If you have booked a portrait session being prepared for the session is key. There are a few things that can prepare you the best. The following list below will give you the basics in what you need to know in order to be prepared.
1) Comb Pinterest For Posing Ideas
You and your photographer should create a Pinterest page together. A lot of photographers have their own Pinterest pages for you to look through so you can see their style and get posing ideas as well. Look for posing ideas that you like. Memorize those poses and practice those poses in a mirror. Yes I said it, practice. Why should I practice, some people ask? Well the answer is simple. The first little bit of a session is always a little awkward. The reason for this is if you haven't used the photographer before, you and that photographer are trying to learn one another. If you have practiced some posing ideas, then you can be prepared for when the photographer asks you to get into that pose. You aren't second guessing how are you're standing, what your face looks like, is my hair ok, do I look stupid. It makes you feel more comfortable in front on the camera because you are prepared.
2) Groom and Know What You Are Wearing
Photos pick up a lot of details, so you should always be prepared for your session. Make sure you have the details down. Shave or wax your legs, underarms, and even eyebrows. Especially if you are wearing clothes that those areas are more exposed. Make sure your deodorant hasn't left marks on your clothes. Check your teeth for lipstick stains or even food. Dye your hair if you don't want to see gray hair. Make sure you have the correct undergarments' on. No one wants a panny line in their photos. Does bra straps show? If so you may need to pin them or even wear a strapless bra. If doing a group session, make sure your group is coordinated. Don't let some dress up and other dress down. Try to prepare a few days ahead what you want to wear for your session. Lay the outfit out the night before so that you aren't stressed trying to figure out what you want to wear the day of the session. Make sure finger nails and toe nails aren't chipped and there is no dirt under the nails. If you paint your nails make sure the paint isn't chipped. Check noses for boogers. Especially in kids. No one wants boogers showing up in their pictures. Especially if they are engagement pictures or senior pictures. All of the little details and sometimes make or break a session.
3) Make Sure To Get Your Beauty Sleep
If you are tired, the tiredness will show up on your face, in your attitude, and even on your skin. Doctors highly recommend to sleep at least 8 hours a night to feel well rested. It is especially recommended to sleep the 8 hours before you come to your photo shoot. It is something you really don't need to skip. Being well rested will make you and your family feel better. If sleep evades you, there are a few things that may can help you go to sleep. Take some melatonin. It is a natural supplement that can help you fall asleep. If taking a medicine isn't up your alley, then using a sound machine with calming waves or rain can help you relax and go to sleep. Another option is trying to use lavender oil in a diffuser or spray it on your pillow to also help you relax so you can go to sleep. For your children if they will be in the session, make sure to schedule your sessions around their sleep schedules. Try to keep them away in the car on the way to the session. Waking a baby or even a child up from their sleep can be a problem for photos. It can make the child cranky and hard to work with. Sleep is so important. If you don't sleep, that tiredness will show up on your photos. No one wants to look tired in pictures.
4) Be Confident and Be You
Being confident can be hard. It is something you have to practice on. It is something that you have to work at. No one is naturally confident. Media tells you, you have to look a certain way and act a certain way. Seeing that you don't look like the models in a magazine or on tv can take make someone lose their confidence. Makes them feel inferior. The thing is you aren't those men or women in that magazine or on tv. You are you. Be you. Don't let the media influence you. You can get ideas on clothing, make up or even poses but don't try to be that person you see in the media. The truth is you won't ever be them. God made you to be who you are. He created you in His image. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 138:14). If you look to Him, He will give you the confidence you need. The thing is you have to do your part as well. If you follow steps 1-3, they can help you to become more confident on the day of the photo session. Making sure you look your best by grooming, getting enough sleep, and practicing your poses can help build that confidence. Why? Because you are prepared. You have done all you can do to be ready for your session.
Just so you know being prepared isn't a bad thing. Being prepared just helps you feel more comfortable the day of your photoshoot whether it be a family session or a wedding. If you are comfortable, if will show during your session. It will show on your pictures. These pictures last a lifetime. They are something you will pull out and remember. You may not remember doing all the things in the list before the shoot, but you will remember what you felt like. You will remember what you see, what was going through you mind during your session because you can see it in the photos. One day you will want to show these photos to your grandchildren and let them see their parents and yourself at a younger age. Tell them stories of what was going on. If you don't prepare, you won't have the great stories to tell.
1 Comments
Mar 16, 2023, 8:02:16 PM
Jennifer Hutchens - Sounds good