It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive about being photographed. Here’s a few tips to read through to help you feel at ease and of course if you have anything booked in with me just get in touch if you want to talk anything through. I’m here to make it as stress free as possible.
1.Take the word pose out of the equation
I think the phrase: posing for photographs is so old fashioned. I’m not even sure how to pose myself, would I put my hands down or have them slightly bent and jeeeeez, what about my face angle??? So first tip is simple. Forget posing.
2. Research your photographers style
Going on from the above pointer. Some photographers like to get you to pose, they are really great at getting beautifully posed photographs. I’m all about real. Real life laughter, real life glances, real. So my advice here is research who you want behind the camera and what their style is. Choose someone who’s photographs give you a tingle.
3. Tell your photographer about your concerns
I love it when a couple or family tell me about any concerns they have. It means that they trust me but it also means that I can help them. It might be that they currently feel very nervous about their right side profile or the fact that they simple can’t be on their feet for long. Knowing these things can make the whole experience better and you’d almost forget that you’d told me because I would always come at you from the left side or I’d suggest we take a break every now and then.
4. Have a pre photoshoot chat
For me it’s vital to have a chat at some point. It gives me a chance to get to know you but also for you to ask any questions. I also ask families and couples to fill out a quick questionnaire that gives me some background information. For example, what is the most important aspect for you about your session/wedding? As much as this information is useful for me it’s also great to sit down and go through it together as you will often find out a little bit more about what you want.
5. Forget forgetting
I used to say to couple and families: Just forget that I am there, try and act as though you haven’t got a huge lens pointing at you! Well I don’t say this anymore, don’t forget I am there but enjoy the fact that I am there. Think ahead to the finished album and who you are going to share it with. I have never had a couple or a family who have not relaxed, after a while you just become at ease with the camera being there and quite often after a warm up, couples and families can’t get enough!
6. Ask to be directed
There may be times especially at the beginning where you may take a little longer to warm up. If you are feeling like a spare part at any moment please just ask for a pointer. I have a long list of suggestions to help you feel relax.
7. Be comfortable
If you want to wear stiletto heels and a permed wig I’ll love it but wear something you are comfortable in and have your hair and makeup in a style that won’t annoy you. It’s nice to dress up a little bit, bit of lippy or fresh out the barbers but, one thing for sure is that if you are uncomfortable, then it makes my job so much harder!
I think the biggest point to take away is that it’s my job to create the beautiful photographs that you will love. Your job should not even be a job, you are there to have a great time, enjoy yourself. I have lots of jokes, suggestions, locations, outfit tips for different situations and personalities so trust your photographer (me) that they will do a great job and you are bound to feel more at ease.
Kate
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If you are interested in a family photoshoot, engagement shoot or a family event please have a look at my family brochure.