This is probablly the biggest issue for most people. Even the most charasmatic and confident people turn into someone else when my camera comes out, so how do I help people stop “being weird” ?
I tell you the truth
The truth is that it IS weird. I tell you that from the beginng. I tell my clients not to expect to fall in love with their first images because it takes time to find the flow and get into a good rhythm. The first ten-ish minutes may feel strange and that’s OKAY! Once I show you some of the photos (which are not actually bad by the way) you start to loosen up and that is where our session starts getting good.
We chat
I wouldn't be in this profession if I didn't like to interact with people. When I am at a large gathering or in a new setting I can be a little shy and quiet, but when I'm in a small group or one-on-one I talk, maybe too much, I'm working on that 😉 This is usually a plus for you because I will get you talking about anything you want to talk about. I'll ask you about your hobbies, sports, foods, pets, significant others, and even music. Which leads right into the next way that I help you stop being weird in front of the camera and start feeling good in your photos. Okay, this is going to date me, but as soon as I typed that sentence The Real World intro ran through my head IYKYK!
We jam
Music is such a great stress reliever when you are feeling wound up and uncomfortable and I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. If you want music, I'll play music. If Spotify has it, I'll play it! Do you know what I get when I play your favorite music? The relaxed and real you shows up. I get some of the most genuine smiles and laughter when the music is on. This is especially true for family or senior sessions where there may be another person around.