Category: photoshoot
EVERYONE IS SCARED
TO POSE FOR THE CAMERA (AT FIRST)
Article by — Tim, Paris elopement planner and photographer, giving posing directions since 2012
A professional photoshoot is not something that people often do. So it is totally normal if you feel nervous to pose in front of the camera. Everyone is scared to do it at first. Noone feels confident thinking about that when planning a wedding, believe me. But no worries, I always give directions and help with posing. If you have other questions or fears, please read my article below.
The journey of capturing beautiful wedding memories not only relies on the photographer's skills but also on the couples confidence and comfort in front of the camera. Here I explain how we prioritize clients' needs and empower them to feel at ease, ensuring their wedding photography experience is enjoyable and memorable.
1. PLANNING
We plan all our even at sunrise, to avoid people around us. This already is a massive game changer. You immediately feel more confident when there is nobody around and no one is watching, right?
Here is our ceremony privacy/intimacy ranking for future couples:
.png)
2. PRACTICE BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY
What can we recommend for future couples who are worried to feel anxious before the wedding ceremony and photoshoot? Relaxation is crucial. Here are some tips to help you relax:
1. Practice standing and looking at each other with a serious face, while holding hands, for at least 2 minutes without bursting out laughing
2. Deep breathing during the actual ceremony. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps regulate your heart rate and reduce anxiety.
Here are some of the great affirmations:
-
"Marrying my best friend today and it is what I wanted for a long time"
-
"I am a beautiful and confident bride"
-
"My dream elopement is going according to plan"
-
"I will enjoy my perfect wedding day, and no anxiety can stop that"
Weddings can be extremely stressful and that is normal. You got this!
3. POSING GUIDANCE DURING THE PHOTOSHOOT
Here's how I provide guidance with posing:
1. I offer experienced suggestions. I have secret knowledge of posing techniques that work well for couples. While staged posing is essential, I also encourage candid and natural moments.
I provide opportunities for genuine interactions between the couple.
2. I often demonstrate myself by showing the desired body positions and expressions
3. Also I will take care of the veil or dress train because I can see what my camera sees:
I helped the couple with pose they wanted to create. Then, I noticed the veil is not placed correctly and looks strange on camera and I fixed it so every detail is perfect
4. I understand that each couple is unique and has different levels of comfort. If your poses from your inspirational board are too overwhelming, I make adjustments
My bride Rachel was anxious for her solo shots. After some photoshoot time passed, she felt super confident and we decided to try candid movement poses and she nailed it!
5. And most importantly, I will communicate clear instructions to guide your body. I'll tell you where to place your hands, how to angle your head, and how to create natural and relaxed expression. You can trust me and repeat these clear instructions:
I am showing Rachel a spot where exactly to look to create her perfect angle and head movement
4.POTENTIAL FEARS AND MY SOLUTIONS
Let's now talk about some potential pre-photoshoot fears that future couples might have:
Concern 1: I don’t know my best angles. What if I look not very good in photos because I don’t know how to pose and what side of my face and body to show?
Answer: This is what we begin with. And it’s a problem that has an easy solution. You need one spare evening to fix it. What to do? You open your Pinterest where you collected all your photoshoot poses. And you both try to recreate them in front of the mirror. Both solo and couples shoots. It’s super important to have a full-body-size mirror. Or you can use your phone's camera to record short videos. Put your phone in front of you at your eye level, and press record video. Do some poses. And then check the footage later. You will see what the photographer sees. Recreate each and every pose from your inspiration board in front of the mirror and record in on video to watch how it looks.
Concern 2: What if the photographer chooses the photos where I don't like myself and ignores the good ones?
Answer: Totally normal to think about it. If you are concerned about that, there is an option for you to receive all originals and make a selection yourself. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Concern 3: I am not confident about some of my body parts, for example, I don’t like my arms and double chin.
Answer: That’s simple, that’s not even a problem. You send us a list before the photoshoot and we edit it accordingly to your request. Arms can easily become thinner. Stomach flat. We can add or remove curves at any part of your body. Totally normal not to ask for any retouching, but also normal if you prefer something to be fixed.
Concern 4: I am insecure, I believe I’m not photogenic.
Answer: I honestly don’t know what to do with that. It’s only the most attractive people who think this way. Literally, the prettiest brides are always the most insecure ones. My guess is that during their childhood, people were jealous of how they looked. And they were constantly told about each their flow. Their friends or even family critiqued their beautiful appearance to make themselves feel better. Jealous people in school always tear you down to bring themselves up. I don’t know what to do with it. I recommend you ignore these thoughts about insecurity. My experience shows that the more insecure you are, the better you look, so no reason to worry.
Concern 5: When posing for the camera, I’m afraid that I will be negatively judged on how I come across in the photo.
Answer: Photographers focus on how they can help their clients feel more confident rather than judging client's appearance. In general, photographers approach their couples with professionalism, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes. I promise we do not judge or criticize. There is absolutely no pressure on you to look or act perfect. Just be yourself!
Concern 6: I might have performance anxiety, also known as stage fright, I am not comfortable in situations where I am expected to perform in front of an audience or someone.
Answer: There is no reason to put too much pressure on your shoulders. You are not alone. I am there for you and I will help you and give full guidance. So, let go of any worries, embrace the journey, and have faith in your wedding photographer's ability to immortalize your love in breathtaking photographs. Don't be afraid to double ask if you did not understand something, I will never judge and always help.
Tim: "You have to understand that help with posing is a huge part of my job. I will not judge anyone, you can ask me any questions. I am your safe space!"