I’m not photogenic
How to Relax in Front of the Camera
The sentence I hear most often before a photoshoot is always the same: “I’m not photogenic.” An hour later, those same people are smiling, relaxed and wondering why they were worried in the first place.
If you’ve ever felt nervous about having your picture taken, you’re certainly not alone. Most of the people I photograph aren’t professional models. They’re couples celebrating an anniversary, travellers exploring Venice, families creating memories or individuals who simply want a portrait they’ll love. Almost everyone arrives with the same questions: Where should I look? What do I do with my hands? What if I look awkward? The truth is, you don’t need experience in front of a camera. You simply need a photographer who helps you forget it’s there.
Nobody Is Naturally Photogenic
Being photogenic isn’t about having perfect features or knowing how to pose. It’s about feeling comfortable enough to be yourself. When people relax, their expressions become genuine, their posture softens and their personality naturally comes through. That’s why my job isn’t only about taking photographs. It’s about creating an atmosphere where you can stop thinking about the camera and simply enjoy the experience. The best portraits happen when you’re focused on the moment rather than on how you look.
You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose
One of the biggest misconceptions about professional photography is that clients need to know how to pose. They don’t. Throughout every photoshoot, I offer simple guidance that feels natural rather than staged. We walk, we talk, we laugh and sometimes we simply pause for a moment. Small movements and genuine interactions create photographs that feel alive. My goal isn’t to make you pose like a model. It’s to help you look like the best version of yourself.
Forget About Perfection
Many people believe they need to look perfect before booking a photoshoot. In reality, perfection is rarely what makes an image memorable. A spontaneous smile, a thoughtful expression or an unexpected laugh often tells a much stronger story than a perfectly rehearsed pose. Photography isn’t about hiding who you are. It’s about revealing it. The photographs that people treasure for years are almost always the ones that capture real emotion instead of perfect symmetry.
Give Yourself Time
The first few minutes of every session are usually the most challenging. Feeling a little self-conscious is completely normal. That’s why I never rush. As we spend time together, conversation replaces nervousness and the camera gradually fades into the background. Once that happens, everything changes. The photographs become more natural because you’re no longer thinking about being photographed. You’re simply enjoying the experience.
Marco’s Tip
If you’re preparing for a photoshoot, don’t spend your energy worrying about whether you’re photogenic. Instead, think about why you wanted these photographs in the first place. Whether you’re celebrating love, travelling through Venice or simply marking an important moment in your life, those emotions matter far more than any pose. Authenticity will always be more beautiful than perfection.
Final Thoughts
Almost everyone tells me they’re not photogenic before we begin. By the end of the session, most of them have changed their minds. Not because they’ve suddenly become models, but because they’ve stopped worrying about the camera. That’s when the real photographs appear. After years behind the camera, I’ve come to believe one simple thing: there are no unphotogenic people—only people who haven’t yet experienced the right photographer.
FAQ
What if I’ve never had a professional photoshoot?
That’s perfectly normal. Most of my clients have never been photographed professionally before, and I’ll guide you throughout the entire session.
Will you tell me how to pose?
Yes. I’ll give you simple, natural directions so you never have to worry about what to do or how to stand.
How long does it take to feel comfortable?
Everyone is different, but most people relax within the first few minutes once we start walking, talking and enjoying the experience.
How to Relax in Front of the Camera
Email: info@underwatercity.it
Telefono: +39 340 3335614
Indirizzo: Viale 4 Novembre, 13 Venezia
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