Confidence is Photogenic - 5 Tips

Nothing makes someone more photogenic than confidence. In my experience as a headshot and portrait photographer, I have had people who walk in and really have to work to look comfortable. I have seen others who walk right in and light it up by being at ease with themselves and the photographer. How do you achieve this confidence for your photo session? Here are some ideas. 

Preparation breeds Confidence

We give our customers lots of tips about how to get ready before a photo session. Having a wardrobe plan is huge. Pick colors that will work well in a photo like solid medium tone colored garments. Bring in options, so the photographer can help you choose. Bring garments that are clean, in good repair and wrinkle free. Don't stuff them in a bag for transport, instead hang them in a garment bag. Click on these links to get wardrobe tips for women's attire and men's attire for headshots.

Get your hair right. If you are going for a blow-out, maybe even go a few days in advance and see how you like it. Then go back to the same person and get the same blow-out the day of your session. If you are getting your hair cut or colored, do it far enough in advance to make sure you like it and your hair has a chance to settle. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your hair, ask your photographer or producer those questions in advance. 

Have your makeup done. This not only gets you looking your best for the camera, it gives you a chance to relax and prepare for your session. Make sure your artist knows how to do makeup for the camera. We provide an experienced makeup artist as part of every session. 

Finally, get lots of rest and leave plenty of time to arrive on time so that you are not tired or frazzled when your session begins. 

Develop Rapport with Photographer 

Do your homework before picking a photographer. Look at their work. Read reviews. Make sure when you choose, you really know this is the right one. Email or call and ask questions. See if you like the answers you get. We have had many customers tell us they booked a photography session with a previous photographer based only on price or convenience and were disappointed with the results. They then booked with us and ended up liking our test shot better than their final image from the previous photographer. 

We love doing headshots and commercial portraits. It is our passion. If you hire someone who does not specialize, your are decreasing your chance of success. We call our session a coached headshot session. We know and love what we are doing and make sure you do as well. 

The Right Pose Exudes Confidence

The right pose looks confident and comfortable. A good photographer will talk to you constantly and draw you out. Pick a photographer that shoots tethered to a computer so you can see the photographs on a larger screen as your session progresses. Give feedback about what you like and let the photographer work with you to dial it in. 

I love to have people do poses that make them feel comfortable and confident. Putting both hands on your hips instantly makes you feel stronger and more in control. This doesn’t work with some garment choices, but doing a few shots this way and then putting your hands down retains the confident look. 

Crossing your arms can make you more comfortable too. Lean toward the camera a little and pretend you are letting the viewer of the photo in on a secret. This will keep the pose from looking closed off. 

Amy Cuddy has a great video about gaining confidence through your body position.

Find Your Expression

At the beginning of our sessions, I have the subject start with a blank expression and then work up to a big smile very gradually over six or seven photos. This lets us both see the way their face changes as they smile. We find the ideal smile and then dial it in as the session proceeds. We then try different head angles and positions with the smile until the subject loves the photo.

Do you look like a deer in the headlights when you smile? That is not a confident expression. Many people have their eyes too wide open when they smile. A slight squint can make all the difference. Suddenly you look confident and determined. 

Have No Peanut Gallery at Your Photo Session

If you are bringing a friend or family member to your session for support, do not let them critique your session while it is happening. This becomes distracting and takes away from the rapport with the photographer. It also bothers most photographers who want full control while a session is in progress. Keep your focus on the photographer and the camera. It is fine to invite your support person to look at the photos occasionally during the session, but only if they are invited to do so by the photographer. 

Do these things before and during your photography session and your confidence will soar.