How to Relax Before a Photoshoot (And Yes, “Apple” Lips Are a Real Thing) Houston Portrait photographer

By Valentina Li – Houston & Cypress Portrait Photographer

Ladies, let’s talk about something way more important than finding the perfect pose. Let’s talk about how to feel comfortable in your own body before the camera even clicks. Because confidence doesn’t come from the way you place your hand on your hip—it comes from the way you feel inside your skin. (Although yes, we’ll get that hand just right, too.)

As a portrait photographer in Cypress, Texas, I’ve seen this a hundred times: strong, beautiful women walking into my studio a little nervous, a little stiff, and maybe with lips that forgot how to smile naturally.

So let’s fix that—with a few fun, elegant, and kind of silly tricks to help you connect with your body and bring your best energy forward.

✨ First, Feel the Flow

This is more than posing. This is rhyme and rhythm. Your body has a natural flow—it’s just waiting for you to catch it.

Before you strike your first pose, try this:

🌀 The Shake It Off Exercise

Yes, like Taylor said. Shake your arms, your legs, your head. Let your shoulders drop. Wiggle around like no one’s watching. Feel that tension leave your body? That’s your nervous system exhaling. You’re welcome.

🍏 “Apple” Lips

Want natural-looking, relaxed lips? Just say “apple.” Not like you’re on a grocery list—say it like you’re flirting with a guy holding one. Slow and soft: aah-puhl. Do it 3–4 times. Boom—your lips just learned how to pose.

👀 Magic Eyes Trick

Your eyes tell your story—but tired or tense eyes? Not so much. Here’s the trick:Close your eyes. Breathe in. Count to three. Open your eyes with intention—and then I click the shutter. That’s when the magic happens.

💃 The Power Pose Prep

Stand tall. Hands on your hips. Chin slightly up. Breathe deep. Now imagine Beyoncé just walked into the room. Hold that posture. You’ve officially stepped into your main character energy.

💖 Why This Matters

When you feel good in your body, you shine from the inside out. Your smile becomes authentic. Your posture softens. Your photos? Glowing.

This is body intuition. Not forced. Not stiff. Just you, fully present—and fully powerful.

📸 Ready to Be Photographed Like a Goddess?

At Viaje Studios, I specialize in capturing the real you—the confident, beautiful, empowered version of you that sometimes gets buried under work, stress, or a too-tight bra.

If you’re ready for a portrait session that feels like you, let’s connect.

Houston Portrait Photographer, Cypress Portrait Photographer, Women’s Photoshoot Houston, Natural Beauty Tips for Photoshoot, Body Flow for Photoshoots, Relax Before Photography Session, Empowering Portrait Session Houston

#HoustonPortraitPhotographer #CypressPortraitPhotographer #EmpoweredWomenShoot #RelaxBeforePhotoshoot #HoustonPhotoshoot #WomenSupportingWomen #BodyFlowPhotos #AppleLipsTrick #PhotoshootConfidence