Anxiety is real when you book a session and then suddenly remember that you have to be in front of a camera and pose. Here are my top professional tips on how to conquer posing and session anxiety.

After being a photographer for over ten years, I truly know how anxious people can become when they realize they are going to be photographed. Over the years, I’ve taught clients that with a little openness to learn, getting over posing anxiety is easy.

Here are my pro tips for conquering posing anxiety.

1: Create a Pinterest board of poses and photos you love.

This is one of my go-to tips for clients. A Pinterest board helps collect your creative ideas, pose ideas, and visual ideas of the images you want for your photo session. Click the search bar in Pinterest, type in your session type plus the word “poses” or “photos.” Try “Atlanta Family Photos” or “Family posing ideas”.

Share your board with the photographer before the session to give a little insight into your vision and give the photographer a chance to plan poses that feel more authentic to you and yours.

2. Practice posing in the mirror.  

Next, your confidence will grow with practice. Spend a few moments in front of the mirror trying out poses and take note on how small changes, like lifting your chin or shifting your weight, can make a huge difference.

Instead of using a mirror, you can set up your phone and record yourself. Then, while you watch the playback, give yourself some grace and notice how you move and what feels best.

3. Don’t forget that styling and outfit choice matters. 

Remember, that styling and your outfit choice matter. Having confidence in the outfit you pick tends to makes your posing stronger. Try on your outfit ahead of time and ask yourself these three questions:

1. Is it comfortable? 

2. Do I feel confident in it? 

3. Does it coordinate well with the others in the photos? 

However, if something feels too big, too tight, or just “wrong,” swap it.

Your clothes need to empower you, not distract you. Do you need a little more help picking out what looks best on you? My clients say that having wardrobe and styling support takes away half the stress of the session, and I firmly believe them.

4. Talk to your photographer, like a lot!

You don’t have to figure this out alone. I have photographer hundreds of clients and I know that these are the two biggest stress points for clients, which is exactly why I prepare resources and step by step guidance to help makes the whole session experience enjoyable.

No one should let posing anxiety get in their way of capturing beautiful memories!

Being my client, means learning how to become more confident in front of my camera. I’d be honored to photograph you! Take a look at my work here.

With all my love,
Kattie