Ever scroll through someone’s website or social media and think, ‘Wow, that just feels real?’ Like you can see right into their soul? Yeah, me too.

But how do you actually get that feeling in your own photos? 

It’s not just about showing up and hoping for the best. It’s a mix of feeling confident, maybe a little bit of ‘energetics,’ and, let’s be honest, having a photographer who knows their stuff. 

The thing that many people don’t realize about how to look natural in brand photos?

It’s not all on you. It’s a team effort. A good photographer isn’t just someone with a fancy camera; they’re your guide, your cheerleader, your partner in capturing your genuine essence. 

So let’s talk about how we can make your next photoshoot feel like a breath of fresh air.

Be comfortable. (Easier said than done, I know.)

Looking natural in your brand photos starts long before the photoshoot. We need to build genuine rapport. It’s about creating a space where you feel completely safe to say, ‘Hey, I’m really self-conscious about my nose. Can we find angles that minimize that?’ Or, ‘Please, no side profiles!’ I need to know these things so you’re not holding back during the shoot, and so you’re not waiting until you get the photos back to voice your concerns. Open communication is key – comfort and trust are non-negotiable.

(Don’t worry — you don’t really have to DO anything other than participate in the client experience. We’ll have planning calls. I’m an email away and I encourage you to ask all of the silly questions. Just, get into it. I’m a dork. You’re in good company.)

When you trust me, I can say, ‘Okay, shift your foot here, drop your right shoulder,’ even if it feels a bit odd, you’ll be more willing to fully commit. And that’s when the magic happens.

If you’re holding back, thinking, ‘This feels weird, she might be crazy,’ you’ll look stiff and unnatural. That rapport makes posing so much easier, and you’ll naturally look more authentic when you’re relaxed.

Want to know more about how to show up confident, aligned, and ready for your shoot? Read this post here!

Know how to pose for a natural brand photo.

Don’t worry, you’re not expected to be a professional model! We don’t just jump into posing. We start with the basics – like breathing exercises. (Yes, even breathing exercises!)

I’ll show you a technique to relax your shoulders, not just yank them down. Most photographers say, ‘Drop your shoulders,’ but that often leads to awkward tension. I’ll show you in a mirror how to lift your sternum, which creates a natural, relaxed shoulder drop. If I say, ‘Drop a shoulder,’ you’ll know exactly what I mean. Seeing it in action makes all the difference during the shoot.

It’s the same with other poses. If I say, ‘Look over your shoulder,’ people often freeze, only moving their head. They end up arching their back, which looks unnatural. I’ll show you how to do it naturally, like a casual selfie.

Or if I ask you to touch your face, you won’t end up with stiff, claw-like hands. We’ll practice ‘ballet hands,’ tracing your face with your middle finger.

And if we’re doing a shot with you holding your glasses, we’ll find a natural, relaxed way to do it, not a tense fist.

Instead of barking orders, I’d rather plant a little seed in your mind. I won’t just say, ‘Smile!’ Instead, I might ask you a question that naturally leads to a smile, or have you think about something specific. Like, ‘Picture puppies and kittens!’ Or, if we need a more serious look, maybe ‘Think about doing your taxes.’ It’s about creating a genuine reaction, not a forced pose. You know, you can’t fake the ‘I hate taxes’ face.

When you’re thinking about something real, everything falls into place naturally. You’re not posing, you’re just… being you.

Wear comfy clothes to your brand photoshoot

Okay, let’s talk about comfortable clothes. If you’re tugging at something, or it’s digging in, trust me, it’s going to show in your photos. So, here’s my advice: when you’re picking out your outfits, give them a real test run. Sit down, stand up, maybe even do a little dance! Make sure you can move freely, like you’re just hanging out. You know, nothing pinching or squeezing. We want you to feel like you can breathe, literally.

Beyond overall comfort, I encourage you to bring personal props.

Two reasons why. First, they make your brand feel real, like, ‘This is me, this is what I do.’ If you use things that are actually part of your life, it just clicks. 

Second, they’re like your comfort blanket, an ‘adult blankie’ if you will. Imagine you’re in a bright studio, or a busy cafe, people looking over. It can be awkward! Having something familiar, something that’s yours, just relaxes you a bit. It’s a tiny thing, but it makes a huge difference in how natural you look.

And don’t worry about minor mishaps! 

Spilled coffee? I got you, I can edit that out.

Sweat? If it’s an outfit you really love, you can absolutely still wear it. Just let me know so we can shoot it first, before you get too warm. We’ll prioritize your favorite outfits and make sure they stay pristine.

Now, about tight or loose clothing. It really depends on the vibe we’re going for. I’ve styled clients in flowing caftans and others in workout gear. It’s all about your brand, your audience, and the message you want to convey. The most important thing is that at least one piece of clothing in each outfit makes you feel amazing. Either it boosts your confidence, or you love how it looks in photos. (Like, I have this blazer that’s scratchy, but it’s magic on camera, so I wear it!)

Sometimes, it’s the small things like accessories that make the difference. A favorite pair of shoes, a statement ring, or beloved glasses… they can totally transform a look. We can keep the rest simple and let those pieces shine.

And if you bring something you thought you’d love, but it’s just not working on camera? Don’t panic! Clips are our friends. We can make sure everything looks just right, even if it’s a flowy piece that needs a little shaping. We’ll make sure you look amazing, and that you feel like yourself.

Bring personal props to your session

Let’s talk props. But not just any props – personal props. How do we think outside the box here?

So I would start by asking you what’s different about what you do versus your competitor? What sets you apart? I want you to answer the question. That’s where we find the spark.

From there, we can add a subconscious layer to your messaging. We look for something unique about you or your story. Sometimes it’s as simple as a mug with your cat’s face on it — something that sparks joy and feels like you.

Other times, it’s a bit deeper. I had a shoot that was centered around astrology. My client brought a crystal ball because it helped her feel connected to who she REALLY was as a human. Instead of doing what every other real estate agent was doing — and was told to do — we leaned into the esoteric and brought candles, energy rings, crystal balls, and worked them into her shoot. She felt calm, relaxed, and authentic — which makes all the difference.

The point is, these personal props help you feel connected. They’re familiar, they’re yours, and that helps you relax. And when you’re relaxed, you’re more magnetic. That’s the magic.

Embrace natural imperfection

Nobody’s perfect. Your little quirks and the real moments in between the posed stuff are the photos that will really resonate. Stray hairs, grey hairs, genuine laugh lines, moments of vulnerability — those are the things that make you, you. They’re the threads that weave together your authentic story, and they’re important. Your community will connect with your authenticity far more than any perfect pose.

That’s why we do all of the foundational work first. (See this post outlining the process.) If you’re feeling a little… something… during the shoot, I can loop you back and reconnect you with your why. Why are you doing this photoshoot? What message do you want to share with the world? 

When you’re connected with your why, your energy shifts. Your photos become more than just images. They become powerful expressions of the soul of your brand.

Take breaks

Even the most radiant humans sometimes need a minute to recharge and regroup. Taking breaks throughout our shoot is non-negotiable. If we need to step away for a li’l sunshine snack, I’ll be right there with you, soaking it in too. The sun is like a reset button; a dose of vitamin D can realign your inner compass in an instant.

We’ll also keep water nearby. It’s so important for grounding and keeping us all feeling refreshed!

And because energy is everything, I’ll be playing music throughout our photo shoot too. I’ll ask you beforehand for your favourites, of course. If I feel like you need to relax and reconnect with your center, I’ve got a playlist for that. If it’s time to unleash your sassy side, yep, I’ve got that too.

In conclusion — 

Looking natural in your brand photos isn’t a mystical, unattainable goal. It’s a blend of connection, comfort, and a whole lotta authenticity. It’s about letting go of perfection, embracing your quirks, and trusting the process. And remember, it’s a partnership. You’re not alone in this!

When you’re ready to capture your authentic brand magic, let’s chat! Book a free discovery call, and let’s explore how we can create brand photos that truly reflect you.