How to Make Families Comfortable During a Session as a Photographer
I’ve been a photographer for a little over five years and the one thing that hasn’t changed as I have moved into modern photography as a profession, there always seems to be subjects who feel awkward and shy at the beginning of a session. I mean, doesn’t everyone want to have their photo taken by a complete stranger? The correct answer to this is no. As a photographer, it is my job to help them feel comfortable and sure of themselves, so that they can have fun during the session and ultimately receive the pictures they were looking for because honestly, no one likes those snapshots of their awkward selves on Facebook. Right? Or am I the only person who has that happen. Now since I do a lot of family pictures, my tips will focus on the subjects that accompany this type of session, but are applicable to any client that is feeling uncomfortable. Between the stressed out mom who is organizing the session and the children, the rambunctious children, and grumpy dads and teenagers, us photographers have our hands full with trying the capture the perfect picture. Now although not all of these moods are fixed in the same way, read the client’s body language and try different things and when in doubt just use these tips. First things first, ask questions. How do I ask questions as a photographer? Often times as a photographer it is our job to be “the stranger with the camera” and take pictures. But, we should never be strangers. When you approach your clients as a stranger instead of as an acquaintance, the family will never be comfortable with you as their photographer. So, instead of jumping right on the button happy train, take a second and get to know the family before you start. Something that I like to do is ask questions about the family such as what they did that day, how old their kids are, social security numbers, if I can come over for dinner, you know questions like that! Okay, honestly the last two questions are horrible. The more you talk, the more comfortable they become with you and you no longer have the giant sign on your forehead screaming “stranger danger.” To learn more about stranger danger, please visit here. Now this second tip is something that I like to add in with the questions, and sometimes even like to do before I ask questions, compliment them. Most of the time people get all dolled up for family pictures so for you, their photographer, it is nice to notice and give them a compliment or $20. I’m sure either is appreciated.
What do I compliment as a photographer?
By complimenting them, they automatically begin to feel more confident in themselves and draw them out of their shell. Thus, producing stunning family pictures. Not only should you compliment at the beginning of the session to help “break the ice” but, you should also compliment them throughout the session with phrases such as, “Great Smile,” or “Perfect,” this will keep the client relaxed and natural.
How do I pose subjects for family pictures?
Number three! For the third tip, you should always be specific about posing. Most of the time people don’t know what to do with their body when someone has a camera pointed at them. So, as a photographer, it is our job to guide them every step of the way so their picture doesn’t end up in the Awkward Family Photos board game. How I approach this in family pictures is I
bring them over the spot I want them to stand. I guide their arms and heads to positions that look both natural and flattering. I’m not afraid of moving people and telling them how to pose because as a photographer, I know what looks good and this family is trusting me to make them all look fabulous and relaxed. So, get comfortable with bossing people around and remember to be specific with your instructions so there is less confusion and frustrations during the session.
Fourth tip: Give a Sneak Peek!
If the tips above haven’t gotten your client comfortable with you just quite yet, take a stab at this one. As the photographer, you know that the subject is looking amazing and that the images are turning out beautiful, but they don’t and they need some reassurance. Think of them as a twelve-year-old girl who is receiving her first training bra, she is uncomfortable and awkward. All they need is just a little support, so go out there and be their training bra! But, in all seriousness, they really do need our support. To do this, I like to do is wait out a few minutes of button pushing, and then show them my camera and scroll through a few images. Almost every time there is a pleased smile associated with this gesture, and for the other times there is a shocked face—they didn’t realize how fabulous they really looked.
My last tip for you, my fellow photographers, is to take candid pictures. Everyone wants a formal family portrait but honestly people don’t realize how much they love candid shots, till they see them. Personally I love candid shots because they capture the family who they really are messy, annoying and fun.
How to capture a nice candid shot, you may ask?
I normally bring a blanket for the family to play with, ask the family to bring their favorite book to read together, or even a ball to have them play catch. Simple props like these help the family unwind and allows us, the photographers, to capture great candid shots of the family. But beware, of both the little kids and the big kids, I mean adults (big kids=adults) fighting over the props they bring. It can happen.
I cannot emphasizes enough that as photographer, it is our job to make the subjects comfortable with not only us, but with themselves for us to capture the undying love of a family for them. Whether you are new at portrait photography or a photographer who is looking for extra tips on how to help your clients feel comfortable, remember that capturing these precious moments takes practice and it’s an art. Keep practicing and may the lighting be ever in your favor.
For more great tips visit here: 9 Tips for Taking Great Family Portraits