I’m Awkward in Photos: What Actually Happens During a Photo Session. Duluth Photographer Tips
If the thought of being in front of a camera makes you uncomfortable, you are not alone.
Maybe you feel awkward posing. Maybe you never know what to do with your hands. Maybe you worry that your smile looks forced or that you will feel stiff and uncomfortable throughout the entire session.
Here’s the good news: you do not have to know what you’re doing in front of my camera.
That is my job.
As a photographer, I don’t expect you to arrive knowing how to pose, where to stand, or how to make every photograph look natural. I guide you through the experience with simple prompts, gentle direction, and plenty of room to be yourself.
Whether you’re planning a family session, couples session, senior portraits, maternity photos, or a boudoir session in the Duluth, Minnesota area, here’s what you can actually expect.
You don’t have to be “good” at taking pictures
There is no such thing as being naturally good at having your photo taken.
Some people are comfortable in front of a camera because they have had lots of experience. Others feel nervous because they are not used to being photographed; or because previous photo sessions felt overly posed, rushed, or uncomfortable.
Neither means you are difficult to photograph.
My approach is not to expect you to perform for the camera. I’ll never say “just act natural” and expect you to know what to do. Instead, I guide you into movement, interaction, and positions that feel more natural. That might mean I’m telling you to simply walk, shift your weight, interact with your partner, play with your children, adjust your hair, or simply take a breath and settle in.
You don’t have to create the moment perfectly. I help create the conditions for genuine moments to happen.
We start by getting comfortable
The beginning of a session is not about immediately putting you into a complicated pose and expecting you to look relaxed.
We take a little time to settle in, get familiar with each other, and ease into the experience. That might mean talking, laughing, walking around, or starting with something simple before moving into more directed photographs.
Most people become more comfortable once they realize they are not expected to be perfect.
You’ll find my sessions are playful and very laid back.
I give you direction…but not stiff, complicated poses
There is a difference between being completely left on your own and being placed into a rigid pose.
I’m not going to stand several feet away and say, “Just be natural,” while giving you no idea what that means.
I’ll guide you with prompts and direction that are easy to follow. Rather than asking you to hold an uncomfortable position, I focus on movement, connection, and small adjustments that help the photograph look natural while still being intentional.
You may hear things like:
Walk slowly toward me.
Move a little closer to each other.
Look at each other.
Take a breath and relax your shoulders.
Tell you something that will make them laugh.
Let your child lead for a moment.
Stay right there, that was perfect.
Honestly there’s also a lot of silly things I may ask you to do, just to get a real reaction, real movements, and shake the nerves off.
You do not need to memorize poses or know what to do next. I will guide you through it.
We make room for real personalities
One of my favorite parts of photography is capturing the little things that make people themselves.
That might be your family’s chaos, your partner’s goofy sense of humor, your senior’s confidence, your child’s curiosity, or the way you naturally interact with the people you love.
I don’t want every photograph to look like it could belong to anyone.
I want your images to reflect your connection, your personality, and the way you actually experience each other.
That means there is room for movement, laughter, quiet moments, imperfect moments, and all the little in-between interactions that often end up being the most meaningful photographs.
What if your kids are wild, or simply not interested?
This is a very common concern for families.
Children may be energetic, distracted, shy, emotional, or completely uninterested in cooperating with a photo session. That does not automatically mean the session is going badly.
I do not expect children to behave like miniature adults or sit perfectly still for an entire session. We can take breaks, change activities, follow their energy, and adjust the plan when needed.
Some of the best family photographs happen when everyone stops trying to force a perfect moment.
Most of my family sessions feel like playtime. In fact, after our session the kids are always asking when we can hang out and play together again. They don’t realize we just created memories and photos their parents will treasure.
My goal is to create an experience that feels doable and enjoyable, not one where everyone is stressed about getting every photograph exactly right.
What if you feel uncomfortable in your body?
You do not need to lose weight, change your appearance, or become more confident before booking a session.
You deserve photographs of yourself as you are now.
I use posing, angles, movement, light, and gentle direction to help you feel comfortable and confident. I will guide you through flattering positions without making you feel like you have to hide yourself or constantly fix the way you look.
For boudoir sessions especially, I understand that stepping in front of the camera can feel vulnerable. My job is to create a supportive, judgment-free experience where you can ease into the process and feel more comfortable as the session goes on.
You do not have to arrive feeling confident. We can build that feeling throughout the experience.
You can expect more than beautiful photographs
A successful photo session is not just about how the final images look. (Though they will be beautiful!)
It is also about how you felt while creating them.
That is why I focus on the full experience; from planning and communication to wardrobe guidance, location ideas, posing, and the session itself. I want you to feel supported before, during, and after your time in front of the camera.
My style is laid-back, intentional, and centered around helping you feel like yourself.
You do not need to show up with a perfect plan. You do not need to know how to pose. You do not need to be naturally comfortable in photographs.
You simply need to show up as you are.
Why choose Kelly Jacobi Photography?
As a Duluth, Minnesota photographer, I specialize in creating photographs that feel natural, connected, and full of life and art. My sessions are designed for real people, not professional models.
When you work with me, you can expect:
Gentle, expert posing and direction.
A relaxed experience without pressure to perform.
Photography that captures personality and connection.
Planning support before your session.
Wardrobe and styling guidance.
Scouted, meaningful, private, or in-home location options when appropriate.
A client closet with more than 300 pieces in sizes XS–4X.
An approach that allows space for movement, laughter, emotion, and real life.
I serve clients throughout Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, the Twin Ports, the North Shore, and surrounding areas.
You don’t have to know what you’re doing.
I’ve got you.
If you have been putting off photographs because you feel awkward, nervous, or unsure of yourself, I hope you know that you are exactly the kind of person I love working with.
You do not have to be a model. You do not have to know how to pose. You do not have to feel completely confident before you arrive.
I will guide you through the experience and help create photographs that feel like you.
Ready to plan your session in the Duluth area? Reach out to Kelly Jacobi Photography to tell me what you’re envisioning, ask questions, or schedule a quick consultation. We can figure out the details together.
