Let’s face it. Hiring a photographer can be really scary. Even seasoned photographers get nervous staring down the wrong end of a camera lens. If you are contracting with a photographer for the first time, you may be nervous about what to do, how to act, and what to wear to your session. So today I am going to help you out a little by helping you help your photographer help you.
Do a little research. Check out the photographer’s website, Instagram or Facebook page. Look at their style. Is it bright and airy? Is it dark and moody? Does it fit the style you would like to see hanging in your home? Sure, that photo with the flaming dragon in the background is amazing, but is it going to match your cozy cottage décor or upscale manor style?
(Here’s mine, by the way https://leonawatersphotogr.wixsite.com/galleries )
Meet your photographer in person or on zoom. Find out if you will feel comfortable with them. They may have beautiful photographs on their Instagram feed, and beautiful packages on their website, but if they simply rub you the wrong way in person, it is unlikely that your experience with them will allow your true personality to shine in your photos.
Communicate with your photographer. Let them know what sort of session you have in mind (formal family, engagement, light hearted with kids) and any concerns you have. Most women, no matter how beautiful, have something about themselves that they are uncomfortable with. For example, I have a lovely bald spot on the right side of my forehead. Most people don’t really notice it, but I hate it. I prefer to be photographed from the other side. If you have a child who can only be made to smile if they use bubbles, let them know that, too.
After you have contracted with your photographer, it is time to outfit everyone. Many photographers will provide a style guide to give you ideas of what to wear. This seems a bit presumptuous at first glance, but they know that your images will be most beautiful when you look your best. The style guide is just a suggestion to show you how different colors blend well together. You would be surprised at the difference it makes to simply upgrade from a polo to a button up shirt, or to move from jeans to a simple dress.
Once you have your photographer and your outfits in place, it is time to relax and let the photographer do the work. On the day of your shoot, all you have to do is show up (preferably on time) and have fun. Remember that your photographer is a professional. They are experts at posing you to look your best as a family, couple, or individual, so you don’t have to worry about how to stand or where to look in order to get that perfect look. Trust them. Their directions may sound weird, but it will look great.
Many of us show up at our photo sessions with at least one posing idea that we would like to try.
We may have seen it in a magazine, on Pinterest, or in someone else’s family photos.
Take a picture of the pose with your phone so you won’t have to try to explain it,
then wait until the end of the session to mention it. Most photographers have
an idea when they arrive of the poses they think will work best for you and
your family, and the order that they want to do them, but that doesn’t mean
they are not open to suggestions.
I always make it a point at the end of a session to ask, “Are there any poses you
would like to try that we haven’t covered today?” This is the time to bring out
the phone and ideas. I am always willing to try something new. You never
know. Your idea could become one of my favorite poses.
Hopefully these ideas will help you when you are looking to schedule your next
session. If you enjoyed the images today, you can see more of my work on my
website. https://leonawatersphotogr.wixsite.com/galleries You can also find me
on Facebook and Instagram @leonawatersphotography.
