“Sorry, we’re really awkward in front of the camera” – every couple I’ve ever photographed

Everyone thinks they’re awkward in front of the camera, and while that may be true when someone points their cellphone at you, it’s typically not true when working with a professional! A good photographer knows what to do to help you look and feel your best in photos. But if you’ve got an engagement session coming up and are worried about looking awkward in your photos, here are a few tips to help you get the natural, candid and fun images you’re wanting!

1. Choose outfits you feel confident in

The trick to looking confident and photogenic in photos is FEELING confident while you’re taking them! And you can’t do this if you’re in an outfit that feels uncomfortable, isn’t your usual style, or doesn’t quite fit right, so you’re always having to tug at it. It’s best to choose outfits that are elevated versions of your usual style. That way you feel like you’re dressed up and looking your best, but you still feel like you!

It’s also best to avoid clothing that’s too tight. You don’t want anything popping out! And avoid outfits that are too loose. Sweater dresses might look cute in person, but in photos, they can hide your shape and make you look bigger than you really are. So pick out an outfit that shows off your figure but you can still move in!

2. Add movement to the poses

This isn’t the 1900s anymore, you don’t have to stand perfectly still during photos. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! Standing perfectly still can make even the best poses look stiff and awkward. A good photographer will give you instructions on how to move and get candid photos, but it helps even more if you guys aren’t afraid to move on your own. Here are some examples of movements you can add to photos without being prompted:

• Sneak in a quick kiss
• Move your hand up and down your partner’s arm or back
• Sway back and forth
• Make each other laugh with funny comments. No need to be silent and serious!
• Lean your head on your partner’s shoulder
• Give each other a little tickle
• Do any kind of quirky things you would do at home! Like butt grabs, nose licks, funny faces, etc. All these things make the photos feel more like you.

3. Laugh off any awkwardness

The more laughter the better. Seriously, let it loose! Taking photos feels awkward for a lot of people, and when you add in the PDA and prolonged eye contact that comes with engagement photos, you’re bound to feel a little weird. The best thing you can do is laugh through it. Remember that these are meant to document one of the most exciting and fun times of your lives, so try not to take yourselves too seriously and just have fun with it!

4. Focus on each other, not the camera

Try not to think of your engagement photos as a professional photoshoot. Instead, just think of it as a fun date night with a third wheel! The more you focus on each other and less on the camera, the better the photos will be. If you’re worried about how you look, how you’re acting, how the photos are turning out, those nerves are going to show on camera! So instead of worrying about all of that, just put it all in the hands of your photographer and focusing on having a good time with your partner. Putting all your energy and attention on having fun with each other leads to the most genuinely and candid photos!