Portrait Photography, Isle of Wight
Say “hello” to a new member of the ‘Amanda Herbert Photography’ crew – Sarah here is joining our team to support our social media presence.
As this is the first time Sarah has enjoyed a professional portrait session on the Isle of Wight, I thought I’d update an older blog post and one my most asked questions during mentorship programmes: How I generate true smiles and authentic expressions.
Jump down to read how I build rapport …
It’s not always the easiest thing in front of the lens. You can’t see what you look like on the back of the camera or know what’s working? We stand rigid, pull our face into a smile, and wait for the click. It’s a little bit like rushing to get ready in the morning when you add your make-up without using a mirror. With a dab of lipstick, a swipe of mascara, and a flick of the blusher brush – all done.
Everything is in the right place, but does it look good? A quick check in the mirror before you head out and face the day, but for that niggling feeling, you’ve not quite got it right. With a little encouragement everyone can have flattering portraits, here are some tips that are guaranteed to work.
Here’s the truth – almost everyone is concerned about the way they look!#1 Push down from the back foot – this activates your core strength and firms your torso
#2 Turn your hips to the side – to create a slender profile
#3 Raise one shoulder – and turn your head to one side to create energy
#4 Lean over the belt – this slight adjustment will help lengthen your neck
#5 Chin moves forward & down – perfect for hiding wobbles under the chin
#6 Put your hands in your back pockets – to create a relaxed gesture
One last thought —the most lasting part of every portrait is your expression. You can have the most beautiful location, the perfect outfit, and just the right stance, but if you don’t recognise your expression, the photograph just won’t make it. Any time you have your portrait was taken – it’s personal, it is about YOU. It’s about creating photographs that reveal what you care about.
Just when you rush out in the morning, you’ll check with colleagues at work or friends in the coffee shop whether your lipstick needs fixing? Ask your photographer for encouragement and feedback on your images. If you feel comfortable and confident during the session, natural smiles will show through. Call to ask about your session and I’ll share my cheesy jokes that are guaranteed to make you smile.
I’ll be posting more ideas next week, for now, enjoy these other posts:
Something beautiful in everyday life
Getting lost in your own seaside town is a great way to scout for new locations.
Since we returned to the Isle of Wight six years ago, I’ve had the chance to explore Bembridge. Each Saturday my better half books in for a weekly shave at the barbers. I use this half-hour to find out what lies beyond each street or park. Taking a stroll is the perfect way to uncover its secrets.
Bembridge Beach, right by Tollgate Cafe (newly renamed to the Harbour View Cafe), has become a very familiar and friendly place, with perfect nooks for natural portrait sessions. Take a look below at my newly discovered secret garden.
Decades ago my husband, in a moment of playfulness, showed me his old fishing rod with a net and a few heavyweights. He had a familiar, mischievous look in his eye, so I knew it would be fun.
Well, it wasn’t. Fishing is a long and patient pastime and is a good excuse to get out of the Isle of Wight house. Do I smile when I see the photos I took that day?
Yes. I remember how I was asked to cycle back to Seaview, by myself, to collect the bait that had been left behind!
” Hey Mandy! Thank you sooo much for our lovely afternoon! I really enjoyed it and I´m glad you were my first photographer because you helped me a lot with everything! We did a great job and our photos are simply perfect! I can´t wait to see the rest of them! 🙂
So what is the secret for generating natural smiles during your photo session? I can hardly bring along my fishing rod! [Read more…]
