What if I told you that feeling awkward in photos is not just solved with posing alone.  You can learn how to pose, but still look awkward and stiff.  
 
Feeling awkward in photos is actually a nervous system response.  
 
👉 Pictures can trigger the same feelings as stage fright. 
 
When a camera comes out, we often stiffen up, hold our breath, and become aware that we have arms and hands and suddenly we don’t know what to do them.    
 
In fact, this happens to me when I press record on my phone to do a video.  My nervous system kicks in, I start to sweat in places I don't normally sweat in, and I forget how to talk.  Words, what happened to my words?
 
My clients have a similiar reaction when I raise my camera up to take their picture.  We can be having a nice conversation, but as soon as I raise my camera they suck in their breath, stiffen up, and brace for impact. 
 
So how can we relax in photos and look less stiff and awkward?

I'm going to share 2 techniques that I use in my studio to get clients to relax for pictures.  

(I also recorded a reel that you can watch by clicking on the picture below)

A lot of times we are holding our breath when posing for pictures.  So next time, make sure you exhale and breathe through the pose.  Keep breathing.  That will send a signal to your nervous system that you are safe and help your body and face to relax.

We hold tension in our shoulders and this can show in pictures.   So, relax your shoulders and let them melt into the ground.

These 2 techniques will help you look more relaxed and comfortable in pictures instead of stiff and awkward.  

If you would like to learn more about posing for pictures, you can grab my free Posing Guide.

When we got on the phone together she said she's in a transition period in her life, that “I do so much for others and it's time to do something for myself”.  
 
She was worried about not liking what she sees especially now that she just turned 50, that she's very uncomfortable in front of a camera, and that she would be happy if she got just 1 good picture.

So, to help her feel comfortable, I put her in my most comfortable set up: The Cozy Couch Pose.

After a few posing and clothing adjustments, and a funny story to help her relax... she settled in and I took the shot.

Then I turned my camera around and showed her, and this happened.

Here's the final shot that she loved.

Getting a photoshoot over 40 or even 50 is not vanity, it's reclamation.  It's about reclaiming permission to show up in photos and know that it's never too late to learn how to get your photo taken so you can feel comfortable in photos from now on.

I help women over 40 who feel awkward and uncomfortable in front of a camera look natural and confident in pictures by creating an environment where they feel safe and supported, so they walk away with photos that they absolutely love.

Love, 

​Debbie

If you are interested in how we do this, head over learn more about how our Glam Session is a different type of photo experience designed for women over 40.

If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not photogenic,” I want you to know something, you are not alone.
​
I hear this from women almost every single week. Women who are intelligent, beautiful, successful, loving, strong… yet completely convinced that the camera just doesn’t like them.

​Somewhere along the way, many women begin to believe that being photogenic is something you either have or you don’t. That it belongs to the young, the confident, the naturally comfortable, or the effortlessly beautiful.

But here’s the truth: Being photogenic isn’t something you either have or don’t. It’s something that grows when you feel comfortable, supported, and guided.  And that comes from the experience you’re given.

Most women who think they aren’t photogenic have simply never been photographed in a way that made them feel safe, guided, and seen.

For many women, their relationship with photos shifted over time.

In our younger years, photos often felt playful and light. But as life layered on responsibilities, stress, comparison, body changes, and self-criticism, the camera slowly became something we started to avoid.

Instead of seeing ourselves, we began to scan for flaws.

• Is my smile weird?
• Does my face look tired?
• What is my body doing?
• Why don’t I look like her?

These thoughts happen quietly, often without us even realizing it. Over time, they become beliefs.

Here’s something I want you to hear:
❌ You don’t feel awkward because you are awkward.
✅ You feel awkward because no one ever taught you how to feel comfortable while being photographed.

Posing, expression, posture, breathing, and micro-adjustments all make a huge difference. When you’re left to “just figure it out,” of course it feels uncomfortable.

​That doesn’t mean you’re unphotogenic. It means you’ve never been guided properly.

Being photogenic doesn’t mean:

• Knowing how to pose
• Having a certain body type
• Being outgoing
• Feeling confident all the time

It means being photographed in an environment where you feel:

• relaxed
• supported
• guided
• encouraged
• unjudged

​When a woman feels emotionally safe, it shows in her eyes, her posture, her expression, and her energy.
​
That’s when she starts to recognize herself again.

One of the most beautiful moments I witness is when a woman stops trying to “perform” for the camera and simply starts being.

She relaxes.
She breathes.
Her shoulders soften.
Her smile becomes natural.
​
And almost every time, she says:
“I can’t believe that’s me.”

Not because she changed, but because she finally saw herself differently.

I want you to consider this:

What if you’re not unphotogenic…
What if you’ve just never had an experience designed for you?

You deserve to feel comfortable being seen.
You deserve photos that feel like you.
You deserve to recognize your beauty and strength.
And it’s never too late for that.

​Encouraged by a friend’s experience with the 40 Over 40 Movement, she decided to have her own photoshoot. She wanted to be more than just “Mommy” or “Employee” and become an active participant in her own life. During the shoot she felt like a Queen. The supportive and positive environment made her feel comfortable and empowered.

Are you ready to celebrate yourself and teach your daughter about confidence and self-worth? Our transformational photoshoots in the New River Valley of Virginia, are designed to empower women. Contact us today to book your transformational photoshoot and become part of the 40 Over 40 Movement. Let’s inspire confidence and self-assurance, one photo at a time. 

Want to learn more about our 40 Over 40 Movement? Click here: 40 Over 40

1. Helps you become comfortable in front of the camera: Glam Sessions can help you become comfortable and confident in front of the camera by giving you a safe and supportive space to explore your posing and expressions. The photographer will guide you with direction and posing, which can help you feel more at ease and natural in front of the camera.

2. Boosts your self-confidence: A 40 Over 40 Glam Session can help boost your self-confidence by showcasing your unique beauty and capturing your best features. Seeing yourself in a positive light can increase your self-esteem and self-worth, which can positively impact other areas of your life.

3. A pampering and empowering experience: A 40 Over 40 Glam Session is more than just taking pictures. It's a pampering and empowering experience that can make you feel like a celebrity. From the makeup and hair styling to the wardrobe and set design, every detail is tailored to make you feel your best and most beautiful.

4. Creates lasting memories and legacy: Glam Sessions capture a moment in time and create lasting memories that you can cherish for years to come. They also create a legacy that can be passed down to future generations as a representation of who you are and how you want to be remembered.

5. Helps you embrace your unique style and personality: Glam sessions can help you embrace your unique style and personality by allowing you to express yourself creatively through wardrobe, makeup, and props. This can be a fun and exciting opportunity to experiment with different looks and showcase your individuality.

Do you want to see yourself in flattering poses and actually like how you look in photos?

​Do you want to work with an exclusive Women's Photographer who works with Ladies of all shapes, sizes, and ages?

Then I'd love to talk with you.

Fill out the application for a Glam or Boudoir Session HERE and we will schedule a phone call to talk about how you'd like to look! 

FiftyCentLove Photographie by Debbie Smith is the Premier Women's Glamour and Boudoir Studio in Southwest Virginia.  Located in Christiansburg.  Serving Blacksburg, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Floyd and surrounding areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

Have these thoughts crossed your mind?

"I hope I like how she does my hair..."

"What if it looks totally different from how I like it?"
​
"Am I going to feel comfortable enough to tell her if I don't like it?"

I spent way too many hours, visits, (and money) in a salon chair NOT saying anything to past hairstylists.

I didn't want to offend them or hurt their feelings.  I was scared to tell them my part went this way or that I want waves not curls.

So I left the salon each time disappointed in myself because I didn't speak up.

Please tell me I'm not the only one.  When I got a new hairstylist, I vowed to myself that I would say what I want in a kind and gentle way and see what happens.  

OMG!  The results were amazing!

I actually got the hairstyle I loved, the color that fit me, and the service I wanted!  And she actually appreciated me talking to her.

So, that's why I take extra care to make sure you like your hairstyle for your Glam Session before we start shooting.

5.  You have a voice and a say-so in the whole process.

You have permission to speak up in my studio.
You have a voice in how you want to look.
You are part of the process.

I want you to feel comfortable saying "My part goes this way" or "I like my bangs styled like this", and so we want you to let us know.

I want to make sure you are liking everything in real time.  
I want you to feel comfortable and safe in my studio.  

So during the hair and makeup process I check-in with you to make sure you are liking everything about what you see in the mirror. 

I ask you:

• How are you liking everything so far?
• Is there anything you want to change?

 
Anything is changeable. Hairstyling is changeable.

Plus, I show you the first pictures on the back of the camera when we get started and ask you how you like your hair and makeup in the photos!  Woot woot!

Sometimes there are some slight changes that we make and then we are good to go!

Annnnd we are constantly primping and fixing your hair during the photoshoot too.  

If you would like more information about a Glam or Boudoir Session, you can go here or sign up for my email list and you'll get info sent straight to your inbox.

Have these thoughts crossed your mind when thinking about doing a Glam Session?

"I hope I like my makeup....I've had my makeup done before and it was awful!"

"I don't want to look like a clown or a floozy or (insert the H word)"
​
"If I don't like my makeup am I going to be able to tell the makeup artist?"

You've probably had a bad experience in the past with getting your makeup done...maybe for a wedding or a special event and you felt weird or didn't look like yourself at all, right??

Maybe you didn't like your makeup and you didn't want to hurt the makeup artist's feelings, so you settled for makeup that you didn't like or feel good in. 

I get it.  That's why I take extra measure to make sure you like your makeup and feel good in your skin before your photoshoot even happens. 

1. We will have a Planning Session over video so we can talk about why you want photos, what you are using the photos for, and how you want to look in your photos.

​For instance, if you are a Realtor and you want photos for marketing purposes, you're not going to want full glam makeup or a smoky eye.  You're probably going to want a very a natural makeup look that is casual, friendly, and approachable, right?

If you are doing a Boudoir or Glam Session, then you probably want to go with a more dramatic look, lashes, and a bolder lip. 💄

"But Debbie, what if STILL don't like my makeup after it's all said and done?"

Right.  Here is where the magic happens.

4.  The makeup artist asks you questions before she even starts.

My makeup artist will ask you a bunch of questions as to how you want to look and what you using the photos for.  She includes you in the process and explains alot of why she's doing what she's doing along the way.

She understands that you don't want look like a clown or the H word and she doesn't want you too either.

And a bonus to this process is you will learn new makeup tips and tricks!  

​Now, the number one reason why you will like your makeup is.....

5.  You have a voice during the makeup process.

You have permission to speak up in my studio.
You have a voice in how you want to look.
You are part of the process.

I want you to feel comfortable saying "Can we change the lip color, it's not really me" or "Can we add more eyeliner under my eyes?", and so I ask you questions to get a feel for how you like it.

I want to make sure you are liking everything in real time.  
I want you to feel comfortable and safe in my studio.  

So during the makeup process I check-in with you to make sure you like everything that you see in the mirror.  And yes, you get to look in the mirror while your makeup is getting done so you are not worried about what you look like the entire time. 

I can tell if someone is not liking how they look.  They will avoid looking at themselves in the mirror, some will get a crinkle in their eyebrow, some will stare at themselves in the mirror with no expression and I can see them "thinking" something doesn't look right. 

So I ask you:

• How are you liking everything so far?
• Is there anything you want to change?

 
Anything is changeable. Makeup is changeable.

I want you to like how you look in the mirror before we ever get started with the photos because if you don't like your makeup before the shoot, you won't like the pictures. 😉
​
I hope this eases your mind about the makeup process.  Next, I'll be talking about hair styling. 

If you would like more information about a Glam or Boudoir Session, you can go here or sign up for my email list and you'll get info sent straight to your inbox.