How to Look Amazing in your Senior Pictures - Even if you're Camera Shy Modesto CA

Aug. 20

Is it time for your senior pictures but you consider yourself camera shy? Either you don’t like the way you look, or you feel nervous in front of the camera? If you do feel uncomfortable or anxious, while having your picture taken, don’t worry you’re not alone.

I work with a number of high school seniors and their parents, and I realize this is a momentous time in your lives. We all want your senior pictures to be perfect! Because of this, I’ve developed some Frequently Asked Questions & Answers to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, to act natural and to look your best.

Q. What Should I Wear?

A. Prior to the photo session, I will meet with you and your parents to pick out clothes, talk about the session details and what you want to incorporate into your session. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this style guide from Seventeen Magazine.

Q. I’m Really Shy in Front of People I Don’t Know.

A. Meeting with you prior to your photo session, allows us to get to know each other a little and for you to hopefully feel comfortable with me before I stick a camera in your face! I also get to find out what you are interested in and what hobbies or sports you might be into.

Q. How Do I Act Natural in Front of the Camera when I’m Nervous?

A. Most people are not automatically comfortable when getting their pictures taken. Because of this, many times, I will just start talking to you a bit, before I even hold up my camera and start taking photos. I find that if we start talking, people begin to relax without even realizing it. When it seems like you are feeling more comfortable I tend to try to get you to laugh by cracking a joke or saying something funny or goofy. Want to know a little industry secret? The best time to click the shutter for the most natural looking smile, is right after someone has stopped laughing, and their face is relaxing into a smile. I want your smile to "reach your eyes." If you are one of those people who forgets to breathe when you’re nervous, you’ll see me lower my camera for a second, and tell you to breathe. I will just talk to you, maybe ask some questions and eventually start taking pictures again. All of these simple steps tend to make a huge difference when taking your photos. The more we have fun during the session, the more relaxed you are and the more real smiles I capture.

Q. How do I Pose for my Senior Portraits? (I’m not a model!)

A. The way a person poses can make all the difference in a photograph. A two dimensional photo can widen a person if they are standing straight on to the camera. Helping someone with posing both by telling them how to stand and how to move/place their hands and arms or turn their head, can truly make your photograph so much better. Just turning the body slightly away from the camera thins someone, and the angle you take the photo from, as well as the lens you use can all widen or slim down a person's figure. Certain poses work well for men and certain poses work well for women. I am continuously studying posing so that I can assist those I'm photographing to pose in a way that flatters their body and makes them shine in their photo.