Booking a professional portrait photography session can often feel like a leap of faith. You have to figure out what to wear and worry about how you’ll look in photos—something that isn’t fun for anyone!
But I’m here to tell you that you can rest easy. As a photographer, I’ve seen it all, and, no, you are not "not photogenic" or awkward. You’re beautiful and worthy of having images that you love.
I’ve put together a list of 7 things all portrait photographers wish their clients knew. Hopefully, this will help you feel a little more prepared for your own session and a little more comfortable in front of the camera.
1. I don't expect you to know how to pose
One thing I hear from almost every client is “I don’t know how to pose!” or "I'm sorry, I'm not very photogenic". Did you know that almost every human on the planet feels this way? This is why people hire photographers - not just for their "fancy cameras" but for their knowledge and understanding of 'leadlines' and 'composition'. The ability to pose every age, gender and body type in a way that is going to be most flattering for them.
I expect and want to help guide my clients when it comes to posing - it's, literally, my job. So don't feel bad if I'm adjusting things - sometimes I readjust things a few times just because I want to see how it looks. You are perfect just as you are - my instructions are merely just to aid in composition. The composition that you can't see to know how to move because you are part of it. ;)
2. I don't always feel comfortable in front of the lens either!
A secret many photographers share: We don’t like having our photo taken either! Whether it’s a new headshot or family portraits with the kids, we feel just as awkward and uncomfortable as you do. After all, we’re used to being behind the camera, not in front of it! So, when you feel uncomfortable at your portrait session, know that your photographer has definitely been in your exact position, which makes them all the more qualified to guide you through it.
3. I'll give you only the best images
I, actually, haven't had many people ask me, personally, about this, but I do know it comes up from time to time, so I figured I'd address it.
"Will I receive all of the unedited images?"
The simple answer is no. I provide my clients with the best images (remember the Beyonce photo from the Super Bowl a few years back? Gorgeous woman who was just photographed at the WRONG time? Haha! Ain't nobody wanna see a photo of themselves like that. ;)
4. Always print your photos
Digital images are great to have, both for sharing online and for storage, but don’t let that flash drive gather dust in your drawer! Too often, digital images are forgotten and never make it on the wall of your home where they belong. We live in a world where we're taking, sometimes dozens of photos a day, and yet many families don't have a single photo on their wall. That’s why selling products and wall art is so important to me.
I have made it my mission to take all the guesswork out of it. We can digitally design your walls, to scale, from the comfort of my studio during your proofing and purchasing appointment. You will see exactly how it will look using photos of your own walls! (Seriously, it's the best tool ever.) I've even gone to clients' homes to hang their wall art for them. I am happy to do whatever it takes for you to put those photos on your walls and into albums for you!
5. A gorgeous location doesn't guarantee gorgeous images
Location can be helpful for your portrait session, but it isn’t everything. I’ve taken stunning photos in dirty alleyways, next to public park restrooms, and other unappealing locations, but the end result was always worth it. Of course, I'll also photograph people in fields and against beautiful landscapes and backdrops, but there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a location (direction of light, awkward horizon lines, colors, etc.). Sometimes what looks great to your eye, will not look great in a photograph; just like sometimes things that look unappealing/boring to your eye can become a jaw-dropping portrait location.
6. I work hard on your images behind the scenes
Photography is so much more than clicking a button. It’s years of education and training, practice and hours of time spent behind the camera and in front of the computer. While I can produce some great images in-camera, the images you're seeing on my website (especially the ones that really grab your attention), have gone through an extensive, custom editing process. I'm adding details that most people probably don't even notice or understand that it wasn't there before, but those details take that already great portrait to a whole new level...which is the goal - to make an amazing, artistic portrait, without making it look fake.
7. Positive reviews and recommendations mean everything
While I get inquiries through my website and social media, word-of-mouth also plays a huge role in my business. If you love working with me, tell your family and friends. Share images and tag me on your personal social media pages, and/or leave a kind review on my Google Business page. These positive reviews not only make my day (everybody likes knowing they did a good job!), it also builds trust with other 'shoppers', allowing them to feel confident when they decide to reach out to learn more.
Business aside, I just really love reading them. ^_^
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