Hello!
If you’re here, chances are you’re a little nervous about being in front of the camera. That's completely normal. Most of my clients tell me the same thing before their shoot “I’m awkward in photos” or “I don’t know what to do.” Here’s the truth: you don’t need to know what to do. Don't worry, that’s my job.
This guide is here to help you feel relaxed, prepared, and genuinely excited for your session.
Plan Ahead
What to Wear
Choose your outfits a few days before your shoot. Try them on, move around in them and most importantly make sure you feel comfortable. You don't want to be stressing about what to wear on the morning of your shoot.
For family and group sessions, coordinating outfits can work well, not necessarily matching but similar styles. But don't fuss about it if your toddler decides they only want to wear their favourite clothes on the day that's no problem at all. Personally, I think reflecting their style is lovely too, my daughter has only worn princess dresses for any of our family shoots.
For headshots and branding sessions make sure to bring a couple of different looks to vary the style. Neutral tones do work well but the important thing about these shoots is that your personal brand shines out so feel free to bring colours that reflect who you and your business are.
The goal not matter what type of shoot is to feel like yourself. Choose outfits you feel good in!
Set the Mood Before You Arrive
Play your favourite music when getting ready or travelling to your session. There's nothing like blaring out your favourite playlist to help ease any nerves and put you in a familiar headspace. Celine Dion's 'It's All Coming Back to Me Now' is my go to for these things.
Instead of focusing on how the photos will look, think about how you want them to feel.
Give Yourself Time
If possible, avoid rushing. Arrive a little early if you can, feeling flustered or in a rush is one of the biggest stressors before your session.
Saying that, I know it's a mammoth task it is to get everyone out the door for a family shoot - you got this!
Talk to Me
If you have any queries or are unsure of anything in advance of your shoot, please reach out to me. I am happy to talk through anything you need.
During Your Shoot
We won't dive straight into photo taking. We will have a chat and get to know each other. You will have time to ask me any questions you may have, talk through what you want to get out of the shoot and any specific shots you would like to achieve. I will take some test photos while we are chatting to test the lighting and camera conditions. This will help us both ease into things naturally.
Gentle Direction
You're not expected to know how to pose. I will guide you the whole way through simple prompts like where to stand, where to look and what to do with your hands. It won't feel stiff or overly posed, I will work with your natural movement and make small adjustments here and there. Most of my sessions aren't about standing still and smiling. You'll be walking, chatting, laughing (at my awful jokes) and interacting with whomever you are with. Movement helps you relax and create natural moments. The magic happens in those in between moments. The way that you look at each other without realising, the natural moments of movement, the laugh after best Zoolander pose. That is what we are capturing, the real you.
It's Okay to Feel Nervous
Everyone does at the start. Give yourself 10-15 minutes to settle in, after that things become much easier. You relax, forget about the camera and everything starts to flow. I'll guide you through every step of the way so you're never left wondering what to do.
Breathe (seriously)
It sounds simple, but taking a few deep breaths before you start can calm your body and help you settle into the experience.
Trust the Process
The hardest part is booking your session, backing yourself. After that you can relax knowing that you don't need to perform, you don't need to be perfect, you just need to show up as you are.
I've got the rest. This isn't about perfect photos, it's about capturing a moment in your life as it is right now. One day these images will mean so much more than you expect. I can't wait to capture them for you.
Emma xx
