How to Be More Natural in Front of the Camera

""Just act natural."" It's easier said than done when you are in front of a camera and trying to look your best while feeling awkward and maybe even a little insecure. Even the top models need some help to look and act more natural in front of the camera. There's no need to be nervous going into your shoot; with a bit of practice in front of a mirror and these tips, you'll feel confident and relaxed from the first click!

• Have Something to Hold

Hands can be the most challenging thing to figure out what to do with. For some reason, it always feels awkward just having them at your side, so bring something to hold onto. Flowers, a book, a musical instrument, or anything significant to you can be the perfect addition to your shoot.

• Natural Smile

You want to avoid getting caught with the deer-in-headlights look, and faking a smile is often not very flattering. One of the best ways to show your natural smile is to press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. The corners of your mouth will naturally draw up, and it won't look forced.

• Wear Something Comfortable

If you aren't comfortable with what you're wearing, this will show through in your images no matter how much you try to fake it. You want to wear something you feel comfortable in not only so you can move around quickly but so that you will be more confident in front of the camera as well.

• Posing

While your photographer will help direct you in how you should sit or stand, it's a good idea to know a few simple tricks when posing. First, just about everyone has an asymmetrical face, and most often, one of the eyes is slightly larger than the other. You want to turn the side of your face with the slightly larger eye towards the camera. This will help balance out the face. Second, stick your neck out slightly. This helps elongate the neck and will eliminate the dreaded "double chin " many people have. Third, ladies, cross your feet at the ankles. This elongates the body and adds a little depth to your images.

• Think Happy Thoughts

Before you go into your shoot, you want an image, joke, or happy story in the back of your mind. During the shoot, you'll want to recall these thoughts to help bring out a genuine smile. If you start to get nervous, just think of your happy place, and you will instantly begin to relax and feel more comfortable.