Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself and thought, “I’m just not photogenic”? It’s one of the most common things people say to me before a shoot.
They arrive nervous, already convinced that they won’t like how they look on camera.
But here’s the truth: being “photogenic” isn’t something you’re born with. It’s not about having perfect features, a certain body type, or knowing how to pose.
Looking good, even sexy, in photos is all about confidence, connection and a little bit of guidance.
The idea of being photogenic has been shaped by years of social media filters and celebrity portraits. We’ve been taught to think that only certain people can look amazing in front of a lens.
In reality, every single person has something beautiful and magnetic about them. The camera doesn’t capture perfection. It captures energy, expression and authenticity.
When you feel relaxed and confident, that energy shines through, and it’s what makes you look genuinely attractive.
One of the first things I do in a portrait session is help people relax.
The worst thing you can do is walk into a shoot trying to force a smile or copy a pose you’ve seen online. You end up looking stiff because you’re thinking too much about what you look like rather than how you feel.
Instead, I spend time chatting, making you laugh and helping you get comfortable in your own skin. Once you forget about the camera, your natural expressions come through. Those are the moments that make for powerful, sexy photos.
Lighting also plays a huge part. Good light brings out your best features and adds warmth and depth to your skin tone.
You don’t need to know how to light yourself; that’s my job. I use light to flatter every face shape and skin tone, highlighting what makes you unique.
Sometimes that means soft natural light coming through a window, and other times it’s a subtle studio setup that sculpts your face beautifully.
When the light is right, everyone looks their best.
Clothing can make a big difference too, but it’s not about wearing the most fashionable outfit. It’s about wearing something that makes you feel confident.
I always tell clients to choose clothes that fit well, that you can move in, and that reflect your personality.
When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure, that will show too.
Sexy isn’t about showing lots of skin; it’s about feeling powerful and comfortable in your own body.
Posing is another area where people often get nervous. They worry about what to do with their hands or how to stand. The secret is to keep it natural.
During a shoot, I guide people gently, helping them find positions that feel easy and genuine. Small changes in posture can make a big difference.
Standing tall, relaxing your shoulders, tilting your head slightly or shifting your weight can instantly transform how you look.
When you’re not overthinking, you start to move more naturally, and that’s when the magic happens.
Sometimes the sexiest photos are the ones where you’re not even aware of the camera. A quiet smile, a moment of laughter, a thoughtful glance away.
These are the little moments that show who you really are. They tell a story and create connection. That’s what people respond to when they see your photo, not how perfectly posed or styled you are.
Confidence is key, but it’s not something you have to fake. A good photographer will help bring it out of you.
I’ve worked with so many people who started a session saying they hate being photographed, and by the end, they were smiling and genuinely enjoying themselves. They couldn’t believe how good they looked in the final images.
It’s all about creating a safe, positive environment where you can relax and be yourself.
If you still think you’re not photogenic, think about how you look when you’re doing something you love.
Maybe you’re talking about a topic that excites you or spending time with someone who makes you laugh. In those moments, you’re expressive, your eyes light up, and your whole face changes.
That’s the version of you that the camera can capture with the right photographer guiding you. You don’t need to pretend to be someone else. You just need to show up as yourself.
Looking sexy in photos isn’t about fitting into a certain mould. It’s about owning your individuality and feeling at ease in front of the lens.
When you allow yourself to be seen, without worrying about how you think you should look, you create images that feel real and powerful.
So, if you’ve been avoiding the camera because you don’t think you’re photogenic, it’s time to let that idea go.
Everyone can look amazing in photos with the right lighting, direction and energy. You just need to give yourself permission to relax, have fun and be authentic.
If you’d like to see how good you can look, book a portrait session with me. I’ll help you feel confident, relaxed and proud of how you look.
You don’t need to be photogenic to look sexy in photos. You just need to be you.
Get in touch today to find out more.
