Six Simple Tips for Natural, Confident Expressions
If being in front of the camera makes you feel more nervous than natural, you’re not alone. Most people feel a little uncertain at first — but here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a model to look amazing in your portraits. You just need the right guidance and a few simple tricks to help you relax.
Here’s how to let your personality shine and bring out that confident, genuine glow during your portrait session.
1. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
Forget “perfect.” The most memorable portraits capture real emotion. When you focus on the moment — chatting, laughing, connecting — your genuine self emerges. It is often the "between-shots" that are the winners when choosing our final images.
2. Move!
Movement loosens tension and brings life to your portraits. The camera shutter is fast, so you don't need to freeze in any one position. A gentle shift of posture, moving your arms and turning towards and away from the light adds natural energy and helps you to feel less awkward.
3. Don’t Forget to Breathe
It’s amazing how often we hold our breath when the camera comes up! Deep breathing relaxes your shoulders, softens your features, and brings warmth to your eyes.
4. Think of Something That Makes You Smile
Genuine smiles come from real emotion — not “say cheese.” A happy memory, an inside joke, or even imagining your pet doing something silly works wonders. I always start the session with a little chat to get to know you, then we have something to talk about during the session.
5. Trust the Process
Your photographer's job is to guide you every step of the way. From lighting and posing to expression and angles, their job is to capture the best and most authentic portrait of you. Trusting that process gives you the freedom you to be yourself.
6. Let Go and Enjoy the Moment
Your portrait session should feel fun, not forced. When you stop worrying about how you look and start enjoying the experience, the authentic version of you shines through.
Remember: Relaxing in front of the camera isn’t about learning to pose — it’s about feeling seen, understood, and guided. And when that happens, the result is timeless, confident portraits that reflect exactly who you are.