If I had £1 for every time someone told me, "I'd love family photos... but I'm so awkward in front of the camera," I'd probably have enough to fund quite a few family holidays.
It's one of the biggest reasons people put off booking a photoshoot.
They imagine standing in front of a camera, not knowing what to do with their hands, forcing smiles, hoping the session will somehow be over quickly.
And if I'm honest? Before I started photography and forced myself in front of the camera, I thought exactly the same.
I assumed that because I'm a photographer, I'd naturally feel comfortable. That I'd know how to stand, where to look and how to make everything feel effortless.
I couldn't have been more wrong!!
The moment I arrived, I stopped being "Riya the photographer" and became... just another mum. I wasn't thinking about posing.
I was wondering if my son would be okay because we booked a sunset shoot which was past his bedtime! I was checking I'd packed everything we needed. I was hoping we'd all actually enjoy ourselves, and that he wouldn't have a meltdown because it was so late!
It completely changed the way I look at family photography.
Because the truth is, people don't book a family photoshoot because they know how to pose...They book because they want to remember this season of life.
The cuddles...The giggles....The way they talk about how they see and understand the world!
Feeling awkward isn't something that only happens to people who "don't photograph well." It happens to almost everyone.
That's why I don't expect families to arrive feeling confident. My job isn't to wait for you to become comfortable in front of the camera. My job is to create an experience where the camera fades into the background.
Where you're chatting, playing, cuddling your children and simply spending time together, in a way that's natural to you...not something that's part of a 'post list'.
Because those are the moments that create the photographs you'll treasure years from now.
I wanted to remember the way my son's tiny arms wrapped around my neck and his face pressed against mine when I gave him piggy-backs - I mean how many more years can I get away with it? (excuse me whilst I go have a cry!)
So here's a Note from The Nest I want to leave you with today...
If you've been putting off booking a family photoshoot because you're worried you'll feel awkward, please know you're in very good company.
Feeling awkward isn't a reason not to book. It doesn't mean you're not photogenic. And it certainly doesn't mean your photos won't be beautiful.
You don't need to feel confident before you book a photoshoot.
You just need a photographer who'll help you forget the camera and focus on what really matters: making memories with the people you love most.
I'd love to hear from you...
One of the reasons I started Notes from The Nest is because I want these conversations to be shaped by real questions from real families.
Is there something that's stopped you booking a family photoshoot?
Is there a question you've always wanted to ask a photographer or a mum?
Email me a message at info@capturedbyriya.com ... I'd love to hear your thoughts! Your question might just become the next Note from The Nest.