One of the most common things photographers hear before a photo session is:

“I’m not photogenic.”

Or:

“We’re going to be awkward in front of the camera.”

The truth is, most people feel that way.

Very few people step in front of a camera completely relaxed and confident. The good news is that you don’t have to. Some of the best photographs come from genuine moments, not perfect poses.

Whether you’re preparing for a family session, a portrait session, or simply gathering with loved ones for a few photographs, here are a few simple ways to help yourself feel more comfortable and enjoy the experience.

Don’t Focus on the Camera
Instead of worrying about where the camera is, focus on the people you’re with.
Talk, laugh, tell stories, share a favorite memory, or even tease each other a little. When your attention shifts from the camera to the people you love, natural expressions tend to follow.

The moments between the poses are often where the magic happens.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Rushing to a session can leave you feeling stressed before it even begins.

Try to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in, take a breath, and ease into the experience. Giving yourself extra time helps set a calm tone and allows you to be present in the moment rather than thinking about everything else on your to-do list.

Wear Something That Feels Like You
Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

If you’re constantly adjusting an outfit, tugging at sleeves, or worrying about shoes, it’s harder to relax and enjoy the experience.

The best outfit is often the one that feels most like yourself. When you’re comfortable, it shows.

Leave Perfection at Home
Families laugh.

Children wiggle.

Someone inevitably blinks.

And that’s okay.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is capturing connection, personality, and relationships.

Some of the photographs people treasure most aren’t technically perfect—they’re meaningful because they remind us of who we were and how we felt in that moment.

Think About a Favorite Memory
Before your session, take a moment to think about a favorite family story or memory.

Maybe it’s a vacation that didn’t go as planned, a holiday tradition, a funny childhood story, or an inside joke everyone still laughs about.

Sharing those memories during your session often leads to genuine smiles and authentic expressions that no pose can recreate.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It sounds simple, but being rested can make a big difference in how you feel and how much you enjoy the experience.

When you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to feel relaxed, patient, and ready to have fun.

Trust the Process
You don’t need to know how to pose.

You don’t need to know what to do with your hands.

That’s my job.

My goal is to guide you through the session in a way that feels natural and comfortable so you can focus on being yourself and spending time with the people you love.

Remember Why You’re There
Years from now, you probably won’t remember whether every hair was perfectly in place.

You won’t remember if your shirt had a wrinkle or if the kids sat still for every photograph.

What you’ll remember are the people beside you.

You’ll remember the stories, the laughter, the hugs, and the relationships captured in those images.

The best photographs aren’t created when everything is perfect. They’re created when people feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves.

So before your next photo session, take a deep breath, let go of the pressure to be perfect, and focus on enjoying the experience. Laugh a little. Tell a story. Hold someone’s hand a little longer.

Those genuine moments are often the ones that become the most treasured photographs.

Because in the end, a photograph isn’t just about how you looked that day—it’s about remembering how it felt to be together.

At Janice Crago Photography, my goal is to create a comfortable experience where genuine connections can shine through.

Those are the moments that become treasured memories for years to come. ❤️

-Janice