You’re in the right place if you hate having your picture taken. Pretty much every couple I’ve worked with has mentioned in some way shape or form they feel awkward, uncomfortable, or just plain nervous in front of the camera.

I am here to remind you that if you hate getting your picture taken, you just haven’t found the right photographer. * Wink *

The right photographer for you will make you feel confident, comfortable, and in your element so you end up with photos that feel like an honest representation of you and your boo.

Here’s my best advice for easing your nerves and shedding the anxiety before your session:

Choose a photographer who meets this criteria 

If you show up to a flat, monotone experience you’re going to end up with flat monotone photos. The perfect-match photographer for you will want to get to know you and learn how they can help you feel more comfortable.

A huge green flag? Photographers who want to meet you for an engagement session before your wedding. This will amplify your connection and make you feel 100% more confident when your wedding day rolls around.

Pick a location you feel comfortable in above all else

First up, let’s choose the perfect backdrop for your session. A lot of couples love to go to their favorite restaurant or repeat a favorite date night. Doing a repeat can help ease your nerves because you’re not going to a new place on top of the jitters of getting your photos taken. 

This is also a super fun way to incorporate places that are meaningful to your relationship. 

Have your first date at a local brewery? Let’s head there to recreate the magic. 

Go to the same dog park with your pup every weekend? I’ll tag along and we’ll photograph it all.

Create a date-night vibe using these tips– designed for you if you hate having your picture taken

Next, we want the session to feel like a fun date between you two (that just so happens to include a gal with a camera.)

This means leaning in on hobbies, special interests, or favorite places to create a date night that feels fun for you two. 

And this will look different for everyone.

A great place to start: If you two had a Friday evening totally free, what would you do to make it as fun as possible?

Use your answer to guide you in planning your session.

21 ideas for your couples session if you want candid and cool photos

Remember, what would be fun and typical for one couple (riding on roller coasters) would be zero fun for another. So choose whatever lights you up

• Rooftop
• Botanical garden or greenhouse
• Amusement park
• A hike to your favorite trail
• Downtown
• Lakeside, lake house, or vacation house
• Vineyard
• Brewery, winery, or cidery
• Local Park
• Your favorite cafe
• Art museum or gallery
• Library or bookstore
• Flower farm or field
• Paddle boarding or a dock hang
• At-home session in your backyard
• Concert venue
• College campus
• Farmer’s market
• Flea market or thrift store
• Record Store
• Dog Park

Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great photo-ops. Get creative coming up with a fun date on your own, or ask me for a recommendation.

Shed the unnecessary pressure 

No need to overthink. You don’t have to have the perfect outfit, body, hair or makeup to end up with photos that you friggin’ love. Give yourself a big permission slip to show up as you are, without feeling the need to micromanage how you look or the backdrop around you.

I promise, the more natural you feel, the better the photos will come out. Every. Damn. Time.

Remind yourself: It’s normal AF to need reassurance when you try something new 

Remember, part of my job title is guiding you through the process of getting your picture taken. You’re not expected to know what to wear, how to pose yourself, or where to go. I am here to help walk you through it from start to finish.

And finally, it’s totally normal to *think you* hate having your picture taken. But I’m here to change that.

Finally, if you’re looking for a photographer to help you make all of the above a reality, let’s work together for a stress free session. Get the ball rolling by filling out my inquiry form.