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9 Tips To Not Look Awkward In Front Of A Camera

As someone who has been in front and behind a camera many times, I wanted to share nine easy ways to get a better shot. I use a lot of these tricks to this day and they are all super easy to use!

Ally Burnham

Jul 13, 2019

Kansas State University

112

9 Tips To Not Look Awkward In Front Of A Camera

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1. Get To Know Your Photographer

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It can really help to have a photographer that you know and that you are comfortable with because you will naturally be more yourself while taking the pictures. Although, if you don't know your photographer, try to get to know them. You may find you have something in common with your photographer, ultimately helping you to not look stiff in pictures. The more authentic and open you are with your photographer, the more willing they will be to try new thing and get you out of your comfort zone, which a lot of times are the best and most creative shots as well.

2. Practice Poses In Front Of Your Mirror

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It is a weird thing to do but if you can't model in front of yourself in the privacy of your own home, then you are going to really not going to do well when there's someone in front of you with a camera up to their face ready to take your picture. So give yourself some practice if your camera shy.

3. Do The "Fake Laugh"

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I learned to accomplish that "fake laugh" by coughing. It works for me and it usually leads to me actually laughing because it is a weird trick.

4. Figure Out What Side Of Your Face/Body You Like Better

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Most people aren't 100% symmetrical, so there is one side of you that you may like better or that you feel photographs better. It is helpful to learn yourself and figure out at what angle and tilt look best for you.

5. Research Poses

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This may sound a little weird, but it can be helpful to create a board on Pinterest or on your camera roll of poses that you like of other models for inspiration. At times it can be hard to "be natural", so if you have some ideas at hand you will feel less nervous.

6. Be Patient

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Sometimes the first shot ends up being the best one, but oftentimes it's not. Be patient with yourself and just let your photographer snap away.

7. Slight Movements Are Key

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It really helps your photographer if you sightly move in between shots. This will help to give them more ideas as well because you really don't need hundreds of the exact same picture. You already took it once, if it is good then you got the shot but, otherwise, you need to change something to get a better angle, lighting, positioning, etc.

8. Use The Soft Smile

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My trick to the soft smile is to press my tongue to the top of my mouth. For me, this helps me to not over smile and show my gums.

9. Keep Up A Positive Attitude

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Have a good attitude and be willing to try new poses, even if you are uncomfortable. Also, play fun music! It can help lighten the mood.

All the best to you and your picture taking adventures!

-Ally

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

9 Tips To Not Look Awkward In Front Of A Camera

As someone who has been in front and behind a camera many times, I wanted to share nine easy ways to get a better shot. I use a lot of these tricks to this day and they are all super easy to use!

1. Get To Know Your Photographer

2. Practice Poses In Front Of Your Mirror

3. Do The "Fake Laugh"

4. Figure Out What Side Of Your Face/Body You Like Better

5. Research Poses

6. Be Patient

7. Slight Movements Are Key

8. Use The Soft Smile

9. Keep Up A Positive Attitude

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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