Three tips that will make even the most camera shy clients ready for their close up!

Let’s just say it, being in front of the camera can feel awkward! Well push that aside because these three tips will help to create camera confident clients! Whether you are a client or a photographer these tips will help.

Get to know Your Client

This is the key! It’s hard to have your photo taken and even harder to trust a stranger to do it. Take the time to get to know your client. Ask questions about their life, things they like/dislike (for example: music, food, tv shows..). So much communication is done through email, text or social media but taking the time to actually speak on the phone before the session can make all the difference to create camera confident clients.

• 

• 

Music

This is something I do at pretty much every session. During that initial getting-to-know-you phase I make sure to ask the the couple if they have a special song. I then play this song during their photo shoot (example of this!). It helps to bring out pure emotion, relieve tension and create a safe space for my clients. After their song is played go ahead and leave the music on. Make it fun!

• 

• 

Prompts

My goal as a photographer is to make whoever I’m photographing to forget the camera exists. I want to capture the real emotions between the family. Prompts are a perfect way to start off the session. Here are a few of my favorite prompts to use in a family session.

1. “Look at someone.” Example say: Look at anyone but me (the photographer) or look at the parent who farts the loudest (kids love this one).
2. “Tickle the kids.” This is a perfect one to get everyone smiling!
3. “Hugs!” To really capture that love between families ask them to give each other the biggest hug.