...and how to feel comfortable in front of the camera
The thought of having your photos taken can be quite scary - 'Is it going to be awkward?', 'How do I pose?', 'Will I pick the right clothes?' are some of the questions that you might be worrying about. These feelings are all normal, but I'm here to tell you that you don't have to feel that way!
My job as a photographer is to make you feel comfortable, to help you with posing, outfit selection, etc. I want your day to be an experience you'll enjoy - not just something that 'needs to be done'. After the session, I want you to feel like you had fun, and once your gallery is ready, I want you to feel excited and happy when viewing your photos.
To make your brand photo session a relaxed and enjoyable experience, here are 7 ways to help you:
Work with your photographer on a plan for the day
We'll have calls, I'll send you questionnaires and together we'll work out a plan to make sure the day covers everything you need - location(s), outfits, props, types of shots. Planning your shoot helps you feel in control, and it will help you feel more relaxed.
Make picking outfits a fun task
Picking outfits might feel difficult, but try to make it a fun preparation task - try on a few of your favourite outfits, move around / pose in them in front of the mirror, and see how they make you feel. Or, if you're up for it (and enjoy it!) - go for a little shopping trip! If you're not sure, you can always take photos and send them to me beforehand, and I'll also send a few tips on what kind of outfits work well for a shoot.
Pick out a shoot-day playlist
If the shoot takes place in a private space, adding a bit of background music can sometimes make the experience more relaxing, or uplifting, depending on the type of music! Perhaps your favourite playlist with motivational and upbeat songs, or a chill-out/relaxing playlist - whatever works for you to create a good vibe.
Do something relaxing beforehand
If your shoot is in the morning (which it often is), try to take some time off the day before, or if that's not possible, use the evening before to do something relaxing. Go for a nice walk, have a bath, go to your favourite exercise class, go for a coffee at a nice cafe, etc. Doing something good for yourself and getting in the right mood can make you feel more relaxed on the day.
Have a good night's sleep
We all feel better when we're properly rested, so make sure to try to get a good nights sleep the night (or even a few nights) before.
Visualise
Try to think about the end result, and about the positive impact your photos will have on your brand. Visualising how the photos might look on your website will hopefully make you feel excited and looking forward to the session!
Trust your photographer
It's not your job to know how to pose, where to look or what to do with your hands - that's for the photographer to help you with. I know what poses work well, and what makes you look relaxed and natural - and often it can also come naturally, without any direction. As I talk to you throughout the session, you might almost forget that you're having your photos taken. Often it's at this point - when you feel properly relaxed and are enjoying yourself - that we get some really fun and natural shots.
So to summarise - trust the process, trust your photographer, see it as a fun experience that will also take your brand to the next level. Hope you found this helpful!
