10 Simple Tips If You're Nervous Before Getting Your Photos Taken
We all get nervous before having our photos taken, especially since most of us don’t have professional photos done often. It’s not as scary as it sounds though. Here are 10 easy tips to help you get the most out of your session, not be nervous, and enjoy yourselves along the way.
1. It’s ok to be nervous
If this is you, then here is a great place to start. It’s not uncommon at all to feel nervous before getting your photos taken, especially if you haven’t done it many times before. And speaking of that, I’ll let you in on a little secret even. I have years of experience photographing people and I still get the butterflies before most shoots I do. It’s totally normal, so no need to beat yourself up or feel bad if you’re nervous.
2. Spend time with your photographer
I think it’s safe to say that most of us would feel awkward having a stranger photographer us, especially when trying to capture intimacy with our partners. Whether you’re hiring a photographer for your wedding, engagement, or simply just to have some nice photos, try to spend time together before your shoot day. It’s not always possible, but if you have the chance, hang out with your photographer beforehand and establish comfort. Chat about things outside of just the photo session, get to know each other, and feel comfortable. You’ll feel much more at ease when it comes time to take photos compared to having a stranger throw a fancy intimidating camera in your face.
3. Ask questions
Things are often most scary when they’re unknown. If you’re concerned about anything it’s great to ask your photographer ahead of time for a few reasons. It’s most likely nothing to be concerned about and we don’t want to worry for nothing. If it is something that needs extra attention, it’s better to address things with adequate time to plan accordingly. If you’re just curious about the overall process of getting photos done it’s also awesome to ask questions so then you know what to expect rather than just seeing a giant question mark in your mind.
4. Switch perspectives
They say that nervousness is just a form of being excited. I’d say that’s a fantastic way to view things. Reframe the mentality from “we’re doing a photo shoot” to I get to spend time with the person I love in an awesome place.
5. You’re already good at this
It may not feel like it initially but trust me, it’s true. You likely have years learning how you interact with each other. You already know how to hug, kiss, hold hands, etc. A good photographer will give guidance and know how to best capture you two authentically. Just be yourselves!
6. Bring “you guys” into the photos
The more you’re able to be yourselves, the more comfortable you’ll feel on camera. Think about different pieces of your relationship you can bring to the shoot. What is a place that’s special to you guys that is familiar and feels safe? What are parts of your story or things you enjoy doing together that you can incorporate into the photos?
7. Create a music playlist
So simple, yet so effective. This can be a fun activity for the two of you as well. Grab a bowl of popcorn, cozy up, and build out a collective of your favorite tunes which you might enjoy while doing photos together.
8. Keep a positive attitude
It’s crazy how much this affects not only the final photo results, but also your individual experience. Even if you’re nervous (remember that’s totally ok) try to lean into the experience with enthusiasm. Remember, this is supposed to be fun! You’ll enjoy yourself a lot more and the photos will reflect that.
9. Bring your favorite alcohol
If you drink, I’m all for bringing your favorite beer, cider, etc. It helps keep a casual feel to the shoot and who doesn’t love those laid back vibes?
10. Be excited to put in effort
As with most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. So complimentary to keeping a positive attitude, the more you can really embrace things and enjoy the process, the happier you’ll be with the results.
And there you have it! 10 simple tips to help combat the nerves before your next shoot. Remember, it’s ok to feel nervous at the end of the day if you have a good time and get results. Now get out and create together!
Hey, I’m Warren and this is my why behind everything I do!
I believe this is where it all starts and is at the heart of everything, so let me tell you. I have a soft spot for sentimentality and I think love is awesome. I’m so grateful that I discovered photography early in life because I’ve been able to document my own journey in a creative fashion. For that reason, I have a strong passion for giving that same experience to others and take great pride in getting the responsibility of documenting their stories. Each picture has a story or feeling behind it and I love to capture that novelty. Arresting those moments in time allows us to remember and feel more intensely. I know how much I value that and enjoy passing that along to others through photography. I would love to be a part of telling your story.