If the idea of being in front of a camera makes you feel awkward, stiff, or even a little anxious… you’re not alone. If you’ve ever wondered how to feel comfortable in photos, especially during a professional photoshoot, you’re in the right place.
In fact, this is what most of my clients tell me when we first get in touch:
“We’re not photogenic.”
“We don’t know how to pose.”
“This is going to feel so awkward.”
And honestly?
I get it. Probably more than you think.
Fun fact: I’m not comfortable in front of a camera either… which is exactly why I’m always behind one.
But here’s what I’ve learned after years working as a Provence photographer, capturing couples, families, and destination weddings in Provence:
Feeling comfortable in photos has nothing to do with being “photogenic.”
It has everything to do with feeling safe.
“An incredibly wonderful experience! Marie could not have been more gracious, kind, flexible, and lovely. Our photo experience was everything we could have hoped for. We just got the photos back and they are exquisite! Her attention to detail and ability to make everyone feel comfortable created an excellent experience for our entire family. Thanks for the lovely time and can not wait for another occasion to get our photos taken!”
Emily R.
You Don’t Hate Photos — You Hate Feeling Exposed
Let’s be real for a second.
Being in front of a camera can feel vulnerable.
You’re being seen.
You don’t know what to do.
You’re suddenly aware of yourself in a way that feels unnatural.
And when there’s no real connection with the person behind the camera?
It can feel… awkward at best. Stressful at worst.
That’s why, for me, photography has never been just about technique.
Whether it’s a couple photo session in Provence, a family photoshoot with kids, or a destination wedding, it always starts the same way: with people.
My Job Is Not Just to Take Photos: It’s to Understand You
Before I even think about lighting, composition, or location…
I pay attention to you.
Who you are as a couple.
How you interact.
What makes you laugh.
What feels natural to you.
Because here’s the truth:
You can’t fake natural photos if there’s no real connection.
And my work as a photographer is built around that connection.
I don’t just show up with a camera.
I step into your world — gently, respectfully — especially because I know I’m entering something intimate: your relationship, your family, your story.
That’s something I never take lightly.
“Coming from overseas, we didn’t know where to begin looking for a photographer for our engagement pictures. I came across Marie and decided to reach out. From the very beginning of the process she took the time to explain everything up front. She was quick with her communication and always answered my questions. My fiance and I were a bit nervous about having the “skill” to pose in our shots, but once we began we all of a sudden felt like we knew what we were doing. Marie made us feel comfortable, relaxed, and most importantly welcomed. The whole process was relaxing and FUN. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! We will be talking about it for years to come. I can’t thank you enough!!”
Rachel C.
You Don’t Need to Pose
Most people think:
“I need to learn how to pose.”
You don’t.
What you actually need is to stop performing.
During your photoshoot in Provence, I’ll guide you — but not into stiff poses.
Instead, I adapt everything to who you are.
If you’re playful and love to laugh together, we might:
- run, jump, play
- do silly things like airplane arms
- or have one of you lift the other
If you’re more quiet and romantic, we’ll slow things down:
- a gentle walk through the Provençal landscape
- a soft whisper in the ear
- a slow dance in the golden sunset light
And for families, I follow your children’s energy.
If they want to move, we move:
- we run
- we play
- we make them “fly”
- we embrace the chaos instead of fighting it
Because the goal is simple: to create photos that feel like you.
Something real, personal, and true to your dynamic.
Empathy Changes Everything
Let me tell you something important:
I know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your own image.
Many people struggle with body image and self-perception, which can deeply impact how they feel in front of a camera (as often discussed by experts in psychology).
I’ve had my own struggles with body image.
I know what it’s like to notice every detail, to question how you look, to feel unsure in front of a camera.
So when you tell me you’re not confident…
I don’t just hear it.
I understand it.
And my goal — especially for women — is simple: to make you feel beautiful exactly as you are.
Not by changing you.
Not by forcing anything.
But by showing you, through my eyes, what’s already there.
“We recently had the pleasure of working with Marie for a family photoshoot and we couldn’t be more delighted with the entire experience. From our first communication, Marie was incredibly prompt and reliable, ensuring that we were well-informed and knew what to expect every step of the way. She was also really helpful in answering all our questions about locations, clothing, and lighting to ensure that we had the best possible photos. During the session, Marie’s guidance made posing for photos feel so easy. She gave enough helpful direction that we didn’t feel lost, she was also really flexible in taking shots that came from spontaneous moments. My children can be a bit camera shy, especially around strangers, but Marie was so good at helping us all feel comfortable. Her photos really captured what was most important to us – the love and joy in our family, and the beauty of the south of France. We cannot recommend her highly enough.”
Erica M.
There’s something else I care deeply about:
So many moms are the ones taking the photos.
Capturing memories.
Freezing moments for everyone else.
But they’re rarely in the frame.
They’re missing from their own story.
During a family photoshoot in Provence, that changes.
You’re not just the one who documents the memories.
You’re part of them. Fully.
And that matters more than perfect photos ever will.
Because years from now, your children won’t look at those images and think about how you looked.
They’ll just be happy to see you there.
And often, the only real regret isn’t how you looked in a photo… it’s not having been in it at all.
By the way, if you’re worried about how your children might behave during a session, I’ve written a full guide to help you feel prepared: Family Photoshoot in Provence: Stress-Free Guide for Shy or Moody Kids.
A Guided Experience Designed to Help You Relax (Not Perform)
Feeling comfortable in front of the camera doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s something I intentionally create — before, during, and after your session.
From the moment you book your photoshoot in Provence, I guide you through every step so you don’t have to overthink anything:
- I help you choose locations that match your vibe (not just “pretty spots”)
- I give you outfit guidance so you feel confident and comfortable
- I suggest the best time of day for soft, flattering light
So by the time we meet, you already feel prepared.
But the real difference happens during the session.
I don’t just “take photos” — I stay connected to you the entire time.
First, I observe.
I adjust.
Then, I guide you gently depending on your energy.
If I feel tension, we slow down.
And if I feel joy, we lean into it.
But if something feels forced, we change direction.
There’s no pressure to get it “right.”
Because there is no “right.”
There’s only what feels natural to you.
And that’s exactly what we follow.
If you’d like to know exactly what to expect from start to finish, you can read more about it here: Your Provence Photoshoot Experience: What It’s Like to Work with Me.
“Firstly, just wanted to let you how much we appreciated your time. It meant a lot to the both of us that you were there to share that “once” in a lifetime moment with us. Your work perfectly expressed the love that we have for each other and we couldn’t be more grateful for you capturing those moments that will last as a memory for a lifetime. It was such a pleasure working with you and again we thank you for making us feel so comfortable to the extent of us forgetting there was even anyone around. You will be highly recommended for anyone who we know will go to France in the future!”
Cameron S.
What a Photoshoot in Provence Actually Feels Like
You arrive a little nervous. That’s normal.
We start slowly. No pressure.
We walk through the landscape, we talk, we get to know each other.
At first, it might feel a little unfamiliar.
There might be people around if we’re in a village, you might feel a bit aware of being seen, or unsure of what to do.
And that’s completely normal.
You don’t have to feel comfortable right away.
And then, something shifts.
You start focusing on each other instead of the lens.
You laugh, move… and forget you’re being photographed.
And at some point, you realize:
“This doesn’t feel like a photoshoot anymore.”
It just feels like a beautiful moment together in Provence.
Why Provence Makes It Easier to Let Go
There’s something special about Provence.
There’s this unique golden light.
The quiet atmosphere.
So much natural beauty everywhere around you.
It creates the perfect setting for a relaxed and natural photoshoot.
Because when you slow down, you:
- breathe differently
- think less
- feel more present
That’s when you stop worrying about how you look… and start actually enjoying the moment.
But here’s the truth:
A beautiful place alone doesn’t make you feel comfortable in photos.
You could be in the most stunning lavender field in Provence… and still feel awkward if you don’t feel at ease.
That’s why I don’t rely on the location to do the work.
I use it as a support.
A backdrop that enhances what we’re already creating together: a space where you can let go, be yourself, and fully enjoy the experience.
Final Thought
You don’t need to be confident.
Or know how to pose.
There’s no need to be “photogenic.”
You just need:
- to feel safe
- to feel seen
- to feel understood
That’s where everything changes.
“Marie’s photos are absolutely gorgeous! She is super fun and comfortable to work with, and open to fun ideas which I loved. I love the bright, clear and colorful photos I received and how communicative she is. Especially when booking from the states, It was important to me that she stayed in touch over time. Plus, she had many helpful articles and suggestions for our photoshoot that made the day perfect. Would highly HIGHLY recommend!”
Kelsey E.
Ready to Finally Feel Comfortable in Photos?
If you’ve been putting this off because you don’t feel confident… this is your sign.
You don’t need to change anything about yourself.
You just need the right person to guide you.
If you’re planning a couple photoshoot, family photo session, or destination wedding in Provence, I’d love to create something meaningful with you.
Let’s turn this into a moment you’ll never regret saying yes to.