What to Do in Front of the Camera (Hint: Nothing!) Portrait Photography Tips

HOW CAN I BE MYSELF IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?

I get this question a lot from my clients—and I have good news:

You don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera.
That’s *my* job.

It’s Not About Posing Perfectly

It’s the photographer’s job to guide you, show you how to hold your body, and help you feel calm, relaxed, and confident.

Still, most of us carry what I call Camera Trauma—a belief that we’re not photogenic or that we look awkward in photos. Maybe someone said those things to you once, and they stuck.
But it’s not your fault—and it’s not your responsibility.

Creating a Safe Space

Having your portrait taken can be deeply vulnerable. I believe that it's the photographer’s role to create a space where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself.

Someone can be technically amazing at photography, but if they don’t have the emotional presence to help you feel safe, the experience—and the photos—will reflect that.

A Portrait Session that Feels Like Therapy

Many people have told me that my portrait sessions feel more like therapy.
A few years ago, I was photographing a therapist, and partway through the session, she stopped and said:
“I see what you’ve done here.”

She explained:
“You set the mood, you told me what to expect, you made sure I was comfortable. You mirrored me, validated my fears, and let me know you’d be looking out for me. That allowed me to be vulnerable—to be myself.”

Until that moment, I hadn’t even realized how intentional my process was. I was simply doing what I always do—treating people with care, curiosity, and attention.

What I Do to Support You

Before every session, I take time to welcome you in. I help you bring in your clothes and belongings. I offer water, tea, or snacks. I make sure you’ve had a chance to breathe and settle.

We talk about the intention for your portraits. We look through your clothing and discuss how you want people to feel when they see your images.

Then, I walk you through simple poses—using my yoga background to explain how to hold your body so it looks strong, natural, and yours. I talk about where people commonly hold tension and gently guide you into relaxing, step by step.

And throughout the session, we talk. About your work, your passions, your pets, your travels—whatever helps you feel grounded and seen.

You Get to Just Be You

All of this is to say—it’s totally normal to feel unsure or awkward in front of the camera. You’re not alone.
And also? It’s not your job to fix that.

Let me do what I do best.
You just get to laugh, relax, and enjoy yourself.
It shouldn’t feel like work or stress—it should feel like you.

What to Wear for a Branding Photo Session: A Complete Guide

Why Your Outfit Matters in a Branding Photoshoot

Your branding session is more than just taking beautiful photos—it's about telling the story of your brand. These images give potential clients a window into who you are, what you stand for, and what it feels like to work with you.

The clothes you choose play a big role in shaping that story. They can communicate confidence, authenticity, professionalism—or do the opposite if not chosen thoughtfully.

Tip #1: Wear What You Love and What Makes You Feel Amazing

No matter the type of session, I always tell my clients to wear outfits they genuinely love and feel confident in. When you're comfortable in your clothes, that energy radiates—through your eyes, your smile, your posture. And that's exactly what your audience wants to see.

Even if I’m only photographing you from the waist up, I encourage you to wear a complete outfit, shoes and all. Confidence starts from the ground up—literally. Wearing a full, intentional look helps you show up more fully in your photos.

Tip #2: Make Sure Everything Fits and Feels Good

Always try on your outfits before the session. Here’s why:

• Clothes may no longer fit the way you remember.

• You might notice a missing button, tear, or stain.

• You’ll feel more prepared and less rushed the day of your shoot.

Make sure items are clean, pressed, and ready to wear—wrinkled or ill-fitting clothes can distract from your message.

Tip #3: Be Authentic to Your Personal and Professional Style

Some branding photographers recommend avoiding bright colors or bold patterns. But if that’s your signature style—go for it! Your branding photos should reflect who you truly are.

If you’re someone who rocks statement jewelry, vibrant colors, or funky prints, those elements should be part of your session. These visual cues help your audience connect with your energy and vibe.

Tip #4: Align Your Outfit with Your Brand Colors and Style

What feeling do you want your brand to evoke—calm and airy, bold and powerful, grounded and earthy?

Let that guide your outfit choices. For example:

• A brand with soft, pastel tones might suit light neutrals or soft blues.

• A brand focused on empowerment might call for bold reds or sleek blacks.

Ask yourself:

• What do your brand colors say?

• What do you want people to feel when they see your images?

This alignment helps you create a consistent visual story across your website, social media, and marketing materials.

Tip #5: Consider Your Industry and Audience

Think about what your ideal client or colleague might expect to see you in. If you're a coach, therapist, or creative entrepreneur, you may dress differently than a financial advisor or tech consultant—and that’s totally okay.

Wear something that feels true to your professional role and true to you.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for a Seamless Session

A branding session isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling aligned with your message, your audience, and your mission. That’s why I work with all my clients in advance to:

• Choose outfits that reflect your brand

• Select locations that match your story

• Include props that bring your work to life

Ready to create branding photos that truly reflect who you are?

📸 [Book Your Consultation Call Here]

How to not look awkward in a photograph

I Always Look Awkward in Pictures...

Have you ever said this to yourself? Maybe you’ve even had someone tell you, “You’re difficult to photograph.”

I hear this concern from almost every single client I work with. And my response is always the same: Of course, you feel that way! Most likely, someone took a photo from an unflattering angle, in bad lighting, or at a moment when you weren’t comfortable. Maybe you didn’t know how to pose, or you were caught mid-blink or mid-sentence. The good news? None of that is your fault. And even better news? I’ve got you covered.

Creating a Comfortable Space

The key to capturing beautiful, natural images is making sure you feel completely at ease. That’s why I take my time with each client, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. There will be music, refreshments, and a comfortable space where you can settle in. We’ll go through the clothing and accessories you’ve brought, discuss your vision, and clarify exactly what you want your images to convey.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Before we even start shooting, I’ll walk you through some simple posing concepts. This is where my 20+ years as a yoga instructor come in handy! We’ll stand in front of a mirror, and I’ll show you what the body naturally does when it’s nervous—and how to counteract that tension.

The truth is, everyone holds tension in the same few places. And as I photograph you, I’ll guide you in small adjustments to help you release that tension and achieve a natural, confident look. My job is to see the best angles, the best light, and the best version of you—and I won’t stop until we capture it.

A Guarantee You Can Count On

From different poses to varied backdrops and outfit changes, we’ll keep going until we get the shots you need. I won’t let you leave if I don’t think we nailed it. And if, for some reason, we don’t get the images you love? I’ll offer you a complimentary reshoot at no additional cost. In almost 20 years of photographing people, I’ve only had to do this twice. That’s how confident I am that we’ll get it right the first time.

So, if you’ve ever thought, “I always look awkward in pictures,” let me change that for you. It's not something you are doing wrong.  Everyone can be photogenic. You just need the right photographer who knows how to bring out your best. Let’s create images that make you feel amazing and confident, inside and out.

Do I need professional images for my business's website and social media?

I often see small businesses wrestling with this question. Think about how much time you spend online scrolling through options—looking for the perfect restaurant for dinner, the best car to buy, a reliable electrician, or a top-notch hair salon. If this isn’t something you personally do, consider your ideal client’s habits. How do they research and choose the professionals they hire or the products they purchase?

A few more questions to ask yourself:

As you are scrolling online what images attract you the most?

What images make you feel confident in the person or company that you are thinking of hiring?

Do you judge a company or product based on the images you see online?

What do you think when you see images that are obviously not professional?

Whether we want to admit it or not, our brains are processing and judging things all the time. When we realize that our potential clients are doing the same thing it makes the question of whether or not to invest in professional images a little easier to answer, but if you still need more reasons, keep reading:)

What are the benefits of having professionally photographed images for my business’s website and social media?

Showcase the people and values that set your business apart - In today’s visual world, professional photography is essential to telling your company’s story. High-quality headshots, team portraits, and branding images create visuals that go beyond words, creating an immediate and lasting impression of professionalism and trust.

Every image you share reflects your business - From your website and press releases to LinkedIn, newsletters, and marketing materials, professional photographs ensure your brand is represented at its best.

Instill confidence and enhances your company’s reputation - Beautiful, polished images help to reinforce the quality of the services and or products you provide.

Potential clients will scroll past subpar visuals - Let your images work as hard as you do to communicate your expertise and value to the world.

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These images are from a session with a local physician, Shayne Taylor. She contacted me before starting her own practice Blue Canyon Primary Care! It was important to her that we capture her friendly and welcoming disposition as well as her passion and most importantly competency in her field. We had numerous phone conversations before the actual session where we discussed clothing and locations for the session as well as what she wanted the images to say about her.

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Ready to showcase the your brand?

Let’s connect and create images that allow you and your company to stand out!

Stepping outside of my comfort zone

While on a recent trip to England, I found myself in a very old pub in Glastonbury called The George and Pilgrims. As I sat there with the group I was traveling with, in walked this woman with such an incredible energy about her. She sat in the front window, and the light coming in kept catching my eye. I knew I would regret it if I didn't capture what I was seeing, so I did the thing that I never do - I went up to a complete stranger with my camera and asked if I could take her portrait. She smiled, was flattered, and said YES! I didn't give her much direction, as I wanted the portrait to be natural.

I am so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I am so glad I met this wonderful woman. One thing that was really interesting was in person, I did not see the tarot cards in her hat. Even when taking the pictures and when I was talking to her. It wasn’t until I was editing the images that I noticed them. Did the cards just magically appear?l! Another interesting thing she told me that it was her birthday in just a few days and she would be staying in a haunted room at the inn to celebrate! The whole experience was so magical!

One of the true joys of traveling is the people you meet along the way. I told myself when I got home that I would continue to photograph strangers in cafes. I am putting this out publicly so I actually do it! So look out, I may see you at a local spot soon 😊

I also have to thank Karen Score from Grace in Nature LLC for inviting me to document her amazing retreats. If not for Karen, I would never have experienced this very memorable moment.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

For some reason this proverb has really stuck in my head and I find myself thinking about it often. Recently, I realized that this holds true for portraits of ourselves, our families and our friends

We often look back and wish we’d preserved certain stages of our lives, our careers, or our families and friends. If you’ve ever thought, ‘I should have done this sooner,’ consider this your sign to start now. Whether it’s a personal portrait, a professional headshot, or a branding session, today is the perfect time to create images you’ll be grateful to have tomorrow.

Life moves fast, and we often wish we’d paused to capture those special moments along the way. Personal portraits offer a chance to freeze time, to look back and remember who you are today. It’s never too late to start preserving your story—let’s create images that celebrate you, right here, right now.

I recently sent a picture to my son of a portrait I took of him when he was a year old dressed up for Halloween. He had so many questions about the picture and when it was taken. This is a child that never really has a lot to say, but seeing that image of himself from so long ago felt important. It made me realize that I need to make sure that we continue to take the annual pictures even if he fights me about it right now and thinks it’s stupid, I want him to have something to look back on in 14 years from now.

Headshot vs. Personal Branding Session: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to professional photography, everyone’s needs are unique. Your photos should reflect where you are and where you’re headed—whether you're building a personal connection through a headshot or telling the full story of your business with a personal branding session. Each has its purpose, so choose wisely!

Headshot Sessions

Headshots are perfect for professionals who need a polished image that speaks volumes at a glance. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, your resume, or your company’s website, your headshot is the first step in making an impression before you’ve even met someone. Think of it as your digital handshake—a visual introduction that says, “This is who I am, and I’m ready to connect.”

In our headshot sessions, you’ll come into the studio where we’ll work on capturing that perfect balance of approachability and professionalism. This is a close-up shot that focuses solely on you—no distractions, no fuss, just an authentic moment where your confidence shines through.

Headshots are ideal for anyone in a corporate setting, new business owners, actors, artists, models, or anyone looking to update their professional presence with a clean, crisp image.

If you’re someone who needs a straightforward photo for your business cards, LinkedIn profile, or website, a headshot is your go-to. It’s about creating that initial connection, showing people who you are, and making sure your face is remembered.

Personal Branding Sessions:

For those of you building a personal brand, running a business, or working in a creative space, a personal branding session is the way to go. This is about creating a visual story that reflects who you are, what you stand for, and what you offer to the world.

In a personal branding session, we’ll dive into your vision. Maybe that’s you in action—working at your favorite café, laughing with clients, or surrounded by the tools of your trade. We’ll incorporate meaningful props, wardrobe changes, and shoot in a location that feels right for you—be it in your studio, outdoors, or somewhere that reflects the heart of your business. Every detail is intentional and designed to highlight the personality behind your brand

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or creative looking to elevate your presence across social media, your website, or marketing materials, a personal branding session is your chance to show the world what makes you and your business unique.

This session is designed for those who want to build connection and trust with their audience by giving them a glimpse into the person behind the brand.

FINDING YOUR FIT:

As you see, this is all about recognizing which session aligns with where you are in your journey.

If you're in need of a clean, professional image to introduce yourself to the world—whether that’s for your corporate job or your growing business—a headshot gives you that polished presence. It’s about simplicity and connection in one image.

But if you’re ready to share more, if you want your audience to see your process, understand your passion, and connect with the full spectrum of your brand, then a personal branding session is where you’ll find the most value. This is for those who want to show not just their face, but the energy and story behind their work.

Whatever your needs, we’ll work together to create photos that capture your light and tell your story!

Having your headshot taken can feel similar to going to the dentist...

I often think that having your headshot taken can feel similar to going to the dentist... I know this sounds ridiculous, but hear me out. This all came to me one day when I was at the dentist. I was using all of my yoga training to try to stay relaxed when I realized that my legs were completely tense and my hands were gripping the chair. I would relax them and then moments later it would happen again. It was then that I made the connection to what I saw happening for my clients in sessions.

Here are some other similarities I realized while they cleaned my teeth:

• You know you need to do it, but you don't want to do it: It's one of those necessities for anyone serious about their professional image.

• It's good for you (your health and the health of your business): Just like dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining your overall health, a crisp, professional headshot is key to maintaining a healthy business image.

• You feel anxious beforehand: It’s completely normal to feel a bit jittery before stepping in front of the camera.

• You feel awkward/uncomfortable: I often talk to my clients throughout their sessions and I notice that in the beginning, they don’t know if they should answer my questions or keep smiling. I talk a lot to my clients because I want to get their natural expressions and I want them to feel at ease. After we get into the rhythm of the session they relax and realize they can talk and laugh throughout the session I have no idea why the dentist asks you questions when their hands are in your mouth

• You feel vulnerable: It takes vulnerability and strength to stand in front of a camera and reveal a part of yourself to the professional world.

So, What’s Different…

• You actually have fun! Our sessions are relaxed and enjoyable, filled with light-hearted moments.

• You leave feeling relaxed and also more confident: After seeing how great you look, you’ll feel ready to tackle any challenge.

• You have beautiful images that you are proud to share out in the world: A headshot that truly represents you at your best.

• You can’t wait to come back, and next time you might even bring a family member or a friend! It’s an experience worth sharing.

Ready to give your professional presence a boost?

Book your headshot session today and discover how fun and impactful it can be!