If you’ve ever pointed a camera at someone and watched them instantly stiffen like a stone statue, you’re not alone. When I first started photographing people, I thought getting a great portrait was all about settings and lighting. I quickly learned that if my subject didn’t feel at ease, no technical skill could save the shot. Helping someone relax in front of your lens is one of the most critical skills you’ll develop as a beginner portrait photographer—and it’s often the hardest at first.
You might wonder: What should I say? How do I help them look natural without feeling fake? What if they stay awkward no matter what I do? I’ve been there too. And through photographing hundreds of people—from jittery brides to nervous teens—I’ve found a handful of simple, real-world strategies that make all the difference. In this post, I’ll share exactly how I help my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, it’s a game-changing technique that’s so easy to do and will have your clients feeling like pros in no time.
Break the Ice: Why Small Talk is Your Secret Weapon
Picture this—you’re all set up, camera in hand, and your client looks like they just stepped onto a red carpet but is feeling more like a deer in headlights.
We’ve all been there.
The key to fixing this situation is to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where your clients can truly shine. But how do we do that? We create a simple conversation that has nothing to do with the session or the photos. I talk about my life, tell a story about my dog (if they also have a dog), or laugh about crazy teen stories (if they have teens), or even just ask about their interests. Why? Because you are creating a natural comfort zone.
Have a real conversation with your clients. Ask them questions. Be truly interested.
One of my superpowers as a photographer is making people comfortable. And the best compliment I ever received was from a mother of a high school senior I was photographing. She wrote me after the session and said her daughter
“felt like she was hanging out with a person she knows and is really comfortable with, and not many people can do that.”
That review has remained one of my favorites for years because she didn’t even mention the photos (which did come out really great) but was truly commenting on her daughter’s experience with me. By the way, she hired me for all 4 of her kids’ senior portraits. So if you don’t believe that the way you make your clients’ feel is just as important as the photos you create, then I beg you to rethink that point of view. I promise that even when we think that we are not being creative enough, we are still likely creating images that our clients will love. So show those off!
The Magic of “Back of the Camera” Previews
I always say I like to show off just a little, and with the photos in this post you’ll see how this truly is the secret sauce for how I make my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. The photo above as example, this couple was awesome in front of the camera, but they needed an extra little nudge to bring it to the next level. I knew if they saw the images they were going to truly bring their inner rockstar out. And they DID!
Once the small talk starts to create a natural comfort zone for your clients, then pull out the “back of the camera” preview—your secret weapon for breaking the ice. This sneak peek is really going to make someone comfortable in front of the camera.
I personally know that as photographers, we tend to get so caught up in the details—How is my lighting? Is the exposure correct? Have I composed this image well? Did I cut off any limbs in my framing? Is this in sharp focus?—there are so many things to consider while photographing. But since you already know when you got a really great shot, instead of leaving your clients in the dark about how they’re doing, give them a real life sneak peek. Show them a few shots on your camera’s LCD screen, and watch the transformation happen right before your eyes. This is when my clients suddenly smile, can’t believe they look that good, and then start to actually, dare I say, enjoy themselves in front of the lens.
Why The Sneak Peek Preview Works
Seeing is believing, right? When your clients witness their own stunning selves in action, it’s an instant confidence booster. They get a real-time glimpse of how amazing they look, and suddenly, that nervous energy they were feeling at the start of the session starts to fade away. It build trust and connection. Sharing these previews isn’t just about showcasing the technical abilities of your camera or your own creative prowess…it’s about building trust and a connection with you, the photographer. Your clients then become active participants in the session, and are helpful creators in this visual story that reflects their unique personality and style.
And once they have this opportunity to trust you and connect with your vision, you end up opening up this dialogue that also encourages collaboration. At this point I often ask for their input, what they love about a particular shot, or if there’s a pose or angle they’re itching to try. Or alternatively, if there’s something they see that they don’t like (I hate when I slouch like that, or ooh, I’m glad I saw that because I want to fix my hair).
If your client doesn’t like something then they have a chance to fix it in the moment, or you know to watch out for it while shooting. We are always our own worst critics, but it’s still important to note what your client doesn’t like so you can be sure to pay attention to it while shooting and before you finish the session and release the gallery. This way, it truly becomes a team effort, and when your clients feel heard and valued the results are pure photographic magic!
Setting The Tone
Start this process early in the session. I always tell my clients how many approximate shots I am going to take (hundreds…sometimes thousands) and promise them that they do not have to look great in every shot. So as you ease into shooting, take a moment to share a few initial captures especially if they are still feeling or looking a bit wooden. Sharing previews sets a positive tone, and your clients will realize that this photoshoot is a shared experience, not a nerve-wracking solo performance.
Imagine for a minute being in front of the camera. If you haven’t done that in a while (or ever) I highly recommend this somewhat uncomfortable experiment. Then imagine that you can’t see what is happening behind that lens and are feeling like you have to perform for someone else. It is a really strange experience. So try and put yourself in your clients’ shoes and then try your best to think about what would make someone you comfortable in front of the camera. Then be sure to do that thing!
So I suggest you embrace the power of the “back of the camera” preview. Use it to help shake out those initial photo session jitters, create some artist-client collaboration, and capture moments that truly reflect the whole photo shoot experience. Remember that a confident subject is going to give you great photos. But a happy client is going to sing your praises, give you more opportunities for additional sessions, and will just be happier with the entire experience.
So go out there and photograph, and don’t forget to show off that gorgeous work you’re creating!
