1) Listen to your photographer for instructions on what to wear. Together with your photographer you can come up with a wardrobe that would be both photogenic and suits your style and personality.
2) Bring your personalities to the shoot. Don't be a fake version of yourself. I promise you that even in a corporate head shot shoot, you will benefit from having a bit of genuine personality showing through. It's always easier to ask you to bring the volume down that it is to ask you to turn it up.
3) Don't forget to interact with your fellow photo mates. If you are with your family, friends, or just your significant other...what makes the photos special is when you interact with each other. Standing merely side by side does not a special photo make. It could be just facing each other, laying a hand on a shoulder, or hugging your child. All of it gives another dimension to the photo.
4) Remember that what ever mood or vibe you and your photographer bring to the photo session, can directly be reflected in your photos. So stay positive, optimistic, flexible, and open minded. This goes both ways for you and your photographer (Me!). No matter what went on prior to a photo-shoot as soon as I arrive on location, my focus is you and how to make you feel comfortable. Your photos depend on it.
5) Be vocal about the things that you don't like. Make certain your photographer is aware of your likes and dislikes. Know your photographer and let them get to know you. It ends so much better if you spend the time to meet and discuss the specifics.
6) Be realistic about the time commitment that a photo session requires. If you have a family of 4 and you want a full session, don't commit to another engagement 30 minutes after you start your session. The feeling of being in a rush can negatively affect the performance of your photographer, and even your own frame of mind.
7) Above all don't be afraid to have fun, or suggest to do a photo-shoot around your passion or interests. When you are enjoying yourself magic happens. When I photograph children, I can count on them eventually forgetting about me and my big lens and going about their business...but with adults it's a bit more difficult. We tend to stay conscious of the camera and let that influence our smile, posture, our facial expressions, etc...
8) One last bit about posture...stay conscious of your shoulders...we tend to raise them up as we get more tense or nervous. Don't be afraid to put your head on a shoulder, lean on a tree, hug your child, smell a flower, hold a hand, run, walk, or even hop. This is the time to have fun, be romantic, be philosophical, soulful, inquisitive, curious, sporty, flirty, thoughtful, BE PASSIONATE, BE YOURSELF...that's where the magic is.
Much Love,
Shadi Dunkin
a k s photography
512-785-8331
http://www.aksphotographyaustin.com/
shadi@aksphotographyaustin.com
