Ways to have a relaxed photo shoot

Jul 14, 2019

2 min read

Updated: Sep 1, 2023

If the thought of having your photo taken or being filmed makes you nervous then maybe this post is the best place to find some easy instructions on how to be relaxed during a photo shoot.

The thing you should remember is that sometimes shy people give the best portrait photos.

Most people enjoy sharing photos that reflect their true nature, and allowing your photographer to help you bring forth the best in you is the quickest way to do this.

So the one way to feel relaxed in front of the camera is to talk about yourself.

"I'm not sure that my profile is my best feature, so if we could somehow avoid doing profile shots..."

"I have a new haircut, so maybe if we could emphasize that..."

"I do get a lot of compliments about my eyes, so maybe that can be a key feature..."

Talking to a photographer, before and during the photo shoot will definitely give you an idea of how he works and what is his shoot workflow.

Most photographers who like to make their life easier send in advance instructions and cheat sheets to their clients.

I certainly do that. I like to send instructions on places we'll have shooting, on clothes that would be maybe the best to wear, some posing sketches...

But also I do recommend you as a client engage yourself in planning and ask a photographer everything you're interested in.

"How do you work, what is your workflow?"

"How long will the session last and how many spots are we shooting at?"

"Do you have a way to help me relax posing?"

It is important you build a "friends relationship" energy with your photographer and the best way is for you to be brave and let go of camera fears.

Not knowing what to expect and just waiting for a photographer to remember to tell you every small thing will just create insecurity in you. Ask for clear and precise directions.

It's not wrong to ask him to show or model each direction if you're unable to recreate it alone. Most people like to be told how to hold themselves in front of a camera, especially if it's their first time doing it professionally, and no photographer will think it's annoying or strange, on the contrary.

It is ok to ask at the end for some feedback on the images. It is ok to ask about changes to images if you feel some should be done.

Although I do believe it is important you tell your photographer at the beginning what type of photos you prefer, classic portraits, candid lifestyle, posed, or something else.

This way you'll avoid doing a lot of unnecessary poses and you'll be able to concentrate more on the ones you prefer.

So this is it, the simplest way to relax and do it as a pro model.

* interact

* ask questions

* show interest and listen to the photographer's directions