Written by Shelby Andrews
Let’s face it. Getting your photo taken can be downright UNCOMFORTABLE. Having a camera all up in your business, documenting your every move for an extended period of time just isn’t natural. As photographers, we are around cameras all the time, and often forget about this vulnerable (not to mention awkward!) feeling.
However, ultimately, it’s our job to make sure our clients are feeling beautiful, confident and happy during their session. Not only does it help you build a better bond with your clients, but it absolutely changes the end product as well. Think back to your newbie days—we’ve all been through the post-production chaos of trying to make an uncomfortable shoot look more natural.
Over my years of shooting, I’ve developed a few go-to techniques to get my clients relaxed and set a comfortable vibe for my sessions.
Start the conversation early
Get to know your clients before the session. Have a conversation with them upon booking to break the ice. What are they like as a couple/family/whatever group you’re shooting? What do they enjoy?
The Unscripted questionnaire is a perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions in advance about likes/dislikes/what to expect for the session. Try to ask questions that can help you customize the session to their unique relationships. For example, I always ask my couples what their perfect date night would be. This way, I can set my session up to feel more like a romantic, fun-filled evening than a photoshoot.
Get the jitters out of the way early
I hardly EVER send my first few photos from a session to my clients. When I look back on my images, it’s always so evident at what point of the evening my clients settled in and got comfortable.
Essentially, I use the first 5-10 minutes of every session to shake away the nerves. I use this time to start a conversation and build a relationship with my clients. I make a few jokes, suggest some silly prompts (like, lean in and whisper her favourite cereal in her ear), and eventually, they forget I’m there and the session becomes entirely natural.
PROMPT:
Say your funniest memory of the dog at the same time
PROMPT:
Whisper her favourite cereal in her ear
Don’t pose, just PROMPT.
If you get stuck on trying to make a certain pose look perfect, you will stress out not only your clients, but yourself. The more they feel they aren’t getting it right, the more discouraged they will become, and the more tense the session will get.
Rather than trying to have your clients move this arm here and angle their face this much, try giving them some general prompts. This way, they can make it their own, and you will end up with a much more authentic and personalized session.
Some of my favourite prompts for couples:
Run and jump into each other’s arms like you haven’t seen each other in a year
Walk away from the camera and bump butts
Kiss as many times and as fast as you can without laughing (they will most DEFINITELY laugh)
Give her a piggy back and try your hardest to knock her off (safely)
Some of my favourite prompts for families:
Everyone hugs mom as tight as you can
Mom and dad stand in the middle, and the littles run around them as fast as they can
Everyone makes a funny face at dad
PROMPT:
Bump butts while you walk
PROMPT:
Spin her around as many times as you can without her falling
The small details count
Pull out ALL the stops. Play the music. Set up the date-night picnic scene. Make your clients feel like your friends. Photography isn’t just photography—we all know this. Photography is 50% taking photos, and 50% building the RELATIONSHIPS that make the photos amazing!
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FAQ's
How do you make your clients feel comfortable in front of the camera?
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