I feel ya & I get it!! Having your photo taken can feel so uncomfortable and awkward. You want to feel good, look natural & be yourself. I’m totally with you…my safe place is behind the camera, not in front of it. It can be stressful getting ready, finding the perfect outfit, and making sure everyone is happy to be there. You end up feeling tense, anxious and you just want it all to be over already.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. Photo sessions can actually be a lot of fun! I promise. Here’s how you can make your next photo session more comfortable & easy going.

Get to know your photographer. The photographer you select for your photo session is just as important as their images. Find a photographer who’s work you absolutely love. Make sure you connect with them and feel all the good vibes. The more you feel like old friends, the more relaxed you will be. It will be more like your bestie is hanging out with you, rather than a stranger following you around with a camera.

Wear something you are comfortable in. Seriously. If you don’t like to get dressed up then don’t do it for your photo session. Wear something that you love & you feel good in. This probably isn’t the time to go buy all new outfits, just wear something you already own that you totally love. Trust me, you will instantly feel more comfortable and it will clearly show in your photos.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t worry about the perfect photo, the perfect outfit, and the perfect hair. Life is sometimes messy and that’s okay! If your kids need to run around for a minute to get the wiggles out, that’s completely acceptable. And don’t worry about keeping their hair just right, day old hair photographs so much better anyway.

Relax and have fun. It’s just a photo! This is when you get to show up and go with the flow. Don’t worry about anyone else. Don’t even worry if your kids are going to meltdown or decide not to cooperate. Your photographer can totally help guide you & your children if needed. The more relaxed you are about your photo session, the more your kids will be too.

Do something you love. Your photo session is a great opportunity to do something together that you absolutely love. Maybe that’s walking on a nature trail, hiking, or a picnic in a field. Focus on spending time together and not the pressure of having a photo shoot.

Trust your photographer. If you love their work and their portfolio, then trust their vision and know that they will get amazing shots of you! Your photographer wants killer shots of you just as much as you do!

Pamper yourself a little. Consider getting your makeup or hair done before your session. A little pampering can go a long way. You’ll feel like a million bucks & it will show in your confidence.

Photo sessions don’t have to be stressful. Change the way you think about them. And find a photographer who feels the same way that you do.