HOW TO LOOK NATURAL (a.k.a. “good”) IN YOUR PHOTOS

Ever wonder how people just look SO dang good in their photos? Meanwhile, you’re losing sleep five nights before your engagement session because you’re worried you’ll look bad.

I’VE BEEN THERE. I remember nervously fixing my shirt twenty-thousand times, tucking and re-tucking my hair behind my ear, and just feeling downright STRESSED when I was the one in front of the camera for the first time.

So, I’m spilling the beans and sharing the ins and outs of looking your best. The secret?

It’s not about looks at all.

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How to kick the nerves, relax, and be completely yourselves during your photo session.

TIP NO. 1

You are absolutely perfect just the way you are.

You don’t have to look like your friends. You don’t have to look like the couples in wedding magazines. BUT, the most amazing part is – you will look exactly how you’re supposed to. You both have such unique personalities and stories, and the goal is for that to totally shine through in your photos. Once you let go of the need to look perfect, you’ll be able to fully be yourselves.

When you focus on each other full-heartedly and decide to just have fun, it’ll come through full-force in your photos and you’ll LOVE the outcome.

This is hands-down the most important tip!

TIP NO. 2

Wear something that YOU’RE comfortable in.

If dresses aren’t your thing, don’t wear one. Jeans and a t-shirt can be one of the most put-together looks. If you want to be “extra” for a day, wear a flowy dress and false eyelashes and rock it. If you don’t like full on tuxedo suits, don’t wear one. Wear your favorite outfit; something that makes you feel like you. If you’re super uncomfortable in the outfit you chose, it’ll show in your photos!

There’s nothing worse than an outfit that keeps falling down or needs constant fixing. Wear your outfit around for a day to be sure it’s comfortable and allows you to move.

If you’re stumped on what to wear, view my Pinterest board below for a ton of outfit ideas!

TIP NO. 3

Choose the right photographer.

A good photographer will be able to make you feel at ease during your session. They’ll fix your hair when it’s sticking up, make you laugh, give you fun prompts to get you both laughing off the nerves – and overall, they’ll be one of the main factors in having photos taken that truly tell your story.

Look at their work: are the photos care-free and full of love? Do they give you a glimpse into who the couple is and what makes them, them? Do they make you feel something? Chances are, that couple was super nervous that day and the photographer totally put them at ease. Don’t go for the cheapest photographer, go for the photographer who will produce photos that you’ll cherish forever. Photos that you’ll pull out of an old box from under the bed to show your grandkids. Photos that will stand the test of time.

TIP NO. 4

Get there early. Just trust me.

I remember it so clearly, and it makes me laugh thinking about it now. Garrett and I were in the thick of D.C. traffic trying to get to our destination to have our one year anniversary photos taken. We were running late (and if you know me at all you know I hate being late) and getting snippy with each other and let me tell you: the stress was thick in that car. On top of it all, my fake eyelashes were hanging off on one eye and I wasn’t happy about it.

We got there and everything turned out fine and dandy, but I remember for the first 1/3 of our session I was still flustered.

Word to the wise: just leave early. Get to your session 30+ minutes early so you have time to just relax. Especially if you have a bit of a drive to get there. You don’t want to have just gotten done arguing and then have to pretend to love each other while angry. (hahaha) It’s really not fun. This might be a simple tip, but it’ll save you some stress!

BONUS TIP: Just have fun! Make it a date. Laugh your butts off. Leave the stress and worry at home and choose joy!

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