Say Goodbye to Awkward! How to Feel Totally Comfortable in Front of the Camera for Perfectly Authentic Photos
Let’s be real—being in front of a camera can feel awkward, especially if you’re not used to it. As a photographer here in Orlando, Florida, I’ve worked with so many people who start their sessions saying, “I’m just not photogenic,” or “I always feel so uncomfortable in photos.” Trust me, I get it! But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a model to get beautiful, authentic photos. All it takes is a few tricks to help you relax and feel like your true self in front of the lens.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to guide clients to feel comfortable, and I’m here to share some of those tips with you. Let’s dive in!
1. Choose a Photographer You Connect With
This is huge. One of the best ways to feel more at ease in front of the camera is to work with a photographer you genuinely click with. When you feel comfortable with your photographer, everything flows naturally. During our sessions here in Orlando, I always make it a point to get to know my clients before the shoot. Whether it’s through a quick coffee chat or a few emails back and forth, building that connection makes all the difference.
For example, I once had a couple who were so nervous for their engagement session. They admitted they didn’t love taking photos, but after chatting about their love story and cracking a few jokes, the whole mood shifted. By the end of the shoot, they were laughing and having fun, and their photos turned out stunning because they were genuinely relaxed.
2. Pick a Location Where You Feel Comfortable
Feeling comfortable isn’t just about your photographer—it’s also about where you are. Luckily, Orlando has some pretty amazing spots that can help set the tone. Whether it’s a quiet park like Kraft Azalea Garden, a fun stroll through Winter Park’s charming streets, or even an in-home session where you can just be yourself, the right location can make a big difference.
If you're more of a beach person, driving over to the coast for a golden-hour shoot can help create a calm, breezy vibe that instantly puts you at ease. The key is picking a place where you feel relaxed and comfortable—like a place that feels you.
3. Wear Something You Feel Amazing In
I always tell my clients to wear something they love—something that makes them feel confident. It’s not about choosing the most fashion-forward outfit; it’s about wearing something that you feel good in. When you feel great in what you’re wearing, it shines through in your photos.
I had a client once who showed up in the most gorgeous flowy dress, but she kept adjusting it and feeling awkward. Midway through the shoot, I asked her if she had a different outfit, and she switched into a simple, casual outfit that she loved. Instantly, she relaxed, and her whole energy changed. The second half of the session was a breeze, and those photos were some of my favorite because she looked so confident and comfortable.
4. Trust Your Photographer’s Direction
Part of feeling comfortable in front of the camera is knowing you don’t have to do all the work. You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands—leave that to your photographer! My job is to guide you into natural, flattering poses that don’t feel forced.
I always start by giving gentle direction, like asking you to walk, laugh, or interact with your surroundings. Sometimes, I’ll ask my clients to focus on a specific thought or memory that brings them joy—this helps create a genuine, authentic smile or expression. The goal is to capture the real you, not some overly posed version of yourself. Candid photos always turn out to be people’s favorite.
5. Embrace the Awkward Moments
Here’s a little secret: everyone feels a little awkward at first! It’s totally normal. The trick is to embrace those moments rather than fight them. I always tell my clients that the first 10-15 minutes of a session are usually the most awkward, but after that, you start to loosen up.
During one family session at Lake Runnymede Conservation Area, the parents were feeling a bit stiff, but their kids were running around and being themselves. I started focusing on the kids’ energy, and pretty soon, the parents were laughing and joining in. Those candid, in-between moments ended up being some of the best shots!
6. Breathe, Laugh, and Have Fun
It’s okay to laugh at yourself or crack a joke—it actually helps! When you’re feeling tense, just take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is supposed to be fun. During my shoots, I always aim to keep things lighthearted and stress-free. The more you enjoy the experience, the more your natural self comes through.
For example, I had a maternity shoot at a quiet Orlando park, and the couple kept joking around, saying they were the “worst at posing.” I encouraged them to keep having fun, and before long, they were just enjoying the moment. The laughter and connection between them turned out to be exactly what made their photos so special.
7. Focus on the Experience, Not the Outcome
I get it—everyone wants great photos! But the key to feeling comfortable is to stop worrying about how the photos will turn out and just be in the moment. When you’re focused on enjoying the experience and connecting with your photographer, the photos will naturally reflect that.
One of my clients was so nervous about how she would look in her maternity photos, but once she let go and started focusing on how special the moment was (carrying her baby, the love between her and her partner), everything shifted. She later told me how much she enjoyed the session, and the photos came out beautifully because she allowed herself to just be.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember is that feeling comfortable in front of the camera is totally possible—and it’s my job to help make that happen! Whether you’re getting ready for a family shoot, a maternity session, or your wedding day, my goal is always to create an environment where you can feel like the best version of yourself.
So if you’re in Orlando and feeling nervous about an upcoming photoshoot, let’s chat! I’d love to help guide you through it and capture those real, authentic moments that you’ll cherish forever.