Being in front of the camera can be a little uncomfortable! Below are some easy tips to help make sure that you’re not only comfortable in front of the camera but that you’re having fun and getting photos you LOVE because they’re totally a reflection of the two of you and the love you share for one another. These are great engagement session tips or even tips for great photos on your wedding day!
1. BE OKAY WITH BEING A LITTLE AWKWARD.
Being in front of the camera can be SO awkward! Know you might feel a little uncomfortable (especially in the beginning) But in these moments shift your focus to your loved one! Snuggle in. Whisper something you love about them. Or tell a joke that will make them laugh. You’re in this awkward boat together!
2. OUTFITS.
Wear something that you LOVE how it looks on you and you’re comfortable wearing. But also wear something your fiance LOVES you in. They won’t be able to keep their eyes or hands off you in the session. This is the perfect time to wear that gorgeous dress you’ve been eyeing or for him that sharp and stylish suit!
3. HAVE FUN WITH EACH OTHER.
Snuggle. Be affectionate. Dance. Be Silly. Surprise each other with hugs and kisses throughout the session. Do things you might normally do with one another so the camera can capture real moments! The looks you give each other. The smiles you share.
4. KEEP MOVING.
Some moments you might be laughing & silly. Some moments might be quiet, slow, and romantic… Either way, movement will make you feel and look natural. For slow moments, sway together or dance together.
5. CHOOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU CONNECT WITH!
Ultimately your photographer is the one helping to orchestrate these moments through their instruction and their perspective. You want to enjoy their company and like their work! This will help you truly relax during your session because you can trust your photographer fully to guide you the whole time!
6. CHOOSE A LOCATION THAT IS SPECIAL TO YOU.
Or a gorgeous place that you love. This works for weddings too. LOVE your wedding venue! This again will help you shift the focus from nerves in front of the camera to what an incredible location you’re in!
7. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR HANDS?!
When in doubt, put them on each other! A good photographer will make sure there aren’t any “awkward limbs” and instruct you how best to pose them. But if you’re ever unsure then use your hands to cup each other’s face and kiss, grab his collar, grab her waist, and brush her hair away from her face.
8. KISS!
This one may seem obvious, but again this will create a real moment for the two of you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve given my couples a “minute alone” because they were in the middle of quite the romantic moment that all started in a pose with kissing!
9. STAY IN THE MOMENT!
If your photographer gives you a pose or something to do stay in it until they direct you to do something else! This movement will look natural but it will also keep the moment going for you guys. Don’t be afraid to move in the pose. If your hands are on each other’s waist go in for a kiss, do a little dip, and sway with each other. Just stay connected!
10. EYE GAZING.
This might sound a little weird, but it totally works! This goes beyond just normal eye contact. Lock eyes with your partner. It’s often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Did you know that there were studies showing that strangers who held eye contact for 2 minutes experienced mutual feelings of love? If this happens to strangers how much more will it happen to a couple who is in love?! Try holding eye contact in the car before you get out for your session. A minimum of 30 seconds is required, so set your timer. 2 minutes would be ideal. During the session hold eye contact in a pose!
I know these tips for better engagement photos or wedding photos will help you not only feel comfortable but will leave you with lasting memories of the fun moments created and captured during your time in front of the camera!
All The Best,
Tamela Hall