Making Your Session Authentic & Emotional
Being able to look at a photo and feel the emotion that is being portrayed is such a magical thing! But, how do you go about getting that type of photo? I want to share some of my favorite tips for making your session authentic and emotional.
- Have your session in a familiar place!
Having your session in a place that has some sort of meaning to you will instantly bring out emotions. Whether it’s the restaurant you got engaged at, your favorite beach, or your home, it is so fun to have photos at one of your favorite places to be able to cherish forever!
- It’s just like any other day
Just think of the shoot as if it’s any other day. When you pretend that it’s just another day, it helps take away a little bit of the nervousness and helps pull out genuine emotions (which are the best)
- Tell the dirty joke
The easiest way to make someone feel more comfortable is to get them to laugh. If it means it’s going to make someone laugh and get a good smile out of them, tell the dirty joke! Everyone has that one joke that gets them every time, find those and use them to your advantage. It doesn’t matter if it’s with a kiddo, a senior, or even the most stubborn fiance! Laughter is always the best medicine.
- Let’s get to know each other!
I love getting to know all the people I get to shoot with! From the moment you book, I want to get to know you, your vision and your style when it comes to your shoot. Not only does this give me a better idea of the photos that you are wanting, but it also allows us to get to know each other better! That way when it is finally time for your shoot, it feels more comfortable, like you’re meeting up with friends to take some pictures
- Impromptu prompts!
One of my favorite parts of shooting is giving people posing directions that they might not have expected to get. Whether I’m shooting a senior and I tell them “Look at me like you would look at your crush if you were flirting” or telling a couple “Okay, on the count of 3 you’re going to tickle each other!! 1.. 2.. 3.. GO” Using prompts like this help evoke real emotion, instead of me posing you and telling you “say cheese!”
My biggest tip when shooting is just to be comfortable. Whether that means getting to know your photographer a little more, planning your session in a place that is familiar, or wearing your favorite outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks, whatever you need to do to feel most like yourself, do it!
