It felt really good to be photographing happy portraits again in Bethnal Green.

Want joy-filled portraits without the ‘cheese’?

learn how to feel comfortable whilst staying true to your personalities 

The problem with most of us is that we don’t like having our photograph taken. We all have photo albums in the bottom of the cupboard. Boxes bursting with snap shots of our first baby steps, Christmas with grandma, the love of our life at primary school and the momentous occasion of graduating from university. It’s fun to take a walk down memory lane, but posing in front of a professional camera is a whole different experience. One we don’t often feel prepared for. Great-looking portraits are created when we relax in a familiar environment –  your home or local park.

We believe in our idea – a family park where parents and children could have fun together – Walt Disney <<< CLICK TO TWEET

Professional photographers love the chance to portray children in their own homes. In fact, it’s this challenge that makes each portrait unique.

Session tip – choose a location near home

#1 Use homes or neighbourhood parks

Homes and parks add an extra dimension to your pictures.

#2 Visit the area ahead of time

People are often more relaxed in familiar environments.

#3 Share experiences

There is a sense of history in a portrait session at home, it’s where the children will grow into successful adults.

#4 Start formal

Classic poses work well at the beginning of session – it provides an easy way to ‘warm up’ in front of the camera.

Session tip – share experiences for natural expressions

#5 Change outfits

A new outfit will bring energy into the session, this is the time for more informal portraits.

#6 See yourself in the environment

The location is a big part of your portrait, choose natural surroundings or a favourite room to reflect your personality.

#7 Be proud of your family

Great pictures show a sense of who you are and reflect your personality. Expressive portraits will convey fun, love, togetherness and even tears or silliness.

#8 Get involved

Allow yourself to embrace the session. Being fully involved allows for lively, spontaneous and authentic portraits.

Session tip – convey love and fun

Want to join in? Check out the helpful posts below:  

•  HOW I PLAN PHOTOSHOOTS.
• 5 INGENIOUS METHODS TO HELP YOU GET READY FOR PHOTOSHOOTS
• HOW TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

I hope you find these tips helpful and that your next natural portrait session in London is a hoot. I’d love to know which tip you think is the most helpful, your thoughts on the blog and all things photographic! So call me 07898621187 or visit my contact page.

I’ll be posting more ideas next week, see you again. Mandy

It felt really good to be photographing fun-filled portraits again in London. While the photographs below are contemporary, the timeless elegance of the park’s stone walls in Victoria Park suggest a frozen moment in time. The subject is looking poised and relaxed, a modern gaze that creates a picture both simple and complex.

10 things you need to know right now

learnt the art of portrait posing on location 

The artistic skills needed to create masterpieces in the Portrait Gallery used to to take years to master. This post will reveal how to get great results in a jiffy.

A good photography is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it – Irving Penn <<< click to tweet

#1 – Find clean backgrounds

Keep the focus on your features.

#2 – Stand in the shade

Large, luminous eyes draw people in (not squints).

Session tip 1 – find clean backgrounds

#3 – Use repeated patterns

Ascending stairs, rows of pillars or a line of benches creates dynamic rhythm (our brain is programmed to seek out patterns).

#4 – Lean on street furniture

Sitting on a bench, leaning on a balustrade or resting on a lamp post will support your body and convey spontaneity.

Session tip 2 – stand in the shade

#5 – Look to the light

Good light flatters your features and adds a luminous quality to your face.

#6 – Use windows

In fact, use any reflective surface that will bathe you in light.

Session tip 3 – use lead in lines

#7 – Find an interesting feature

Create a triangle of interest with your background. Place yourself in the centre  The viewer will look at the central elements and then come to rest on your portrait. For example: first they look at the statue and then the doorway. These features will lead the viewer to your profile in a natural way.

#8 – Anti-smile

It’s important your stature reflects the environment. Belly-laughs and giggles are fab in the park. A restful gaze or wistful smile works well when surrounded by the grandeur of the Maritime museum.

Session tip – use park furniture

#9 – Be involved with your environment

Strolling in the park, feeding ducks or browsing through a flea market. When you are completely involved in your process, the results are relaxed and natural.

#10- Have fun

Life is for the living – enjoy your portrait experience.

Session tip – look to the light for a flattering complexion

Session tip – have fun

Victoria Park is fantastic place to create flattering portraits.  The beautiful architecture provides depth and conveys as story – the very essence of a good portrait – character, complexity and expressions – all from a single image.

“Thank you so much for all of the photo’s you have sent over i love every single one of them and so does my friend 
your an amazing photographer! will recommend you to all! <3 Thanks for a great experience would love to do it again sometime xxxxxx” Beth & Lucy

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the blog and all things photographic! So call me 07898621187 or visit my contact page.

I’ll be posting more ideas next week, see you again. Mandy