"We're not that good at posing."
...is one of the most common things I hear, almost immediately as I start to inquire about people's fears and hesitations around photography. I'm not sure where people got the idea that any photographer, anywhere, expects their clients to be "good" at posing. Sure, we've all got our selfie angles worked out, but it is so different when someone is pointing a big lens at you, using lights and you're under the impression you're going to post these photos everywhere. You might even PRINT them!
As a professional I have taken the time to learn how to pose all kinds of bodies, couples, height differences (I see you short Kings!) and insecurities. Happily it is something I never stop pursuing so we can engage in experimenting together. You can probably tell by the number of photos I post of myself on socials that I too get nervous in front of the camera, which really helps me relate to all of my clients. There are parts of my body I want to hide or diminish, but I still really want to show that I'm fun! Emotion and personality can only shine through once you're a little bit comfortable in front of the camera.
Happily I am the one behind the camera, baring all my dorky jokes, nerdy insecurities and hopefully providing you with a little comfort!
3 Tips for Looking Natural in Photos
1.) Feel Comfortable in your Clothes - I truly, truly hate shopping. HOWEVER when I find the item that fits, or the thing that is flattering I can hear the angels singing, and I Beyoncé stomp my way to the cash register! Bringing that kind of energy to your session will automatically start you off on the right foot.
Going a little dressier than usual also helps, you're paying big money to have these photos taken, why not bust out the special clothes and make a date of it! You're all dressed up, you've done the work of being a model, go get a fancy dinner. It's really hard to feel great in the clothes you wear to work, or sit around your house and rot in. Dusting off, or treating yourself to something new might be just the key to great photos.
2.) Let it all hang out - photography is an art, which means there's NO WRONG WAY to do it! Did you see something totally crazy that you "could never" pull off, but loved to look at? Bring it, send it, share it with me. I can work with you to get as close to that pose or image as possible, but if we find it doesn't work, it's just one more thing we can check off the list!
3.) Be Game, be Giving - this is the big one. I come locked and loaded with a bunch of ideas for what I think we're going to get done in this session. We've spent the time looking at what you like, talking about how to get the results you want, for the products you're going to need (Save the dates, announcements, etc.) and when it comes time to the session you need to be open. Nothing shuts down creativity faster than a bad attitude.
Posing for photography is like an hour long impromptu session - you have to keep saying "Yes and" to suggestions from me, from your partner, from yourself! If you want fun giggly images you have to keep moving through silly exercises so your faces and poses don't get stale (I LOVE MOVEMENT). If you want ultra sexy intimate photos you have to be able to tune out the audience and focus solely on your emotions. The key thing is to NOT think about the camera, that's my job. Just get ready to play, and let the results speak for themselves!
