orange crush: tips for feeling confident while taking photos

While I was home for Easter two weekends ago, I stopped at Stewart's to snap some photos in this dress from Emily and Fin (btw, isn't it so cute? I'm definitely planning to live in it this summer). I grew up in southern New Jersey, and had driven past Stewart's once or twice while in high school, but this was my first time actually stopping by. I thought it was just a stand where you walked up to order, but it is actually an old school drive in, where the waiter comes up to your car and attaches a tray to your window to serve you food.


My sister helped me take these photos, and while we were there, we received a lot of questions from our waiter about what we were taking photos for, as well as confused looks from those eating in their cars. When I first started getting into Instagram and blogging and taking photos of my outfits, I would be embarrassed if people would stop and look at me. But luckily I have become more confident and better at not letting other people's looks affect me. This is partly due to the fact that social media and the blogosphere has blown up in the last couple years. Especially in NYC, people don't think twice about people taking photos. Everyone is so desensitized to seeing people being photographed, so those passing by are less inclined to stare. And like anything else, practice makes perfect (well so to speak, because I'm nowhere near perfect). I am no expert, but I wanted to share some tips for taking your best photos possible, especially if you are on the shy side like me, whether you're a blogger or just want some Instagram worthy photos.


Find a Quiet(er) Location:
This can be extremely tricky in NYC, but if possible, find a quiet place to shoot. Not only will you be more confident if there are less people around, but it will allow you to be more focused. Having to constantly stop to let people pass by on a busy street can be distracting and take you out of the moment.


Work With a Photographer You Are Comfortable With:
I've had lots of people take photos for me and the person behind the camera honestly makes a difference how the pictures turn out. When you're not entirely comfortable with the photographer, it can show in your face or body language, which doesn't make for the best photos.


Fake It Til Ya Make It:
If you're still uncomfortable, just remind yourself that the sooner you get a good photo, the sooner you can stop. Again, you don't want the fact that you are feeling shy or embarrassed to show in your photos, so put on a confident face, even if you have to fake it.


Whether you are a blogger or not, I hope these tips help you to be more confident while taking photos. I wanted to start blogging years ago, but I was too embarrassed to take photos in public and was worried I would come across as narcissistic. But style is a way for me to be creative and express myself, and eventually I decided not to hold myself back just because of what other people think. You should never stop yourself from doing something you are passionate about because of the opinions of others.


Dress: c/o Emily and Fin
(www.emilyandfin.co.uk)
Bag: Mint Market, Necklace: Principessa Venice; Sneakers: H&M
Location: Stewart's (Burlington, NJ)