how to be yourself in a photo shoot.

Recently, I spent the afternoon in Jersey City shooting the lovely Jamie Forward. Before the big day, we met for an hour and talked through the vision and vibe she was looking for in a fresh set of photos.

As a health coach who also has a background in dance and fitness, she really wanted an “aliveness” and her vibrant personality to get captured. And it was important that she could use them on not only her website, but also in her blog posts, social media posts, and more.

We talked at length about her brand, hair, makeup, clothing choices, props, and of course the location. And we were lucky to wind up with a space that was absolutely perfect for her.

On the day of the shoot, I got there early to set up and scope things out and was so pleased with the lighting and variety of nooks we could take photos in. Jamie brought a few friends with her, which is something I recommend if anyone is nervous before a shoot or knows having a friend on hand to make them laugh with put them at ease.

Feeling loose and having fun as the subject of a shoot is a MUST because that’s when your “you-ness” truly shines. And for Jamie, that was 100% the case.

After 4 hours, I captured over 100 photos that she can now use for her business in any way she likes.

If you’re someone who really wants to wind up with the same outcome, and with photos you absolutely love, here are a few tips to ensure you feel great on your shoot day.

1. Look Like Yourself. If you want your photos to be a real representation of you, your personality, and your style, wear clothes that are the true you, wear makeup that is the true you, and wear your hair the way you like it best. It will make you feel beautiful and much more comfortable than if you try to be someone you’re not.
2. Hold onto Your Vision. Remember, you are paying someone to take your photos so be sure they are letting you see some of the shots throughout the shoot. I always share as I go along to make sure what I’m capturing feels in alignment. So if you don’t like how things are coming out, tell your photographer.
3. Create a Fun Environment. Like I said before, having a friend with you can do wonders for your level of comfort and ease, especially if they’re someone who makes you laugh. Another thing I always love doing is playing my client’s favorite music, so it helps to have a playlist ready.
4. Think About Your Mission. When in front of a camera, it’s easy to clam up and get all pose-y. Trust me, I’ve been there myself and I’m a photographer! But it helps to think about why you’re here. Take a deep breath, think about your clients and your mission, and allow that to fill your heart and mind instead of getting tied up in your nerves.

Check out Jamie’s photos to see how we brought her vision to life in this beautiful space. And if you have any questions about how to prepare for your own photo shoot, let me know! I’m happy to provide more guidance.