I’ve written blog posts in the past about the process of researching and hiring a photographer and planning your session, as described here. This time I wanted take a different approach and talk more about the way I think it feels to be my subject(s) rather than the steps in the process. Please read ahead if you’d like to know what it’s like to work with me.
I hope working with me is described as a whole lot of fun. I think most people want their company to be considered pleasant and appreciated, and I want those things too; but mostly I want to be a calming presence at your portrait session. That’s probably the most common description I’ve heard from clients. I think the fifteen years I spent as a Montessori teacher really influenced me in ways that still make themselves known. But it’s hard to say which came first; it’s a real chicken and egg question. Was I drawn to Montessori partially because of my demeanor? Perhaps.
As a photographer, I think it’s important to make your subject(s) feel at ease. If I had to estimate, I’d say 2/3 of the people I photograph are a little, if not, really uncomfortable in front of the camera. One of my goals is to make things easy for you. I want you to happily coast through your session.
If you’re comfortable, it will show in your portraits. That’s not to say that if you’re nervous, your portraits won’t be any good. I’ve photographed all sorts of personalities and temperaments. It’s not always easy to tell when someone is unsure of themselves in photos. More times than not though, your confidence will shine through.
You should feel not only comfortable but confident. My wish is for your portrait session to be an empowering experience. You may be an individual who’s hired me for a birthday portrait session. I realize what a big decision that can be. I hope you recognize you’re absolutely worth the expense, time, and energy.
Or you may be the parent of young children and you’ve chosen to create lasting tangible memories of your family. Researching, planning your session, and carrying out an hour or two with a photographer is a big deal. You’ve given your family and future generations a wonderful gift by documenting this time in your lives. I hope your session makes you feel really satisfied.
Perhaps you’re in a relationship and you’d like to celebrate your love for one another through photography. I think a couple’s session can be a true bonding experience.
Not only do I wish for you to feel comfortable, confident, and empowered by the portrait session experience, I want you to have fun! One couple described my time photographing them as “like hanging out with an old friend.” We met the day of our session, so I think that’s saying a lot. That’s what I hope for you. Breathe, laugh, “hang out”, and enjoy your session. You deserve it!
I too have hired photographers several times for family, couple’s, and individual portraits. So I’ve decided to be a little vulnerable and share a few images with you from different portrait sessions.
Photography by https://www.instagram.com/audreydavisphotography/
As I write this blog post, I’m in the process of planning to have some new headshots taken. So, yes, I understand the importance and usefulness of photography. I hope you do as well. Please reach out if you’d like to have an easy, fun, non-traditional portrait session with me.
