5 ways to get the most out of your portrait shoot
1 Pick the right outfit
Choose an outfit that you enjoy wearing often. This choice usually reflects your style and personality, and when you feel good in your clothes, your confidence will shine through in the pictures.
It can be helpful to go for neutral tones to keep the focus on you and avoid any clashes with the background. Long sleeves can be a great option because they draw attention to your face and reduce distractions. Just be mindful that solid dark colours can feel a bit heavy; layering your outfit can create a more balanced look.
After taking a handful of test shots, I'll be asking you to look around the room; altering your position. Moving around helps us capture some dynamic and exciting shots.
2 Breathe and relax
It’s amazing how many people hold their breath on a shoot. This stores up the tension and you start feeling uncomfortable, so relax those shoulders, and take a deep breath. Stress can manifest in your expression, posture, and through fidgeting behaviours. It's not uncommon to have clenched fists or bite your lips, so try to keep your hands relaxed and visible while sitting comfortably.
3 Flip your thinking
If you're dreading the experience and that's all you can think about, that negativity will reflect in the images. Try to reframe your thoughts to be more positive. Embrace the entire experience and trust that you're in good hands. Practice self-compassion and remember that everyone has insecurities, so be kind to yourself.
4 A smile changes everything
A genuine smile not only makes you feel good, but it's also contagious in the best way! It helps people feel welcomed and fosters trust and connection. So, why wouldn’t you want to smile in your photos? It's important to make sure that your smile is authentic and reaches your eyes; adding a laugh is always a great bonus!
5 Have fun
It's so important to try and have fun while you're having your photo taken. We'll keep the mood light and entertaining. I'm not a natural comedian, but I've learnt ways to make people laugh throughoutmy time. The more you relax, the more enjoyable the experience will be, and the more confident you'll feel. Ultimately, this leads to better portraits.