Your photo session is coming up, you have a new outfit, you’re super excited … but then that little voice in your head says you should be nervous for your photo session. I’m so awkward in pictures – why will these pictures be any different? What if my smile looks forced? What if the photographer can’t get a single good picture of me?

Trust me – those are all very normal thoughts. This is most likely a new experience, getting professional pictures taken by a stranger! You’re not alone in being nervous, so take comfort in that. But I’m here to encourage you. So here are all the reasons you shouldn’t be nervous for your photo session!!

You are beautiful.

No, really. You are BEAUTIFUL. My favorite part about photographing people is getting to show them how freakin’ gorgeous they are!! I’m Christian and I believe our God designed humans with intention and love; the Bible literally says his design is “good”. Even if you don’t share my beliefs, I believe you deserve to see yourself as beautiful. And that’s what my pictures will showcase!!

I will guide you.

You don’t have to know where to look, how to pose, or where to put your hands. I will guide you through the whole session! I use a mixture of poses and prompts, close up and far away shots. Even though I got into every session with certain photos in mind, I mold the session to each individual couple. A more introverted couple will naturally gravitate toward quieter, more intimate photos; a more extroverted couple will want to do more active prompts like running and tickling and rolling around!!

You will be with your favorite person.

Take comfort in that!! If you start feeling nervous, just look at your person. Squeeze their hand. I guarantee you will feel instantly comforted and at home in their presence.

I say this to every couple I photograph: If you don’t know where to look, look at each other. If you don’t know where to put your hands, put them on each other. If you want to kiss your person, freaking kiss them!!!

I will listen.

Get the idea of an arrogant, stuck up photographer out of your head. If you feel uncomfortable or awkward in a pose/prompt I give you, just tell me – we won’t do it!!! The most important thing to me is that you feel comfortable and heard during your session. I want to photograph your authentic selves, and that can’t happen if you’re uncomfortable. But I also can’t read your mind 😉

I will also photograph pretty much anything you want me to! So if you have an idea for a photo that you saw somewhere, tell me and we’ll make it happen for you.

You ARE going to have fun.

I promise. Photo sessions are FUN!!! When else do you get to be a main character for a few hours and be encouraged to kiss your favorite kisser?! The experience is part of the whole process. I’ll make sure you start and end the session with a smile on your face.

I am a pro at this.

You’re hiring a professional photographer for a reason, right? I live and breathe couples photography. Seriously. Nothing fills me with joy quite like seeing two people’s facades fade away as they find joy and comfort in each other’s presence! I’ve photographed countless couples and will photograph countless more. Nearly all of them go into the session “warning” me that they’re awkward in photos … and they come out the other end with me encouraging them to pursue a career in modeling 🤣

But don’t just take my word for it. Here are real testimonies from some lovely couples I’ve photographed!

Testimonies

Danielle & Luke

“From start to finish Gabriella was the absolute best to work with for our engagement session! She took the time to meet with us prior to scheduling to get to know us and better understand what would be best for us/ our session. During the shoot, she made us feel so comfortable, which brought out the best in us (which is soooo evident in our pictures!!). Overall, Gabriella more than exceeded our expectations- we LOVE our engagement photos!”

Katie & Trent

“Gabriella was a blast to work with and made our couple session feel so easy and relaxed. I get nervous in front of the camera but she constantly had ideas and suggestions for poses or things to do which made me and my partner that much more comfortable. She was so excited about photographing us too which made us excited to try her ideas. Gabriella was also willing to incorporate any ideas or concepts we wanted to try, which we appreciated. It felt like we had a personal hype-gal with us!”

Megan & Jim

“Gabriella is an incredible photographer! She seamlessly guided us through our engagement session and made my fiancé and I feel comfortable in front of the lens. Gabriella was so thoughtful, organized, and kind AND she truly brought my vision to life! She was also extremely accommodating of our hectic schedule. I cannot emphasize enough how comfortable Gabriella made us feel which allowed her to capture beautiful candid moments as well. She also sent us both the sneak peak and full gallery in a timely manner. We will forever treasure these photos and I could not be happier with our decision to choose Gabriella to photograph our engagement!”