One main piece of feedback my clients give me is that they had fun on the shoot – always my main aim as I really believe it helps create them images that they will love. Its rare for people to feel relaxed in front of a camera so over the years I have learnt ways to help them relax.
Nothing too posed– well unless if a styled shoot that I want to achieve that look in. still prefer them with natural light though.
That’s why my clients know me a photographer who loves natural light all be it outside on location or at their homes, in the lounge or nursery.
Why I changed from studio work to location
Years ago, when I was studying on my photography course my main aim was to capture our children and friends over the years and I was so excited to buy my first studio ‘professional’ set up. Studio lights and a crisp white paper backdrop. I loved it! And spent many evenings and weekends setting up shoots. A year in and I started to notice that although when working with younger kids (and even adults!) I could get them to relax abit it was very rare that anyone felt immediately relaxed in front of the camera and it got me thinking.
Let’s face it put anyone on a lovely clean white background and shine two big lights at them and then ask them to smile!!!............ It’s not a particularly relaxing experience as you can imagine.
Our mid child was a toddler at this point, and I realised that I could capture images of her when we were out and about that showed off her character much more. Those little expressions that she made that were just hers and that we loved! So, I started packing my professional camera on our days out with friends and family and I got to practise lots and experiment on different camera settings according to the light that day and place.
My first client location shoot
This was a little nerve wrecking! It was a family shoot and they had liked the idea of trying something different. Ready for work with my camera and reflector – I felt a little strange – no big profession studio set up! Just me and what I could achieve with my camera, light, natural backdrops and relating to my clients for a fun experience.
I loved it!! Everyone was more relaxed as outside and just enjoying themselves. Yes, I found them good backdrops and lighting – but it was more about seeing them and capturing their happiness. No longer like deer in headlights.
So how can you relax on a shoot?
- Find yourself a photographer whose images you love and that are in keeping with what you would like to have as a finished image.
- Talk to them and understand your budget and what options there are for you for final images and check they are in line,
- Decide where you are best relaxed – your own lounge, garden, favourite park, beach – the list is endless.
- Think about what to wear so its suitable for the location but something that you feel lovely in.
- No point putting on something that the kids will worry about getting dirty if you are going to a wood.
- Try and avoid clashing colours or patterns.
- Ensure you allow plenty of time, so you are not rushing.
- Let everyone know it’s happening so no surprises – and maybe plan something fun to do afterwards – in case anyone is nervous – it’s a good distraction.
- Make sure you ask any questions pre the shoot so that you are confident in what will be happening.
- On the shoot work with your photographer and let them help you enjoy the experience – they do this regularly.
How do I work to relax my clients?
On my shoots I have lots of little games and things that I use with my clients to help them relax. I have been known to resort to more baby language with the young ones and silly voices and expressions work well. I may quite possibly have even sung them a song on some occasions! (I can’t sing!!)
Reading peoples interactions
I also am very aware and looking for signs of how my couples and families relate to one another and adjust my style accordingly. It’s weird put me in a meeting or social occasion and I can get quiet as it’s not my comfort zone. However as soon as I have that camera in my hand and am working, I can talk to anyone!
So, if they are slightly more reserved it’s no good me going in all loud and jokey and especially not to a nervous child. I normally start a session just chatting to my clients so I can sense what mood everyone is in and how best to work with them.
It can get to the other degree – over the years I have been lucky enough to photograph some weddings within a large group of friends who are a little louder! Four weddings in there were lots of familiar faces and banter – after the alcohol started flowing, we did some group images, and this meant I was up my step ladder – which they were all very used to by now. They decided that the game was actually to take pictures of me instead of me them – I am the world’s worst for having my picture taken – probably why I always like my clients to enjoy their experiences. I was literally in tears of laughter with them for a few mins – before resuming the group shots – that one still makes me smile!
Why wedding pre shoots are important
Pre shoots for my wedding couples are something that I find hugely beneficial. On these I can learn about them and how they tick – recent clients were def of the opinion - no ‘lovey dovey’ images as not them as a couple – no problem. I just set about having fun and getting them to talk about themselves, I believe the resulting images showed their laughter but also their love for one another in an exchange of glances – it does not all have to be romantic shots – although they are fun as well!!
To get some actual client feedback on the wedding pre shoots here is a review for me from one of this summer’s couples.
“We both anticipated the pre shoot and were both not overly looking forward to it as we are not ones to be photographed but as we are getting married that was something we needed to overcome.
Once there and at such a lovely setting that we enjoy visiting we both felt relaxed being around Tracy as we always do! We still felt a little awkward and giggly as it’s not natural for us. However, we both really enjoyed it and couldn’t stop smiling like goof balls! We learnt to just listen to the tips Tracy gave us and relax more and go with the flow. The key is to relax and enjoy it”
I hope that reading the above was both informative and interesting.
If you like the idea of Natural happy relaxed photography for yourself and your loved ones and my style is the one for you then please do get in contact.
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