How to Not feel Awkward in front of the camera

Quick Tips

Jul 11

If there’s one thing I hear as a photographer at almost every session, it’s some variation of “We’re so awkward in front of the camera.” Trust me-I totally get it. Family photos are obviously extremely important to me so I get them done regularly. Let me tell you-I feel awkward every single time. But as someone who is literally watching you and taking photos while you feel super awkward, let me tell you-just because you FEEL awkward does not mean you LOOK awkward. BUT I also want to arm you with some tools to help that awkward feeling not stick around. So here are my top tips to help you not feel awkward in front of the camera.

1. Just expect to feel awkward

I know, I know, super helpful, insert eye roll here. But let me explain! Most people are going to feel awkward in front of the camera unless you're used to being in front of a camera for your job. Everyone wants a magic solution to completely get rid of the feeling, and while I'm totally with ya I just don't think it's possible. Expect to feel awkward, put that feeling on the back burner, and just focus on connecting with your family and following the direction of your photographer. If you’re focusing on it and trying to fight it so hard to make it disappear, you’re just going to end up making the feeling worse.

2. Keep it moving

if your photographer is not giving you the direction to add little movements in (something I always do to keep things from getting stiff), just do it yourself. If you're in a group setting, lean towards different people. If you're holding a kid, sway side to side a bit. Stroke hair, give hugs, do all the things you would normally do in that situation if you weren't being photographed. Don't worry too much about "messing up the photo" because often those unprompted moments of affection MAKE the photo.

Parents reach down and hug three little girls in green field

3. Engage with the camera in small doses

Most often what makes us feel the most awkward is "where do I look?" I've had sessions where clients feel like they have to stare at the camera, and sessions where clients avoid looking at the camera at all costs. Having been both of those clients, I know from experience that the best galleries will have a lot of candid moments with occasional engagement with the camera-you want a good mix. Something I tell my clients all the time is to change where they're looking and don't get stuck on one point-so look at your kids, your husband, then maybe a quick glance at the camera.

4. The "what do I do with my hands?" question

If your photographer isn't telling you to do something specific, you've got a couple of options. One option is to try not to think about it too much and just relax your hands how you normally would (I know, easier said than done). Another option is engage them in showing affection; reach for someone, stroke their hair, pat their back, hold a hand. Your third option is to play with your own hair or put your hands in your pockets. If you've got a good photographer, you'll either be so distracted this isn't even a problem, or they'll tell you what they want you to do.

Again, all of these problems are very minor if you've got a good photographer that knows what they're doing! But if you start to feel awkward from a pose that's lasting for a bit, these tips will come in handy. There you have it! Hopefully these tips will help you at your next family session.