​Five ways to make your photo session comfortable.

Do you feel kind of anxious with the thought of being photographed? So does EVERYONE including your photographer which means there's no need to stress out about it. That can be easier said than done so we've put together a list of five things you can do ahead of time to make sure you're in the best headspace possible and your photos truly reflect who you are. 

1. Don't feel like you need to put on a show

First things first, this is about YOU. Try to let go of any pressure you may feel of how your photos should look for instagram or your parents or anyone other than you. If you're more reserved, there's no need to put on a show and pretend to be a super outgoing and if you're really extroverted, there's no need to hold any of that back. This is about preserving your memories in an authentic way. This is about telling your story. 

2.  Wear something you feel confident in.

We've heard the advice 'dress like you're going to the same party' which is a pretty good rule of thumb. If that means you'd feel most comfortable going to a chill house party and you wanna wear your vans, some jeans and a Blink 182 shirt, go for it! If you wanna dress up like you're going to a New Year's Eve party in the city, do it! What's cool with couple's sessions is that you have an hour so you can plan out a few different outfits. Just make sure you remember that these photos are for you and not anyone else, so make sure you dress like it. 

3. Find a location where you're comfortable 

Think about where you and your person feel most at ease. Is there a hike that means a lot to you? A part of the city you love? If you and your partner would rather hang out at home and get photos hanging on the couch, plan a session around that. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box and plan your session in your swimsuits at the beach, rock climbing, at your favorite art gallery or whatever feels most like 'you'. 

4. Look up inspiration

Starting a Pinterest board or sending photos you love and are inspired by to your photographer via text or instagram can be an incredible way to brainstorm together and get comfortable with one another. Then you'll all have the same vision going into your session and feel comfortable spitballing posing ideas to create some real magic.

5. It's not that serious

Photo sessions can be a little stressful but they really don't need to be. Try and think of what these photos will mean generations from now to your kids/grandkids and what kind of legacy you're leaving behind. Get a good night's rest, take some time for yourself or do whatever you normally do to get in a good headspace. This isn't about pretending, it's about preserving your memories in a beautiful way. It's about telling your story.

SANTA CRUZ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY /  SANTA CRUZ WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY / SANTA CRUZ WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / BIG SUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / CALIFORNIA INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / BIG SUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / CARMEL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / BIG SUR WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER / FAMILY VIDEOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ BUSINESS PHOTOGRAPHER / SANTA CRUZ REAL ESTATE VIDEOGRAPHER / PROPOSAL SANTA CRUZ