“I Hate Having My Photo Taken…” Here’s What I Tell My Clients
- Nina Bashaw
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
" I hate Having My Photo Taken…” Here’s What I Tell My Clients
If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I hate having my photo taken,” I could probably fund a weekly coffee run for the rest of the year. And honestly, I get it. Most people are not models. You are not supposed to magically know what to do with your hands, how to stand, or how to smile naturally while a camera is pointed at you. Feeling awkward in front of a camera is incredibly normal. In fact, almost every client who reaches out to me for headshots, branding photos, senior pictures, or wedding photography in Tampa or Wesley Chapel says some version of the same thing before their session. “I’m awkward.” “My husband hates photos.” “I never like pictures of myself.” “We’re terrible at posing.” Then the session starts, and within about 15 minutes, everything changes. Here are 6 reasons why you're feelings are valid!
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1:You Do Not Need to Know How to Pose
One of the biggest misconceptions people have before booking a photography session is thinking they need to show up already knowing how to pose. That is not your job. My job as your photographer is to guide you through the entire experience so you never feel stiff or uncomfortable standing there wondering what to do next. I direct my clients the whole time with simple prompts and natural movement so your photos feel genuine instead of forced. The best images rarely come from perfectly posed moments. They come from real laughter, movement, connection, and the little in between moments that happen when you finally relax. That is why I focus less on “posing” and more on helping people feel comfortable.
2: Most People Feel Nervous Before Their Session
This surprises people, but even the most confident looking clients are usually nervous at first. I photograph seniors, couples, weddings, and branding sessions, throughout Tampa, Wesley Chapel, St. Pete, and Sarasota, and I can tell you this: almost everyone walks into their session with a little anxiety. You are not alone if you are worried about:
Looking awkward
Not knowing what to wear
Feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera
Not liking photos of yourself
Getting your partner or kids to cooperate
Looking “too posed”
These feelings are normal, especially if you have not had professional photos taken in years. A good photographer does more than just take pretty pictures. They create an environment where you can relax enough to actually be yourself.
3: The Secret to Natural Photos Is Comfort
The reason some photos look effortless is not because the people in them are naturally photogenic. It is because they felt comfortable. When clients stop worrying about how they look every second, their personality starts showing through in the photos. That is when the magic happens. I spend a lot of time during sessions and weddings talking with clients, making adjustments, giving encouragement, and keeping things moving naturally so nobody feels frozen in front of the camera. Some of my favorite compliments from clients are:
“That was way easier than I expected.”
“You made us feel so comfortable.”
“I actually had fun.”
“These finally feel like us.”
That is always the goal.
4: You Deserve Photos You Love Yourself In
I think a lot of people avoid photos because they are being overly critical of themselves before the session even starts. You do not need to lose weight first. You do not need to be perfect. You do not need to know your angles. You do not need to become someone else to deserve beautiful photos. Your photos should reflect who you are right now, in this season of life. Whether you are booking senior portraits in Tampa, engagement photos in Wesley Chapel, branding photos for your business, or wedding photography along the Florida coast, your experience should feel relaxed and encouraging instead of stressful.
5: Choosing the Right Photographer Matters
When you are searching for a photographer in Tampa, it is important to find someone whose work you love, but it is equally important to find someone who makes you feel comfortable. Your photographer sets the tone for the entire experience. Look for someone who:
Gives direction during sessions
Helps with outfit planning
Makes sessions feel natural
Understands lighting and flattering angles
Creates a calm, encouraging atmosphere
Captures genuine emotion instead of stiff poses
The final gallery is important, but so is how you feel while the photos are being taken.
6: You Are Going to End Up Loving Your Photos
If you are someone who says, “I hate having my photo taken,” I want you to know you are exactly the kind of person I love working with. You do not need to be perfect in front of the camera to have beautiful photos. You just need a photographer who knows how to help you feel comfortable enough to be yourself. And once that happens, everything changes.
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Looking for a photographer in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, St. Pete, or Sarasota who will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera? Whether you are planning a branding session, senior portraits, engagement photos, or a wedding, I would love to help create photos that actually feel like you. Contact me here to book your session.
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