How I Help You Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera (Even If You Hate Photos)

Let’s get this out of the way first.

If you’re thinking:

“I’m awkward in front of the camera”
“I’m not photogenic”
“I never like photos of myself”

Cool. You’re normal.

Most seniors feel exactly like that, especially if past photos felt stiff, forced, or just… not you. My job isn’t to turn you into someone else. My job is to help you feel like yourself and actually enjoy the process along the way.

You Don’t Have to Know What to Do (That’s Literally My Job)

At the start of every session, I tell you this:

“I’m going to show you what to do the whole time. I’ll direct your pose, your hands, and even your expression so you’re never put on the spot.”

I mean it.

You’re never expected to:

Figure out how to pose
Guess what looks good
Stand there feeling awkward while someone says “just be natural”

I direct everything but in a way that feels easy, relaxed, and genuine. You don’t perform. You don’t fake confidence. You just follow my lead and let it unfold.

Before the Camera Ever Comes Out, I Get to Know You

The reason my sessions don’t feel generic is because they’re not.

Before we ever shoot, I learn who you actually are.

It starts with a questionnaire

This isn’t busywork. It helps me understand:

Your interests
Your personality
What you don’t like just as much as what you do

You can even link a Pinterest inspo board so I can see the exact vibes, colors, and energy you’re drawn to.

The styling consultation before your session is one of the most important parts of the experience.

We:

Talk through outfit options
Build a vibe together
Match clothing, locations, and energy to what feels most “you”

It’s collaborative. You’re not being styled at. We’re creating something together.

The Session Feels More Like Movement Than Posing

Once we’re shooting, I don’t lock you into one stiff pose and hope for the best.

I move through the session with:

A mix of still poses and action
Small movements that feel natural
Direction that keeps things flowing

If you want:

Calm and effortless → we slow it down
Bold and confident → we lean into strong movement
Fun and laid-back → we keep it loose

I adjust in real time based on the look and feel you want to achieve.

And yes...I’ll show you the back of the camera during the session. Almost every time, the reaction is some version of:

“Wow! Your camera takes really good pictures.” Which I know is code for "I actually really like that photo of me."

Exactly.

Confidence Comes From Trust, Not Perfection

Here’s what usually happens by the end of a session:

Someone who started out nervous says,

“That was actually really fun.”

That’s not because they suddenly became a different person. It’s because they trusted the process and me.

You don’t need to be a certain body type.
You don’t need to be outgoing.
You don’t need to “know your angles.”

I use my experience and attention to detail to guide posing in a way that’s natural and flattering without changing who you are. Body positivity and professional direction can exist at the same time.

If You’re Worried You’ll Feel Awkward… You’re Exactly Who I Work With

This experience is built for seniors who want:

Guidance, not guessing
Photos that actually feel like them
A session where they feel confident during it—not just after

It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about feeling comfortable, seen, and honestly kind of proud of yourself by the end.

Want to See How This All Comes Together?

I photograph high school seniors from Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities and even Des Moines.

You can learn more about the full senior experience here:
👉 www.jaimyellisphotog.com/seniors

And if you want a deeper look behind the scenes:

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