I can't tell you how many of my sessions have started with, "we're really bad at this, so you'll have to tell us what to do," or "just so you know, we're really awkward." I'm here to tell you that that is a lie, my friend. I hope this post helps you to throw that mindset out of the window. I'm here to remind you why you're doing this in the first place and give you tips on how to get comfy with a camera in your face. If you're ready to rock your next session, then let's do this!
Let’s start with a quick reminder as to why you’re taking these photos in the first place. Stop for a minute and think about why you booked a couple’s photo session. Got your reason? Lemme guess, it’s something along the lines of, "we needed engagement pictures," or, "we wanted some new pictures together." That’s all good, but I want you to go even deeper.
For instance, you’re taking engagements because woohoo you’re getting married! So why are you getting married? Because you love this person, right? And why do you love this person? When did you first know you were in love with them? The answers to those questions are the reason you’re doing this. Not because it’s something that people do, or something you have to check off a list. You’re doing this because you love your other half. You chose them and they chose you, out of all of these people in this world. That’s your why. Keep your why in the back of your mind as we talk about how to get comfy in front of the camera!
Look, I 100% understand that not many people are comfortable in front of a camera. I’m a photographer and I’m SO horrible in front of the lens. So, I totally get it! But lemme tell you something, some of my clients who've said they’re really awkward going into a photoshoot, have come out being some of my most authentic sessions. I’m not really sure how that happens, but it does. In reality, I think they just believe they’re awkward because they've had a bad experience in the past with photos that made them feel really awkward. So, if that sounds like you, or even if it doesn’t, this is what I want you to do. Wipe your mind clean and let go of any expectations you think I might have.
I can’t count the times people have looked at me and said, “what do I do with my hand.” Okay, if you’re cuddled up on the couch with your babe, you wouldn’t say that. So, nine times out of 10, I’m going to tell you to do whatever feels natural. I think the biggest mistake people make when having their photo taken is that they’re overthinking how everything will look. So, stop doing that!
Something else to keep in mind before your session is that I'll give you some direction and prompts that make you interact with each other. If you're anything like me, you'll worry the night before and try to think of how the session will go. I'm here to tell you what it'll be like beforehand, so that you don't even have to give it a second thought until you arrive. The reason I give you prompts is to help you focus more on each other (plus your reactions make the cutest pictures). The more you focus on each other, the more you forget about me being there, and the more comfortable you are.
I want you to go into your session excited because you’re about to have a bomb time with your love and you're going to knock it out of the park. All you have to do is let go of everything distracting you, and just remember your why.
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