How to Not Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera: Senior Edition

Sep 2

First of all, if you’ve ever felt awkward in front of the camera you are DEFINITELY not alone. I hear this a lot from my seniors-you're not the first person to say it, and you definitely won't be the last. In fact, even as a photographer who absolutely believes in documenting life's big moments, I still feel awkward every time I'm the one in front of the camera.

Here's the secret, though: feeling awkward doesn't mean you look awkward.

Most people assume those two things go hand in hand, but they really don't. The first few minutes of any session usually feel a little unfamiliar, and that's completely normal. Before long, the conversation starts flowing, we find our rhythm, and suddenly you're not thinking about the camera anymore.

So if you're nervous about your senior session, here are a few things that can help.

Girl in white dress sitting in green field smiles and looks down. Text overlay "How to not feel awkward at your senior photo session"

1. Expect to Feel a Little Awkward

I know... not exactly the magical advice you were hoping for.

But hear me out.

Most people aren't photographed professionally very often, so of course it feels a little strange at first. Instead of trying to fight that feeling, acknowledge it and let it ride in the passenger seat.

The goal isn't to eliminate the awkwardness. It's to stop letting it call the shots.

Trust me to guide you through the session. You don't need to know how to pose or worry about doing everything perfectly. Just be yourself, be willing to try something even if it seems silly, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Senior girl in white dress sweeps hair out of face with white blossoming tree behind her

Learn More About Senior Sessions Here

2. Keep Moving

One of the quickest ways to look stiff is to stand perfectly still.

The easiest way to look natural? Move. This is one instance where being fidgety works in your favor. ;)

We'll walk, spin, adjust your jacket, brush your hair back, laugh, sit down, stand back up, and wander around whatever beautiful location we've chosen. Those little movements keep your body relaxed and create photos that feel much more like you than a perfectly frozen pose ever could.

Some of my favorite images happen in between poses, when you're simply being yourself.

Senior boy in black jeans and hoodie climbs rocks

3. Don't Feel Like You Have to Stare at the Camera

One question I hear all the time is, "Where am I supposed to look?"

The answer?

Not always at me.

Some of the best senior galleries have a mix of everything. Looking off into the distance, laughing at something we just talked about, glancing down, looking over your shoulder, and yes, occasionally looking right into the camera.

We'll naturally move through all of those, so don't worry about getting stuck in one place. Just know that you don’t have to stare down my camera the whole time.

Senior boy in black shirt and glasses looking at camera

Senior boy in black shirt and glasses with hand on neck and looking away

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4. The Classic "What Do I Do With My Hands?" Question

I hear this one a lot too! Put a camera in any situation and all of a sudden we don’t know what we normally do with our hands all the time.

If you're ever unsure, you've got options. Slip a hand into your pocket, adjust your sleeve, hold onto a jacket, play with your hair, or simply let your arms relax naturally.

And if none of those feel right?

I'll tell you exactly what to do.

You don't have to memorize poses before your session. I'll guide you every step of the way so you never feel like you're standing there wondering what comes next.

Senior girl in white dress lays in grass and laughs up at camera

5. Stop Trying to Look Perfect

This might be the most important tip of all.

The photos you end up loving probably won't be the ones where every hair is perfectly in place or your smile is perfectly practiced. They'll be the ones where you're genuinely laughing, wrapped up in a conversation, or simply looking comfortable enough to be yourself.

Senior photos aren't about becoming someone else for an hour. They're about celebrating who you are right now.

So take a deep breath, trust the process, and let your personality show up. That's the version of you you'll be happiest to remember years from now.

Girl in red dress laughs with mouth wide open in green sunlit field

How to Not Feel Awkward at Your Senior Session

If you remember these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to having fun at your senior session. And if you want someone who’s going to be in your corner and guide you through it while also encouraging you to be yourself? I’m your girl.