Have fun with it – how to create natural smiles in your portraits
learn how to create happy smiles whilst feeling in control of your portrait session
Fun-filled, natural portraits on the Isle of Wight
How to take control of your portrait session
How to take control of your portrait session
One of the easiest ways of succeeding in a portrait session is to embody the role of an imaginary film director.
Pretend that you are directing a Bafter winning movie star – beautiful, talented, and charismatic. But somehow she lacks confidence in her own abilities, suffering from stage fright.
So your mission is to be attentive, curious, and positive. To exude confidence and banish those stage fright nerves.
How I plan photoshoots
How I plan photo shoots on the Isle of Wight
Sam got in touch after seeing her friends’ photos taken over the summer in Ryde (SEE HER FULL STORY HERE).
We’d waited 3 months to get together.
And I’m so glad we did.
I’d been saving this location for over a year, waiting for someone with the right kind of vibe.
And then I found Sam – bright, fun-loving and generous. Even in the cold and the wind.
Here was my plan …
Camera workshop in Ryde
Photographers – it’s time for your photoshoot
Packing your camera bag can feel like hard work. But follow these rules and you might end up having fun.
There’s one thing I’ll never forget. My first photo shoot at Greenwich.
I mean, yeah, the model was young and beautiful. The location gorgeous. Her cousin came along to make sure everyone felt safe.
But I was a bag of nerves.
Ever since my first successful shoot (and there were a lot of failures before this day), there’s been a steady flow and ebb of portrait sessions in and around London – playing in Regents park, hiding from security guards on the South Bank, dancing in the Barbican.
Though the concept of ‘TFP’ or ‘collaborations’ lurks in the world of amateur or semi-professional photographers, organising your own photo shoot is an inescapable event. If you’ve ever picked up a camera, you’ll want to take a photograph of a model or friend or family member.
‘Photo shoot’ is a loaded word.
It’s what you do when you’re a professional photographer shooting for Esquire, all “yeah, baby”. It’s meant to be thrilling, all flashing strobes and make up artists.
But it leaves you feeling dazzled, worried and anxious.
Here’s where I come in.
So how do you make your photographs stand out? How do you get the best out of your model? What camera settings do you use?
Here’s what I do.
I have a plan.
And I’d like to share it with you. For £75.00 I’ll meet you in Ryde and guide you through the stages.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
- 2 hours hands-on tuition covering,
- where to find TFP models,
- how to communicate with them,
- creating expression in your portraits
- what camera settings to use,
- a pdf workbook with all the key notes
Add on £80.00 and we’ll meet with a model and I’ll show you exactly what I do and explain why it works. Better still, bring along a model friend and create a portfolio on the day.
So, you’re ready. Happy. Confident. Eager to share your photos with the world.
Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
[email protected]
DISCOUNTS, INSPIRATION, AND EVENTS FROM MY QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
How to create your perfect portrait session
Isle of Wight Pictures
In the latest installment in a series on natural portraits on the Isle of Wight, I’ll show you how to enjoy a relaxed approach to photoshoots with tips and tricks from the pros. If you buy into the relaxed, easy-going school of photography, you’ll enjoy the simple pleasure of modern photo shoots such as portraits in the park or relaxing by the river, neither of which requires more than choosing an outfit, meeting your photographer in a beautiful location and waiting to see what happens. It really is that easy.
Session tip – ask for a custom session sharing your ideas and interests
Step One – ask lots of questions
An experienced photographer will have prepared a welcome pack and session guide to answer each and every question (ask to see what’s in my welcome magazine). Knowing what to expect from start to finish will make you feel confident about your experience. Do you know how to book, what will happen on the day, how you view your order and when the photographs will be delivered?
Session tip – ask for your session guide
Step Two – tell your story
Every home has a family picture hanging somewhere. Call your photographer and explain why you are thinking of hiring a photographer. Let them talk you through the process and explain how they can help. A good photographer will have a questionnaire to help them tailor the experience to your family. It’s the smoothest way to calm your nerves before the session without getting flustered.
Session tip – smooth those nerves by chatting about your family
Step Three – including all decision-makers
Creating elegant, natural portraits in Ryde parks requires close collaboration. Not always easy with a household of busy teenagers and reluctant husbands. I’m a teacher, I get it. Planning ahead is a key part of my business and ensures sessions with a tranquil ambiance and a classic look. To feel in control and ready to enjoy the session try to:
- visit the location ahead of time so children can run, play and discover new hidey-hole
- put a note in the calendar to avoid clashes with sports fixtures or play dates
- build in rewards, “let’s have a beautiful photograph to give nanny as a surprise”.
Session tip – have your portrait taken at home allows you get involved without the worry
Step Four-pack the week before
Avoid the weekly rush of hunting for the right outfit, only to find it screwed up under the boy’s bunk bed. Email a snapshot of your outfits to the photographer and ask for their advice (I send out an illustrated style guide to my clients a week before their session). High-end photographers like to create a polished feel to their session by matching outfits to locations. I can guarantee they’ll be ready to jump right in and offer their help. Check out their ‘what to wear’ guide or Pinterest board for inspiration.
Session tip – have your family portraits taken at home for flexibility
Step Five – plan your parking
Google Maps, Waze, or even Yelp are great resources to help plan your journey. Expect to arrive 15 minutes early and meet your photographer near a transport link, coffee shop, or WC facilities. Your photographer will have already scouted the area and will be ready to dive in with their itinerary. You’ll enjoy a wider variety of photographs if you dedicate your time to the session rather than feeling rushed and arriving a little late.
Step Six – enjoy time with your family
People lead busy lives and Ryde is a busy coastal town. If this is your first time having your picture taken by a professional photographer, you’re in for a big surprise. Family portrait sessions are great fun and it gives you the chance to spend time with your family. Make the most of it. There could be nothing easier; just let the beautiful settings and serendipity play the game.
My aim is simple – to ensure a truly wonderful experience. I custom each photo session, from the beginning of the shoot right until your items are delivered. My goal is to personally look after you every step of the way. That way I know you’ll get a service that is second to none.
Check out the helpful posts below:
- Learn about my supportive approach to headshots
- See more of my work as a headshot photographer in the Isle of Wight
- Check what I enjoy producing in my home studio, Ryde
- View a typical beach session by Ryde pier
- Read about headshot photography pricing and check availability
Booking for expressive headshots, Ryde
Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
[email protected]
