You may find that being in front of the camera comes natural. When you were 4 years old, your Dad pulled out the vintage VHS video camera and you were jetting out into the hallway in your princess dress, having stolen Mom’s shoes and smothered her lipstick all over your mouth without her knowing. Some of us were just *born with it.* We love the limelight, the spotlight, and the camera flash. However, some of us were more… run into the corner and cry when Mom comes out with the “First Day of School” picture idea.
What I’m trying to say is, this stuff starts at a YOUNG AGE. Some of us just aren’t natural runway models and that is A-OKAY. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to be comfy cozy New York Fashion Week material to get great photos of yourself and your loved ones.
For those of us who only sing in the shower.. and not at karaoke.
For those of us who have Nordstrom do our makeup for a… date.
For those of us who need a personal stylist.
For those of us who all these girlie external things just *don’t come natural,* well, this blog is for you.
So, let’s get into it.
When you are working with a photographer, obviously, you want to like your photos (duh).
There are literally only two key ingredients to loving your photos:
1. You had a good, positive experience
2. The photos are good quality and stellar images
Let’s dissect these a bit.
ONE : GOOD, POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
This does not just mean, the actual photoshoot moment.
This encapsulates the moment you came into contact with this photographer.
+ Did their work resonate with you?
+ Did their captions mean something to you?
+ Did you feel connected to them as a person, as a friend?
+ Did you have a smooth experience on their website?
+ Did they get back to you right away?
+ Did they seem warm and inviting?
+ Did you trust them?
Wow! These are all things that happen before the camera even makes its debut.
So then, what about before the shoot?
+ Did the photographer get to know you and your needs?
+ Did you feel valued?
+ Did you feel heard when it came to your wants and needs?
And of course, during the shoot:
+ Did the photographer make you feel comfortable?
+ Do you feel like you were able to freely be yourself?
+ Was the photographer clear about their goals and intentions during the shoot?
+ Did you enjoy the mood and vibe of the shoot?
And… can’t forget the “post production,”…
+ Did your photographer follow through?
+ Did you get what you desired?
+ Were you happy with the way you were treated?
+ Did the photographer go above and beyond?
As you can see… that 2-part ingredient sure does break down into a whole host of important questions within.
Also, notice that maybe 5% has to do with you, as the client.
It is our job as photographers to make you happy. To make you feel like you are safe, taken care of, and valued. It is our job to give you the best images, but also become a trusted confidant.
These are some of the most precious moments of your life… you want to be “cool” with the photographer seeing you in them. You know?
TWO : GOOD QUALITY PHOTOS / GREAT IMAGES
Okay, this needs little to no explanation at all. If you are a photographer, this is just a given. Have good images! The (unreal) fact of the matter is that most normal folk can’t tell the difference between a remarkable photo and a mediocre photo of themselves. They will adhere MUCH more to PART ONE. People don’t always remember what you said or what you did… but they will always remember how you made them feel.
this is key.
People love photos of themselves, guys. Everyone does! Don’t be ashamed. Having amazing work is just simply on the conscious of the photographer because trust me, we know when we are giving 110% and you will not ;). I’d encourage any photographers reading to try to go above and beyond… even when your clients won’t notice the small differences!
So let’s get back to the main point of the blog:
10 Ways to Be Comfortable in Front of the Camera
I really want to help you with a few tips (whether you are the photographer or the client).
1 : Play Music
This is totally up to you. Some people think it is distracting. Some just don’t vibe with music. If you love music and it will help you take your mind off of the fact that you are making out in front of us photographers… then bring that Beats “Pill.” Or… request your photographer bring it!
AUSTIN + DESTINY
Check out their Pacific City, OR Proposal Moment Here
2 : Speak Up
If something makes you feel awkward, let us know. Some people are more dare devils than others. Some want to go into knee deep water and ruin their dress, some don’t. And that is TOTALLY okay.
3 : Try to forget about the camera
Get all nuzzled up. Get intimate. Be yourself. Just focus on the person you are with and not the snapping of the shutter.
4 : Take a drink
If you love a good tequila shot, this is definitely an appropriate moment for it. If you love wine, bring a picnic blanket and a bottle opener and go to town. You might as well make it a part of your special moment. Don’t be afraid to do the things that will loosen you up and make you feel good during the shoot.
5 : Get to know the photographer beforehand
Even if it’s a Facetime call, just get familiar with them.
Learn about each other.
Become friends and not strangers.
6 : Get some extra beauty done
You don’t (by any means) NEED to have your hair done and your nails done… but if you are feeling a little out-of-sorts with the whole thing, go and get that spray tan. Do whatever it takes for you to feel beautiful!
7 : Ask for help
If you need more help with posing, just let us know. Sometimes you guys look like you are doing great (from our end) but you might feel uneasy, and that is totally okay… just let us know if you need specific ideas!
8 : Bring lots of outfit changes and options
You know those days where you put something on and you just aren’t feeling it? Make sure you have a whole bag of clothes in your trunk for those moments where you just want to try something new.
Overall, this is about Y.O.U. You are the one paying the big bucks to get photos that you will love the rest of your life. These are the special moments that we want to capture in the best way possible.
Whatever you do, make sure that you communicate exactly what you want out of your shoot.
It’s all about YOU and getting you spectacular, meaningful images.
Hope this helps!
XO