I get it. You don’t like getting your picture taken. You don’t like your hair. Your outfit. Your smile is weird. I’ve heard it all! It’s not exactly what a photographer wants to hear right before we start shooting, but it’s honest. I also know, deep down, it’s probably not true. How do I know? Because you’re here in front of our camera! You took the leap. You made the call. And here we are about to make some photo magic!
This year, I’d love to help you change your mind about having your picture taken. I want you to look forward to it. To have fun. To use it as an opportunity to learn something about yourself. And be presently surprised by the results.
Here are some tips to prepare for your photo session and tackle those pre-session jitters.
Find Inspiration.
Go on Pinterest and start a board with pictures and poses that you like. Scroll through Instagram and Facebook and grab some screenshots. Ask your friends to see their favorite pictures. Share them with me and we’ll have a great place to start.
Be Prepared.
Don’t wait to put your outfit(s) together. TRY EVERYTHING ON A WEEK BEFORE YOUR SESSION. Trust me, you do not want any surprises the day of your shoot. Make sure your clothes are in good shape and fit the way you want them to and if they don’t, you have time to buy something knew.
Get Your Beauty Sleep.
The easiest thing to do to make sure you look fresh and relaxed is to get enough sleep. If you can avoid it, don’t go out the night before. Drink plenty of water. Eat a hearty, healthy breakfast and you’ll be good to go.
Forget About Photoshop.
Yes, in most instances I CAN “Photoshop that…” But you should not rely on it. Make sure nail polish isn’t chipped. Trim your beard. Color those roots (if you color) and if you are having a really bad skin issue, please reschedule.
Eliminate Distractions.
Be sure to schedule for your photo shoot on a “slow day” or a day when you don’t have a million other things going on. If you’re distracted, it’s going to show in the pictures. Try and not “squeeze” your session into your scheduled; make it a priority by carving out some time. And do not UNDERESTIMATE the amount of time it will take. Plan on an hour to allow yourself time to get to know me, relax, and get into a groove.
Be flexible.
If we are supposed to shoot outside and it’s raining, we’ll find an indoor spot. If there are too many people in our chosen location, we’ll find a quiet corner. Not a huge fan of what you thought was a great color on you? Bring a back-up outfit. If that pose you had your heart set on turns out to be uncomfortable, we’ll change it up. There’s only so much you and I can control during this process.
Trust me.
You hired me to take pictures, so please, let me do my job. I’ve been doing this for a decade. Trust that I know what I’m doing. Be open to direction. Plan on stepping out of your comfort zone and try to avoid pushing back. What I’m asking you to do may seem silly, but I promise it doesn’t look that way. As I said in the beginning, please share your ideas and inspiration with me before the shoot and then relax and enjoy the experience.
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