Around the portrait
“I'm not photogenic.” What if we took our time?
Being in front of a camera does not always feel natural. That is where my work begins: helping you feel at ease with simple guidance.
About 5 minutes of reading
A dark background and soft light give the gaze room to speak.
In this article
In a few words
You do not need to know how to pose for a portrait session. We start by talking about what you would like and what makes you uncomfortable, then I guide you with simple instructions. Your comfort and how you feel matter throughout.
- You don't have to learn any poses before coming.
- A desire and apprehension are enough to begin the exchange.
- You can ask for a break or try something else.
You can want a portrait and still feel nervous.
Not knowing what to do with your hands. Wondering where to look. Worrying that your smile will not feel like you. Being photographed means letting someone look at you, and that can feel uncomfortable. You can tell me, just as you are.
I do not expect you to arrive knowing how to pose. We create the photographs together, with guidance and small adjustments. Light, distance, framing and expression all matter, as does how you experience the moment.
An image you didn't like doesn't say everything about you. It shows an angle, an instant, under certain conditions. We can take the time to explore others.
Before the camera, a conversation.
Before the session, I like to understand what brings you here. Is the portrait for you, a gift, or a way to remember this time in your life? Perhaps you do not yet know exactly what you want. Both are good starting points.
You can show me photographs you like. Perhaps it is the soft light, a stronger mood, an expression or the framing. These examples help us talk about what you want. You do not need to copy a pose or look like the person in the photograph.
You can also specify what you want to avoid. A posture, an expression, a part of you that you prefer not to highlight: this is useful information. You don't have to justify your limits.
Simple instructions, one at a time.
I will not leave you wondering “how should I stand?”. I give you a starting point: sit down, lean on something, turn your shoulders slightly, look towards the light. We try it, then adjust.
If a position is uncomfortable, tell me. I can find another way to get the framing or light we want. A simple movement you can repeat without thinking often feels more natural than a complicated pose.
I may ask you to look away, take a few steps or change position. You are allowed to be quiet or reserved. A calm expression can have just as much presence as a smile. What matters to me is that you recognise yourself in the photographs we create.
Choose a photograph you recognise yourself in.
Choosing your photographs deserves time too. Look at the expression, posture and overall mood. Ask yourself what you like about the whole image before focusing on one detail.
I guide you through the selection and offer my perspective as a photographer. Your feelings matter. An expressive photograph and a quieter portrait can tell different stories, both true to you.
We can also talk about alterations and your expectations. The page dedicated to portraits specifies final photos, selection and delivery according to the formula. If you have a specific request, it is best to discuss it before the session.
A little preparation is enough.
Choose one or two outfits in which you feel like yourself, depending on the format planned. Check that you can move and sit comfortably. If you have glasses that you wear every day, tell me about them: they are part of your image.
You may notice a desire and apprehension. This will already give me something to start our exchange. For use related to your activity, the professional portrait guide will help you prepare useful information.
There may still be a little jitters on the day of the meeting. We will deal with it, quietly. You don’t have to succeed at anything before you come.
Practical questions
Can you do a photo shoot without knowing how to pose?
Yes. My role is to guide you: a simple position, support, direction of gaze. We adjust gradually, without requiring you to learn poses in advance.
What should I do if a posture makes me uncomfortable?
Just tell me. We can change position, try another expression, or take a moment. You don't have to justify your limits.