From Uncomfortable to Authentic: Mastering the Art of Relaxation During a Portrait Session
If you are reading these lines here you are probably engaged and are considering having your portrait session taken. Well, congratulation to you on your engagement. And let me tell you this is a truly special time in your life, and capturing these moments with a professional film photographer is a perfect way to celebrate your love and to have something tangible and nostalgic in your hands. However, even the most confident among us, can feel a bit uneasy in front of the camera and here I got for you some excelent tips to help you feel prepared, to set the expectation and most importantly - to feel completely yourselves during your couples session. And before starting with the long list, I would like to share that for me as a photographer crafting an amazing photographs is number one priority, but do you know what also is my number one priority - to create an epic experience for my client - to make them feel comfortable, relaxed and like themselves. And this all start with open conversation and trust - once my couples are open an dhonest with me about any concerns or anxieties they may have leading up to the session, then I take under consideration everything and try to make them feel at ease.
01. Choose the right location for you
When we talk about locations with my couples, one thing I always recommend for them is to choose a location that holds a special meaning for them - whether is where they had their first date or their first apartment , the more sentimental value, the better. If the couple is more shy or introverted - I will definitely recommend to them to avoid crowded places and maybe to consider an in-home session.
02. What to wear for your engagement photos
I believe that if you feel comfortable and dress well - it shows in the photos. This is why I usually recommend an outfit change. You can start with something more casually and dress for a date night after that. And let me circle back around the idea to treat your engagement photos as a date night - you can take the entire day off and make it a memorable. You can enjoy a slow lunch with some cocktails, go for a walk and really be present and authentic.
If you are not sure of what will be the best outfit - I usually have some pinterest ideas, ready for you, although I really want your personality to shine here. If there is a fashion that excites you - go for it. Stylish shoes, jewelry or fashionable clutch - could be a nice addition to the outfit you select. The more personality we have implemented - the better. At the end of the day - you don’t want to have the same outfit, locations and photos like everybody else, right?
03. Hair and Make up
Another confidence booster could be if you have your make up and hair professionally done. There are some amazing and talented artists out there, who knows what it needs for a make up and hair to be camera ready.
04. Communication
For best possible light I usually recommend the sessions to happen early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and beautiful. I try to not limit the session in terms of hours, since some people need more time to relax in front of the camera. Believe it or not - I’m one of those camera shy people and I usually need some more time. Understanding that very well - for me is important to give my couples that time, so I can not rush them, overly pose them and make them feel uncomfortable. Instead of telling you how to hold hands and implement cheesy poses that doesn’t feel like you, I want to give you the time to feel uncomfortable enough so you can hold hand the way you normally do and do things that are typical for you as a couple. My ultimate goal is twenty years from now when you look at your photos to see and recognize yourself in it.
05. Practice
If photos makes you feel a little uncomfortable - a fun way to overcome your insecurity could be to have a little practice session at home. Spend some time with your partner in front of a mirror and take some test shots with your phone. This will help you become more comfortable with how you feel in front of the camera.
06. Embrace the weather
We can prepare for everything else, but we can’t control the weather and from experience the best approach here is to embrace it. I’m experienced in all sorts of weather and honestly I love it all. From the gloomy San Francisco summer, to the rainy unexpected storms in Southern Europe - we still can create beautiful emotional photographs.
