10 powerful tips and 10 more prompts to conquer your photoshoot
Table of Contents:
- Developing a Genuine Connection
- Practice Posing in front of the mirror
- Relax and Be Yourself
- Engage with your Eyes
- Using Props
10 Prompt you can use for your session!
Conclusion
Philip loves to play golf and see his grandchildren on the weekend.
Developing a Connection
The photographer's job is about capturing the moment! But you want to develop a connection with them so that they can capture your story.
This suggestion is more about what to do and what to ask your photographer to make your experience feel genuine and not a "service"
- How long have you been a photographer? I'll tell ya, its been 13+ magnificent years of shooting portraits, it has it's ups and downs but every single one of them different from the other!
- What made you go into photography? I didn't have a lot of photos of my grandma back in the day, I could make out remnants of what she looked like when I was a kid. Photography gave me the ability to see theirs everyday.
Let's flip this around on you.
What is your story?
How did you get here, this place and time?
What is your way of opening with a stranger?
How do you break the ice?
Maw maw's 70th birthday and the family wanted a candid photographer by the beach
Practice Posing in Front of a Mirror
Spend some time practicing different poses in front of a mirror to get a better sense of what looks flattering and natural on you.
Try this fun exercise!
- Open your camera app on your smart phone.
- Set your camera angle as wide as possible
- Set the timer to 3-5 seconds
- Bring in a kid or two on your lap
- Experiment with your camera
TIP: if they're a toddler, bring a ball or rattle to play with. Find a way for your kids to cooperate, as much as you love them, sometimes their attention spans aren't the best.
Relax and Be Yourself
The most important tip is to relax and be comfortable in front of the camera. Authenticity shines through in photographs.
If you're a shy person, then your photos are going to show that your shy.
If you're unhappy or have a ton of thoughts in your mind, that's also going to show.
Get rid of any intrusive thoughts, turn off your phone, be present.
Engage Your Eyes
Look directly into the camera lens or at a specific point to create a connection with the viewer.
But don't stare at the lens blankly.
Find a reason to smile.
At what point in time you wanted to start a family?
Use this moment and hold on to it.
If you didn't smile or remember why this such a beautiful moment, then I don't know how else to make you smile haha
Using Props
Props can provide a focal point and add depth to your photos. Consider using objects that reflect your personality or the theme of the shoot.
10 Simple Prompts to get Candid Photos!
Give direction, not pose them!
Imagine looking at the photos and remembering that you've been posed.
When going in for a group photo, we tend to stand or sit next to the people we have the most connections with.
And because of this reason, I avoid arranging people based on height, rather, where they're most comfortable sitting/standing.
The Sit the Baby on the lap
Dad sitting on the bench while baby sits on the lap!
The Arm Around the Shoulder
The Toss up!
The Chase!
The Sitting Down Shots!
The Album Cover
Just the Boys!
Pile on Grandma!
The Motherhood Shot
The Beach Bums!
Conclusion
Remember, the key to successful posing is to feel confident, comfortable, and natural. It's important to adapt these tips to your unique style and personality, allowing your true self to shine through in the photographs.
Whether you're a new family or one that has shared a lifetime of memories, capturing your moments together is a priceless treasure that will be cherished for generations to come.
Need a photographer that gives you wonderful direction to getting beautiful and candid moments? don't hesitate to text or email me for pricing and availability!
glenn@pinkpenguinstudios.com
240-870-0261