Despite the collective act of millions of cell phone photos taken every day, many of us still experience some general sense of discomfort when we sit for formal portrait sessions. With the possible exception of professional models and the most extroverted among us, most people tend to be camera-shy to one degree or another – especially when we find ourselves in a situation with “real cameras” and a full compliment of lights and modifiers. The discomfort that many of us feel even increases when that portrait session is held in a public place and is witnessed by strangers as the session is happening. In fact, that bit of vanity befalls many photographers even. Many of us (myself included) are VASTLY more comfortable behind the camera than we are in front of it.
If you are one of those people, you can (hopefully) take some comfort in the realization that this is normal. And in doing so, you can begin to realize that that discomfort shouldn’t prevent you from hiring a photographer to document your gathering, your headshot, your engagement photos, or other important life or business event.
I know, I know. Easier said than done, right? Well, stayed tuned friends because I’m here to tell you that there are a number of things that you can do to help alleviate some of the discomfort that you may feel during your next photo shoot. This article will focus on those approaches (both before and during your session) that will help make your photography session as stress-free and as memorable and productive as possible.
Location, Location, Location
First, let’s start with location. Photography is all about capturing light, so that will ALWAYS be among the very first things your photographer will consider after the goal of the session has been discussed. In the studio, that can equate to as many as three or four (maybe even five) separate lights that will be used in order to take your photo. This is nothing to be intimidated about. Each light is there to illuminate a specific portion of your body (your hair, a shoulder, your face, etc) or the environment around you in order to compliment your specific features and to cast you in the best light possible.
Some of those lights (and what they are illuminating) are obvious and contribute to most of the light captured in the photo. Others are more subtle and can – depending upon how they’re deployed – mean the difference between OK and WOW in a given photograph. So … while a photographer absolutely can take a photo of you with one light (or zero lights even), he/she will likely use multiple lights in the studio because more control and specific placement of those lights can often make you look your absolute best.
The opposite is often true on location. Most photographers who are doing portraiture work on location (i.e., any location that is NOT in a formal photography studio) will sometimes rely only on natural light (sometimes known as ambient light) … or on one or two lights and a reflector – plus whatever ambient light is already there in order to take a photo. That ambient light could be the sun, a nearby white wall, or the light streaming through a window. Any location that is used should be mutually acceptable by you and your photographer, so if you do plan your shoot on location, consider a place in which you are comfortable. Your photographer will problem solve (i.e., find the best possible spot for composition and lighting) once he/she is on location to determine how best to frame you in the environment. The more comfortable you are in the location, the more comfortable you’ll be at having your portrait taken in that location as well. Choose the location for your portrait carefully for these reasons.
Props
Many people show their discomfort during formal portrait sessions most immediately in their hands. They fidget, are unable to keep their hands still, and generally convey their unease via their hands. Small props that don’t detract from the photo can help divert your attention from the fact you’re sitting for a formal portrait. Props can be particularly helpful during headshot sessions. Since headshots will typically only show the person from their chest up, many clients often bring props that help them be more comfortable as the session progresses. I’ve seen people hold everything from nerf footballs, pencils and pens, a cup of coffee, or their phones in their hand. This is fine – as long as they’re able to “hit” the poses we’ve agreed to beforehand without the prop being seen in the frame and otherwise detracting from the effort.
Props that are actually photographed can often add to the environment or context in which the photograph is being taken. Children, as an example, find that holding their favorite toy really helps them to relax and “forget” that they’re sitting for a photograph. Photos of children with their favorite toys often become parent favorites since they can become place and time reminders that are treasured for a lifetime.
Clothing
I’ve discussed clothing before in this blog, but it really does bear repeating that the correct (or incorrect) choice of clothing can absolutely make (or break) your next photo shoot. Because of that, you’ll want to start considering your clothing options a couple of weeks in advance – even longer if you’ll need those clothes to be professionally tailored or cleaned. The contract that you and your photographer agree upon may allow for a number of clothing changes, so think about that early and ensure the clothes you choose are clean, wrinkle-free, that you’ve checked them thoroughly for rips, tears, frayed edges, discolorations, etc, and that they fit you well. Further, my experience tells me that, for formal portraits, you should avoid clothes that feature large logos or divisive subject matter. You should also avoid plaids, “neon” colors, and heavy stripes.
Above all other considerations, the type of portrait being taken will often inform the kind of clothing that is most appropriate. Clients sitting for senior photos – as an example – will likely wear completely different outfits than a corporate attorney who is sitting for a business headshot. You should specifically discuss clothing approaches with your photographer during your contract negotiation meeting so there are no surprises day of shoot.
Makeup
Hair and makeup are very important in portraiture photography. Many photographers will often repeat the “get it right in camera” mantra as a way to remind themselves to get each shot as close to perfection as possible in order to limit the amount of editing that is needed for each shot after the session is finished. Hair and makeup can go a long way toward getting the shot right in camera. Generally speaking, makeup should be natural, not heavy and should feature muted, skin tone colors as opposed to overtly loud and bright colors. Photographers often seek to use the interplay between light and shadow to contour the face. You should attempt to do the same with your makeup.
Hair
Hair is an important aspect of our outward presentation to the world, so the hairstyle you wear for your photo shoot should reflect who you are on a daily basis. I don’t recommend getting a new haircut or hairdo just prior to the session for obvious reasons. If you do plan on making a change, I recommend you do that two to three weeks prior just in case it does not turn out the way you had intended.
Miscellaneous
Avoid spray tans or heavy lotions that could discolor your skin. Avoid any excesses (heavy partying, excess sun exposure, etc) in the days prior to your session. Drink lots of water in order to stay hydrated. Eat healthy, get lots of sleep, and try to de-stress a bit in the days that precede your session. The desire is to not only be the optimal YOU physically on your day but to also be the optimal YOU mentally as well. The better you feel about the way you look and feel will be immediately present in the photos that are taken of you.
Day of Shoot
I’m a checklist-maker and have been for many years. Checklists help me to stay organized, on track, and help me to avoid the stress that invariably occurs when something that is needed is missed and is only discovered as missing when it is absolutely needed. So … my advice to you is to make a checklist and follow it exclusively as you’re packing and organizing before departure.
Since you’ll invariably need to change from your “street clothes” to your first outfit, arrive at the session early so you can make that change before your prearranged shoot start time. Remember – this is a portrait session for you, but this is a business appointment for your photographer. Time is money, so extend him/her the same business courtesies regarding punctuality that you would extend to your accountant, lawyer, or dentist.
One note about retouching: unless clients specifically request it, we avoid heavy, obvious “photo shopping” techniques that plasticize the skin and dramatically change the contour of a face. We will “touch up” temporary skin imperfections such as pimples and blemishes. We (and I’m sure you) want you photos to represent YOU – not some idealized, manga-comic version of you.
OK! That’s it! Thanks for staying with me until the end. Hopefully this article has given you some insight into how you can best be prepared for your next photo shoot. Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about how I can capture your next portrait. Call me at 310.614.5119 and let’s discuss!