan Out Your Outfits

Always plan out your outfits a few days in advance. The clothing choices you make are really important for a photoshoot because they determine the look and feel of the shoot. Make sure you wear something you normally would that’s flattering and comfortable. The last thing you want to be doing to make your session stress free is constantly adjusting a too-tight dress or itchy sweater. Solid, neutral colors are always a good rule of thumb, but don’t be afraid to play with color or patterns! For colors, make sure they are complimenting whatever your partner is wearing. And if one person opts for a pattern, make sure the other one keeps it simple (see the photo above.) These are some nice guidelines to follow, but for more outfit inspiration my Pinterest Board right here is helpful for seeing what styles, colors, and patterns go well together. Feel free to check it out and get inspired!

Tip # 4: Choose a Photographer You Trust

This is a big one. Because in order to get those natural candid photos, you need to trust the one giving you direction. The difference between a good photo verses an amazing photo often has nothing to do with you as the subject, and has everything to do with how your photographer deals with light and posing. So choose a photographer whose work and direction you trust wholeheartedly to capture your love story in the best way possible!

There you have it friends! I hope these tips help ease your anxiety about being in front of the camera. With some preparation and wise choices, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to overcome that camera shyness. Now next time you have a photoshoot, you’ll be confident to go out and rock it, Tyra Banks style!

Lindsey Roman is an adventurous, destination wedding and elopement photographer based out of Oahu, Hawaii and available worldwide. She lives for outdoor adventures, intimate moments, and candid images. Her style is raw, passionate, and authentic. She believes in chasing sunsets, laughing too hard, and most importantly: capturing genuine moments that evoke feeling over perfectly posed photographs.