When you look at photos of yourself, what’s the first thing you think? Do you like them? Hate them? Pick out that one little flaw every time?

 

I think as women, we tend to feel strange if we really love a photo of ourselves. There’s something in us that feels like we shouldn’t be able to receive that compliment.

 

Maybe we are actually photogenic. Maybe we do actually look pretty on camera. Maybe that face you think is strange, others think look great.

 

As a photographer, I always hear and see the behind-the-scenes of what people really think about taking photos. They choose me because they want a photographer who will “do magic” on their wedding day, but somehow they’re still nervous that maybe they won’t be a success story.

 

After scrolling through my Instagram or blog and seeing my other couples, they start to think, “Wow, they are so cute together. They look so natural & in love.” And subtly, what they begin to wonder is, “What if we don’t look like that? We’re not really a romantic couple, will we really be able to look natural together?!”

 

The answer is YES. Every. Single. Time.

 

You are not the exception. Seriously.

 

I promise you, every single engagement session starts with my couples warning me they’re “awkward on camera”. And afterwards, they’re texting me saying “that was so much fun! We didn’t know it could feel that normal!”

 

What I’m trying to point out here isn’t that I have some magic potion to give my couples, but that when we’re given direction and encouragement, something changes. If you’ve ever had an experience with a photographer who didn’t provide this for you, I’m really sorry. That creates a lot of anxiety and discouragement – that’s not what you need!

 

I believe the best photos are when we can see the joy & love on the camera. When the relationship you’ve been building is showcased in photos.

 

I’m also a firm believer that no one knows how to do this without a professional helping them!

 

If you’ve never taken a photo you’ve loved of yourself, if you’re nervous you and your guy don’t really have what it takes to “look cute on camera”, I can almost guarantee you it’s because you haven’t had a professional’s guidance & encouragement to walk you through it!

 

Yes, there is probably that one girl you know who looks great in every photo, but photography is an art. Posing is an art. Looking natural on camera is an art. And art isn’t just something that happens – it takes training & guidance!

 

Don’t believe me? Take it from these couples! Every single one said they’re “awkward on camera” before starting their session, but they absolutely nailed their session!

 

Maddy & Clint

Shannon & Scott

Emily & Tony