One thing that I cannot stress enough, is that your portraits should reflect YOU. Sure, I can come with a car full of props and a list of ideas, but you will know what is the most appropriate and fitting thing to do for your session. Here are five things you should consider when booking a portrait session...
FINDING THE RIGHT LOCATION: This sets the tone for HOW the images are perceived to others. Many of my clients are from the country, and opt for natural settings like parks and nature preserves, even some with barns and farms. Do something that speaks to you. If you are more modern, go for an urban downtown alley, or a bookstore. If you don't want your photos to be like everyone else's, then picking a new and exciting location will make the biggest impact.
ATTIRE: Please, do not wear jeans and white t-shirts. The best sessions look natural, but cohesive. I typically suggest picking two to three coordinating colors, like you would within your own outfit, and mix and match within the group. Don't be afraid of patterns either! Again, mix them in like you would otherwise and it will turn out great! Pro tip: wear cute shoes, but not ones that are impractical. My meaning, if we are going in a field, heels are a terrible choice.
PROPS: This may or may not be your thing, but used correctly props can add so much to your images. I often suggest props for subjects that don't do very much (younger children that cannot crawl or walk for example) or need to be distracted. I don't want to single kids out, because ADULTS can need to be distracted too. I personally get very weird in front of the camera, and need a task to look natural. Seriously, if you are awkward like me, props can be great.
PLAN AN ACTIVITY: This piggy backs off the props. Plan for movement in your session. No one just sits around smiling perfect smiles. It's weird, and no one naturally does it. Something like a picnic with wine, or a family paint fight, can be a great way to make the session fit you and get natural, genuine expressions.
LOOK FOR INSPIRATION: I cannot believe I am about to say this out loud and in writing, but look to Pinterest to be inspired. There are some great themed sessions out there, if you are looking for something out of the box. With that said, photographers hate it when you come to them saying "you know, that picture with the hands doing this... on Pinterest". Take my advice, use it to inspire, without attempting to copy. Photographers will get bent out of shape if you are trying to change their style. I would. If you are unsure, ask BEFORE the session and show them exactly what images you are referring to. We are creative and great at problem solving, but time is key. If you are looking for some themed session ideas that I have already pinned, look here. Note: most of that board is blog ideas, sorry, but I have pinned some great things too!
Truly, it doesn't matter to me what we do. You will get beautiful images regardless, but why not have fun with it? :) My cousin Sarah is the QUEEN of coming to me with ah-mah-azing ideas. She is already talking to me about a zombie themed one around Halloween. Check out the paint fight we did at the Draper Houston Nature Preserve, in Milan, Mich. shown below. To see more of this session, click here to go to their Facebook teaser album!
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