"I'm Not Photogenic." Why That's the Most Common Thing I Hear Before a Photo Session.

"I don't know how to pose."

"It's been years since I've had professional photos taken."

"I'm so awkward in front of the camera."

If you've ever thought one of those things, I want you to know something—you are not alone.

In fact, almost every session begins with someone telling me they're nervous. They worry they won't know what to do with their hands. They wonder if they'll look stiff or uncomfortable. Some folks have said that they don't feel confident enough.

Recently, I photographed a great woman who was a tad nervous about being in front of the camera.

She hadn't had pictures taken in a while and admitted she was feeling hesitant. Like many people, she thought she needed to know how to pose. But here's the truth...

You don't have to show up confident. You just have to show up.

That's my job.

Throughout the session, I guided her every step of the way. We talked, laughed, and kept things relaxed. There was no pressure to be perfect. Before long, she wasn't thinking about the camera anymore—she was simply enjoying the experience.

Then something incredible happened.

Her confidence started to shine.

The nervous smiles turned into genuine laughter. She became playful, expressive, and completely comfortable being herself. The woman who arrived wondering if she'd even like her photos left feeling empowered, confident, and excited to see them.

And when she did?

She couldn't believe that was her.

That's one of my favorite parts of being a photographer.

Photography isn't about finding people who already know how to pose or who feel confident every second of the day. It's about helping everyday people see themselves in a new light. Sometimes all it takes is someone who knows how to make you feel comfortable, guide you naturally, and remind you that you don't have to be a model to have amazing portraits.

If you've been putting off booking a session because you're nervous, let this be your reminder: confidence doesn't have to come first.

Sometimes confidence is the result of finally saying yes.

Whether you're looking for updated portraits, branding photos for your business, senior portraits, or family photography, my goal is always the same—to create a fun, relaxed experience where you can simply be yourself.

If you're in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia, I'd love to help you step in front of the camera with confidence. You don't need to know how to pose. You don't need to be "photogenic."

You just need to show up.

I'll take care of the rest.

Sonia Greenaway Mickle is a senior photographer, family and portrait photographer based out of Fort Washington Maryland and Northern Virginia and serves the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Her goal is to bring out every individual’s personality in their images and she's dedicated to making sure that every session is unique and different so that you enjoy your images that reflect you and only you. After your session, she wants you to know that you're special and valued. Sonia is now booking senior sessions, as well as family and portrait sessions.

Fort Washington, MD, Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington DC Area Premier High School Senior and Family Photographer