Most common theme among clients
What if I told you the most common theme my clients tell me before their session is based around one word.
The word is ‘awkward’. Even the way you spell it is uncomfortable. And the more you say it, the more it sounds like a made-up word, especially when students spell it out phonetically - ‘orkwood’.
Many conversations before the photo session start with ‘I am so awkward in front of the camera’; ‘I don’t know what to do’; ‘I look awkward in photos.’ I hear ya baby! Get me in front of the camera and I turn into an awkward turtle and cannot stop yapping and being silly!
Yeah… look, you might start out feeling a little awkward for a couple of minutes but honestly, you will be warmed up in no time, guaranteed! It’s my job to break down those uncomfortable walls of fear and anxiety. I do know what it’s like to be in front of a random person’s camera who is asking you to perform like models! And it is hard to act natural and confident.
So let me put your mind at ease my friends.
My sessions always start with general conversation; some back stories of my journey, a few lame dad jokes, a bit of silly laughter – all geared to breaking down those nerves and fear of having a camera pointed in your direction. I like to converse to build a connection and find common ground. We will also discuss any concerns, ideas and needs that you have for the session and work around creating an experience that you can feel comfortable with.
And that’s where my expertise enters the chat! I will give explicit direction on what I would like you to do, how to stand and how to interact with each other. I constantly talk you through the process.
My style is 99% creating movement and flow rather than stagnant awkward posing, and most directions for you to not look at the camera, which sounds weird right? A photographer telling me to not look at the camera? That’s absurd! Trust me, the photos always turn out so good and truly capture you in that moment of light and time.
trying to run away while he holds you always makes for good laughs
There will be some movements I get you to do (like swirling left and right, bumping hips etc) that might feel weird, and you might feel silly doing them BUT the final photo is completely different to what you would expect. Incorporating some laughs, you become more at ease and move more fluidly. I haven’t had one client yet who has remained stiff and uncomfortable for more than five minutes!
Also, I will always check in with you to ensure you feel comfortable and have autonomy with your vision. This is YOUR shoot, so I encourage you to be YOU and trust the process.
I hope this helps give some peace about being in front of my camera.
Rach x
