Whether it’s a portrait session, engagement session, or your bridal session during your big day, there are some dos and don’ts that help your session come out great! Over time, I’ve realized that there are a few core things I like to share with my clients that I decided to share with you all! :)

IN GENERAL FOR ALL PORTRAITS

1. LAUGH

Don’t be afraid to laugh! I put this down as my first tip for your session because I hear so many of my clients say “but I have an ugly laugh! I do better with posed smiles.” Let me tell you, I’ve heard this on almost every shoot I’ve been on. After coaxing them, I’ve had several clients trust me on this and the results have turned out absolutely great!

Trust me, I definitely do understand the ugly laugh. I can laugh pretty darn ugly–I mean the head back, double chinning laughs that I would hate to get photographed as well. But before the beginning of a laugh, & towards the end of the laugh, I’ve found that there lies, often times, the most genuine and sweetest smiles. And you never know, I’ve caught some pretty cute laughs! ;)

Check out the rest of this shoot here. :)

 

 

2. COMMUNICATE

Yes, I’m going to be directing you throughout your session, but feel free to communicate with me how you’re feeling! If I’m having you do something uncomfortable, or making you do something that feels unnatural, speak up! If you feel either of these things, it will show in your photos! Also, if you have an idea of what you’d like, or a picture you’ve seen that you would like to try out, let me know! My images and my art, but my art revolves around you! This session is about you (or you guys), so let me know how you’re feeling throughout the shoot!

Check out Saunyan’s senior portraits here! :)

 

3. BE YOURSELF

This may sound cliché, but it’s totally true for photography, too. I love to photograph my clients as they really are, how they act, or interact! Making my clients feel comfortable is one of my biggest aims during a shoot! If you’re loving the experience and truly being yourself during this short time we have together, it allows for you to really shine through your photographs! :)

Check out the rest of this fun shoot I had with my friends here! :)

 

 

4. PRE-SESSION WHAT NOT TO WEAR

I love helping my clients figure out what they want to wear! An outfit can change the way a session comes out! Different colors, materials, styles come out on camera differently, so it’s so important to talk with me about your outfit choices and even about props you want to use!

Check out the rest of this session here! :)

 

 

 

FOR ENGAGEMENT/BRIDAL SESSIONS

5. BE CLOSE

Don’t be shy to get close to your significant other, and to be “lovey dovey”! Whether you’re getting engagement photos done, or it’s your wedding day, don’t be embarrassed to draw near to one another! As my photographer friend Stewart likes to say, don’t be afraid to “get dangerously close”! This allows for your love (or the fun you have together) to translate into your portraits! The most awkward photos I’ve taken during shoots are when the couples are too shy to be close to one another. No one likes a ton of PDA, but during your shoot, it’s okay to show just a little affection–a peck on the check or a little kiss! (But of course, we won’t go beyond both of your comfort zones!) :)

Check out the rest of this engagement session here! :)

 

Check out this wedding bridal shoot here! :)

 

 

6. JOKE AROUND

I love when couples feel comfortable enough to joke around with one another during the session! Seeing them make each other laugh and how they interact with one another is a precious thing to capture on camera! :)

This session hasn’t been posted yet, but stay updated with them by liking my Facebook page here!

 

For more tips & tricks, check out my other blogs here! :)

Happy Friday!