A Photographer’s Tips to Showing Up Fully As Yourself For Photoshoots

My Best Advice to Facilitate Authentic, Emotive, & Personal Images

One of my main purposes behind Thereafter Photo is to create images where my clients feel like they are seen—completely and fully—right where they are. This is my passion and my calling as a photographer.

And while the intimate nature of my photograph is deeply woven into my interactions with my clients, I have found that there are certain things that you, as the one in front of the camera, can do to best prepare for the photoshoot. 

Showing up fully as yourself for photoshoots isn’t easy for everyone. Most people feel a certain degree of anxiety and discomfort when faced with a professional photo session.  

If you desire images that are authentic, emotive, and personal but are concerned you may not be able to show your true self on camera, take note of these five tips for a more aligned, comfortable experience. 

5 Ways to Show Up Fully as Yourself for Your Photoshoot

Choose Wisely

How you feel and experience your photos from both the photo session and your wedding is more than just a confidence issue or your outfit choice (although both are important). And it’s definitely more than good luck or beautiful weather. 

How you feel about you in your images is directly related to your experience with your photographer. 

My best advice is to pick a photographer who aligns with both of your personalities and also with your goals for the images.  

For example, if you imagine engagement images that feel soft and intimate with a natural connection, you’ll want to find a photographer whose images exemplify this, rather than, for example, a photographer who focuses heavily on wide, expansive backdrops or perfectly posed portraits. 

In the same vein, and maybe more importantly, you want to find someone who fits in with the personality of both of you. If your partner is introverted and gets overwhelmed easily, maybe re-think hiring a photographer whose brand identity is rife with extroversion and “big personality.”  Instead, consider looking for a photographer who comes across as calm and reassuring.

This is one reason why speaking to a photographer, or meeting in person, if possible, is always a good idea. You’ll have a better feel for who they are, what they stand for, and if your visions align.  

Having a good connection with your photographer is always a good basis to allow yourself to show up fully for photoshoots. 

Location Matters

One of the main obstacles to not showing up fully as yourself for your photoshoot is not feeling comfortable. And location can play an important part in how much you are able to relax and really enjoy the experience. 

Pick session locations that will create a comfortable environment for you and your partner—one that feels aligned with your values and personalities.

If you are private, quiet people, a session on the Venice Fishing Pier probably won’t feel right and it certainly won’t help make you feel comfortable. Likewise, picking any location that is crowded or where people may be watching you probably won’t be the best option. 

Instead, think outside of the standard locations. Think of having an in-studio session, a session at your house, or even an off-the-beaten-track location that you found during a recent hike. Not only can these be very personal but there will be fewer stressors and less external stimulation to cause you discomfort. 

Plan Ahead

One of my biggest pieces of advice for showing up fully as yourself for photoshoots is to plan ahead for wardrobe, makeup, hair and grooming. Trying to pull everything together at the last minute is a recipe for a stressful experience.

You never want your first time trying on a certain outfit to be for your session. Try on all outfits ahead of time—move, sit, and even lay down to make sure it feels right.

And, likewise, you don’t want to try a new hair or makeup style the morning of your session. If you are doing your own hair, makeup and / or grooming do a trial run (or two) before the session to make sure you like how everything looks. 

If logistics allow, I recommend hiring a professional hair stylist and makeup artist for your session and, if this is an engagement session, it is even better if it is the same people who are doing your hair and makeup for your wedding.  

And finally, before your session, take time to pamper yourself a bit and do all of the routines that make you feel your best—eyebrows, massages, haircut, nails, etc. 

These little steps all work together to help you show up as the most confident, luminous version of yourself. 

Communicate Your Struggles

Almost all of us have insecurities that we feel are magnified on camera. And when it comes time for your photo session, these are probably at the forefront of your mind. 

Make sure you talk to your photographer in advance about the things you are self-conscious about or would like to minimize in the photographs. If your photographer knows, they will avoid guiding you into poses where you will feel uncomfortable or they will shoot at angles that will hopefully minimize these concerns. 

Professional photographers will usually give you an opportunity to communicate any struggles before the shoot, but if they don’t, always feel like you can reach out and let them know. 

Mood Boards

If the unknown about your session is causing you anxiety, a mood board may be what you need to help appease your concern. If they aren’t already creating one, ask your photographer for a mood board for your session. 

A mood board will not only help determine colors and approach but will also show you the feeling and emotion that will be captured. Knowing this ahead of time will help put you in a similar state of mind… and sometimes a little knowledge is all you need to relax and let your true light shine. 

Book Your Photoshoot Today

More than anything, I want you to feel empowered and confident during your photoshoot.

Think of your photography session as more than the end result – the images (although you do want to love those). Your session should be an affirming, enjoyable experience… that ends with you having images you not only love but feel seen in.  And a large part of having images you love is showing up fully as yourself for photoshoots. 

I’d love to chat about your ideas for your next professional photo shoot. Whether you are looking for engagement images, couple images, or “just because” images,  I truly believe every stage of life is worth celebrating and documenting, fully and authentically.