How to feel your very best in front of the camera

So … you’ve booked a photoshoot, but you’re stressing out. You don’t know how to “smile for the camera,” you’re not quite sure what to do with your hands, and you just feel awkward when confronted with a camera lens. We get it, we’ve been there, but things don’t have to be this way! Follow our foolproof photoshoot tips (straight from our pro photographers) and you’ll be ready to roll with a successful photoshoot.

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share photoshoot tips on how to feel your best!

TLDR

1. Be yourself: The best photos will happen when simply being yourself!
2. Dress to feel good: Choose an outfit that you feel comfortable in and makes you feel good.
3. View the photo shoot as an experience: Our professional photographers love to capture the magic of you and the people you love.
4. Choose a location that reflects you: Choose a location that reflects you and your personality.
5. Let the kids be kids: Flytographers are seasoned pros when it comes to kids— getting them involved and combining your photoshoot with activities to make things more fun!
6. Trust your photographer: Flytographers are your #1 fan during your photo shoot, they want you to look and feel incredible too!
7. Treat yourself: Don’t be afraid to treat yourself when it comes to your photoshoot.
8. Focus on each other, not the camera: Your photo shoot experience is about you and your relationships, so forget about the camera, relax, and view it as a time to enjoy each other. 

Photo: Irina in Montreal for Flytographer. Tirath and partner celebrate a birthday in Montreal with a birthday photoshoot in Old Montreal.

1. Be yourself!

In the digital age we live in, gorgeous images are everywhere. We love how easy it is to find inspiration for, well, everything, but while it can feel tempting to mimic your favourite Instagram influencer’s feed during your shoot, the best photos will happen when you are simply being yourself! If you feel tempted to find inspiration elsewhere, use it as a loose guide and make your own shining personalities the stars of the shoot.  

Photo: Flytographer in Paris. Benedict and partner celebrate a proposal in Paris with a proposal photoshoot in Trocadéro.

2. Dress to feel good

A simple rule of thumb for what to wear? What makes you feel good will make you look good. And we’re not talking about donning sky-high heels if that isn’t normally your thing. Choose an outfit that you feel comfortable in (fits well, appropriate for the climate, etc.), but also one that makes you feel good (hello, instant confidence boost). If you feel good, you won’t have anything to worry about during your shoot — instead, you’ll simply enjoy the experience!

✨ Top tip: We have an official style guide we highly recommend checking out. 👗 

Photo: Kimon in Santorini for Flytographer. Ayezza and partner capture memories in Santorini with a couples photoshoot in Oia Village.

3. View the photo shoot as an experience

Gone are the days of stale department store photo shoots. Your Flytographer shoot is an experience. Think about it: you’re in an amazing location, probably on vacation with your own bad self or your loved ones — sounds pretty incredible to us! Look at your photo shoot as a vacation experience, something that’s not just about the end result (that amazing gallery you’re going to receive in a few days), but also about the memorable moments you’re having right now.

Photo: Mint in Chiang Mai for Flytographer. Kelsey and partner capture memories in Chiang Mai with a couples photoshoot in Tamarind Village.

4. Choose a location that reflects you

You know what they say in real estate: location, location, location. The same goes for photo shoots. Choose a location that reflects you and your personality. If you are rarely caught with shoes on, opting for a beach location will put you in your element. And if your favourite vacation moments are discovering a new city’s hidden gems? Choosing a route discovering one of your destination’s hip neighbourhoods is probably a good fit.

Check out this post if you want some extra tips on finding the perfect route type for you! 📍

Photo: Yvonne in Sydney for Flytographer. Wayan and family capture memories in Sydney with a family photoshoot along the Sydney Harbour Walk.

5. Let the kids be kids

Planning a photo shoot with kids can feel like it’s extra stressful with so many what-ifs. What if the kids aren’t in a good mood? What if they’re tired or cranky or don’t vibe with the photographer? Try to time your photo shoot so the kids are well-rested and well-fed, and after that, relax! The kids are going to have a blast. They’ll run, they’ll play, they’ll get loved on by you, and we promise you will absolutely cherish these photos capturing your family exactly as you are. 

Looking for some family photo inspiration? Check out this post for cute family photo ideas. 

Photo: Flytographer in Amsterdam. Angela and family capture memories in Amsterdam with a family photoshoot at the Jordaan.

6. Trust your photographer!

Here’s something you may not realize: your photographer has your back. We want you to feel amazing, to look amazing, and to love your photos long after the photo shoot is over. We will guide you. When you’re not sure what to do with your hands, we will totally help you. We will even tell you if you have lipstick on your teeth! We are seriously your #1 fan during your photo shoot, so trust us and relax knowing that we want you to look and feel incredible.

Photo: Flytographer in Prague. Carol captures memories in Prague with a solo adventure photoshoot at Petrinske Sady.

7. Treat yourself!

It can be hard to feel your absolute best when you’re away from home. We totally get the struggle to try to pack light only to be left wondering how you will possibly survive the week without your normal hair products. So, when it comes time for your photo shoot, don’t be afraid to treat yourself. Book a salon hair appointment so you can stop stressing over your frizzies. Get a manicure or a massage or both … do whatever makes you feel amazing and you will be raring to go!

Photo: Cheryl in Miami for Flytographer. Grace and friends capture memories in Miami with a headshot photoshoot along the Wynwood Walls.

8. Focus on each other, not the camera

We know it’s tempting to stare straight into the camera, but your photo shoot experience is about you and your relationships, so forget about the camera, relax, and view it as a time to enjoy each other (or yourself, if you’re flying solo). Don’t worry — we’ll capture that beautiful smile for your mom, but for the most part, you’ll look your best if you look like you are naturally interacting with and enjoying the people around you and the gorgeous destination you’re in. And the best way to look like you’re enjoying something is to actually enjoy it!

Looking for more photo shoot tips? Learn what to expect on your first Flytographer shoot and you will be well on your way to easily capturing your candid, natural moments on camera. 

Photo: Tracy in Portland for Flytographer. Jared and partner celebrate a proposal in Portland with a proposal photoshoot downtown.