You can feel less awkward during your senior photo session, or, ANY session!

If you haven’t been in front of a professional camera before, you might be feeling a little nervous and awkward in the lead-up to your senior photo session. Know that this is completely normal and that there are steps you can take to feel more relaxed. Also, know that if you are working with KHP- this is our specialty! With 15 years of photographing fabulous {but non model} families, seniors and couples, we know a thing or two!

When you feel more relaxed during your session, you enjoy it more and your photos look more natural too.

Here are some tips that will help:

• –  Choose the right photographer. The photographer you use for your senior session makes a big difference to your entire experience. Along with looking at a photographer’s style, make sure you feel comfortable in their presence too. When your photographer is easy to talk to and makes you feel at ease, you will show up to your session feeling more relaxed too.
• –  Use your eyes. If you feel that your smile is going to make you look awkward in photos, start by using your eyes to express emotion. It’s also recommended that you practice your smile and expressions in the mirror prior to your session. When smiling, focus on contracting the muscles in your face to make your smile look more natural. And, when that smile gets tired, YAWN, it relaxes all the other muscles on your face, and takes away the twitch!
• –  Get excited. On the day of your senior session, find ways to get excited. Make a fun breakfast, turn on your favorite music, and dance around. This is a milestone photo session and one that you should enjoy – it will never come around again. Again, this is where KHP will help you, From hair and makeup, to awesome locations, and your own pep rally team {I am loud, and proud} you will be so excited!
• –  Just breathe. This is a simple but effective tip. When we get nervous, we can often forget to breathe. Before you head out for your session, take some deep belly breaths. As you release each breath, smile, and notice how it changes your face – it will instantly relax you.
• –  Move. If you start feeling nervous as your session begins, move around. You don’t need to stick to one pose with a staged smile. Movement results in relaxation. Keep in mind that your photographer is also there to guide you, so let them know you’re feeling nervous.
• –  Look and feel good. When you look good, you feel good, which translates into confidence. With hair and makeup and styling, you will look AMAZING! Since that part is all taken care of, you are ready to ficus on the FUN part and be you! It’s also important to wear something you feel comfortable in. Your senior photo session is not the right time to try a new outfit for the first time. By sticking to these simple tips, you can look forward to senior photos that look natural and that you’ll want to share and display.
• –  BE YOU! This is the MOST important part! This is all about who YOU are- don’t forget that! The purpose of your session is to tell you story, not anyone else’s. By focusing on what you want, and the story you want to share, you will stop feeling nervous, and start having FUN!

Being a senior is such a huge milestone. It’s filled with so many lasts, which lead to so many firsts! Its filled with emotions, and tears, but so much fun! Nothing will ever be the same, and its such an exciting time! Don’t forget to relax and enjoy it! It goes by so fast!