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Amanda Herbert

Portrait Photography, Isle of Wight

How to have a successful portrait session

Natural Portrait London Photographer

What you decide to wear to a portrait session is much more difficult than the photographer’s choice, don’t you think?

Yes, the photographer has to choose the location that’ll make you look a million dollars, defines your personality et cetera, et cetera. But you need to find the confidence to make it work and look happy, come hell or high water.

For this is the first time you’ve worked with a professional photographer in London and you deserve to indulge in your fantasy, let it be as elaborate or simple as you like.

If it’s important that your London portrait session is successful, read these expert tips.Holland-Park-London-Portrait-Photographer-1

1. Don’t expect the session to feel like a school photo – One of the popular myths about working with a professional photographer is the idea of cheesy smiles and rigid poses. That static photographs with too bright smiles in the perfect pose. A good photograph is about spontaneity, genuine connections and natural expressions. You’ll navigate the 2 hour session together, by talking about holidays, food, hobbies and family. It’s those discoveries that make your photos come alive. As you open up and make the session fun, your photos will be more interesting. By the end of the session you’ll understand modern photography is about understanding what makes you look good in front of the camera whilst enjoying the session.Holland-Park-London-Portrait-Photographer

2. Accept some photos won’t work – here’s some raw, honest feedback from a client:

“I didn’t like it when the photograph didn’t work on the first click, despite feeling fine moments before.”

Expecting the photographs to be everything you dreamt of and everything you’re not, is a recipe for disaster. We all need time to warm up, particularly if this is the first time with a professional photographer. Photo shoots are never easy at the beginning. But if you can ease into the session in small ways – talking about your outfits, looking at the different locations, explaining why you want the photographs and where you will share them, then  you are more likely to create pictures you’ll like. It can feel easier to avoid committing to the session because you’re shy. But if you can take a risk and be open about why you want the photographs, you’re more likely to find ways to play to the camera without feeling foolish.Bethnal-Green-Portrait-London-Photographer-1

3. Learn to say ‘no’ – There are good locations and bad poses. Everyone hates looking rigid. First, the smile looks fake. The hands awkward. The back taut. But if you can spot when a photo isn’t working or if the pose doesn’t feel like a good idea, speak out. Working with the photographer, talking honestly about what you like ensures better pictures. Understanding why a picture is successful is the essence of creating a good portrait. A soft gaze, an open expression, a spontaneous feel to your stance. Once you find your groove, the rest follows naturally.Hoxton-portrait-East-London-Portrait-Photographer

4. Accept changes – There are different qualities to your portraits at different stages of the session. At the start the pictures will express high energy because you feel excited, eager to see what will happen. In the middle, a quiet, serene grace arrives to your stance, you feel in control. By the end, genuine spontaneity arrives, this is when you know it’s not all hard work. It is possible to create a variety of images in a short space of time, forget the old fashioned idea of static studio photographs.  Just relax and enjoy this special time. Go with the flow. You may not create the pictures you first had in mind, but I guarantee you’ll be surprised at what you create.Holland-Park-London-Portrait-Photographer

5. Appreciate this time – you don’t need a reason for booking a photographer. Some people have contacted me ‘just because’. The great wonder of working with a professional is that the pictures are always beautiful. Appreciate the time with an expert, confident you’ll love the photographs. If you’ve managed to get to the end of another busy week, battling the ups and downs of your social life, burning the midnight oil, juggling all the demands made on your time, then you deserve a little bit of quality time. Just for you. The rewards can be great. You’ll have a wealth of stories to laugh over and gorgeous photos you’re proud to share.

So, rather than fearing standing in front of the camera, remember that many people learnt elegant framing and discovered the secret of looking good in pictures.Holland-Park- London-photographer

I produce stylish portraits for the modern women that are neither cliched nor formulaic. The portraits in my portfolio are full of character and detail, captured during relaxed sessions that are ever-practical and fun – so they are easy on the purse strings and appreciated by couples or families too.

For more advice on natural portrait sessions or to book a natural portrait by a London photographer, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.

Call me for your session 0789 862 1187

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About Me

As an Isle of Wight portrait photographer, I produce expressive business portraits and headshot photography (corporate headshots) for entrepreneurs, authors, and actors in my home-based studio, Ryde.

I offer bespoke packages to ensure you feel relaxed and confident about your experience. Being an experienced portrait photographer on the Isle of Wight means that you’ll look happy, confident and approachable in your portraits.

And that’s a promise.

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Copyright © Amanda Herbert Photography for headshots, children's and family portraits in the following locations: Ryde, Seaview, Newport, Cowes, Shanklin, Sandown, Freshwater, Yarmouth, Ventnor and Portsmouth and other areas of Isle of Wight and Hampshire. Business portrait photography and personal branding is also available with Amanda Herbert.