Dead Stare: For the straight on shots I ask my client to relax, breath in deep breath in through the nose and out through mouth, I have them do this a few times while looking straight into my lens. If they are extra tense or nervous, I ask them to walk towards the camera slowly while they do this.
Another great technique for the dead stare is to make sure they dont have anyone else watching, friends, parents, boyfriend etc. Sometimes it is easier to relax in front of just the photographer. So, I will ask that the company leave the area or that they engage in something else while we shoot. I don’t work with professional models all the time, but I like my clients to feel like professional models during our shoot =)
Another technique that I use, is to ask my client to close their eyes and relax, to think about their fiance, or something that is very meaningful to them. It really puts them at ease and helps them not feel awkward for the few seconds that I need to get the shot when they open their eyes.
Not everyone may like themselves in no smile shots. I often hear that they feel like they look mad, so make sure that your clients enjoy a few of these type of quiet romantic shots before you have them do it. I do about 30% of my sessions in no smiles when I can, sometimes more and sometimes less.
When photographing children they like to be engaged and not just told what to do. I ask my clients child questions and let them know I am interested in learning about them. It helps them feel more comfortable and they most of the time love to talk about themselves. Once I develop this short small bond, I tell them I need help, I think my camera might be broken, and I need them to check for me. I then ask them to look straight in to my lens and see if they can see my camera shutter open and close to make sure it is working properly. They LOVE to do this for me. It works almost every time!
Lastly, I also use a technique where they are looking away, and I have them turn to look at me. I think that not seeing me and my big camera is less intimidating sometimes and it can help my client feel relaxed even if it is for a few moments.
Lahna Marie photography is a natural light wedding and portrait photographer specializing in wedding, couples, and boudoir. I focus on capturing timeless images that incorporate a sense of joy, simplicity and romance. I have been in operation since 2007 and am located in Southern Oregon but am available for limited worldwide bookings. I am in love with what I do.
Find Lahna Marie Photography on the Web: INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | BLOG
Calligraphy grey invites: By Graceline Calligraphy INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
Model: Cheri Breyerman
Ribbon and Silk: INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
Mens attire: INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
Ring Box: INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
Vintage T Model Car: FACEBOOK
Models: Cheri Breyerman Email: Cbreymann@gmail.com | Forrest Faulconer Email: Fofaulconer@gmail.com
Venue: FACEBOOK
