After years of photographing people, I can tell you this with complete confidence: almost no one walks into a session feeling calm, confident, and camera-ready.
And that’s completely normal.
People show up nervous. They apologize for things that don’t need apologizing for. They warn me they’re “awkward” or “not photogenic.” Every single time, I smile—because I’ve heard it all before.
Almost Everyone Thinks They’re Bad at Photos
This might surprise you, but the people who say they’re not photogenic usually end up with some of the strongest images.
Why? Because they’re not performing. They’re real.
Most people think they look bad in photos because of past experiences—rushed sessions, no direction, or being told to “just smile.” When someone isn’t guided, of course they feel awkward. That’s not a personal failure. That’s an experience problem.
Confidence Doesn’t Walk In With You
Confidence doesn’t arrive before the session. It builds during it.
It starts the moment someone realizes they don’t have to know what to do. Then it grows when they feel supported, encouraged, and gently guided. Eventually, something shifts. Shoulders drop. Breathing slows. Expressions soften.
That’s confidence. And it always comes after.
Trust Is the Real Game-Changer
Once trust is there, everything gets easier.
When people trust me, they stop overthinking. They stop worrying about how they look. They let go of control and just exist in the moment. That’s when the photos start to feel honest instead of posed.
No camera trick can replace that.
Perfect Photos Aren’t the Goal
The images people love the most are rarely the “perfect” ones.
They’re the ones where laughter slipped in. Or where someone looks thoughtful instead of polished. Or where the moment feels a little messy and completely real.
Perfection fades. Personality lasts.
Most People Just Want to Be Seen
At the end of the day, this is what I’ve learned: people don’t book photos because they want pictures. They book them because they want to be seen—by themselves and by the people who love them.
They want proof that they showed up. That they existed in this season of life. That they were enough exactly as they were.
The Best Photos Happen When You Forget About the Camera
The strongest images almost always happen after someone says, “Oh… this isn’t as bad as I thought.”
That’s when they stop thinking about the camera and start being present. That’s when something real shows up—and that’s the moment I’m always waiting for.
Years of photographing people have taught me that great photos aren’t about posing, perfection, or confidence.
They’re about trust, guidance, and letting yourself be seen.
And if you’re worried you’re “bad at photos,” I promise—you’re not. You just haven’t had the right experience yet.
If you are ready to have a good experience with a portrait session, let’s chat about how we can make that happen for you.
