Feeling a little nervous is normal, especially when I’m planning to try new things in the studio. Starting the session without direction is hard, which is why my feeling of being a little lost doesn’t last long, I’m a born planner. So if like me, you’re not really sure which direction to take your photography, feeling out of your depth is perfectly normal!
Take the photograph above. I was sure the red top would work beautifully with Friederike’s beautiful blonde hair. It turns out the top was impossible to pose with. When I feel the session shifting slightly, I tend to let the emotions overpower me for a short while, before I take charge again. That out of control feeling is a sign that something needs to shift, to change, to adapt and transform.
Very often it’s the model’s inspiration that provides the spark, when their characters shine from the photographs and there’s a truth in their gaze. Like Friederike here, she’s worked with a number of photographers on the island with huge success. I honestly feel she’s heading for bigger and more important things in life.
During the session Friederike spoke about our first photo session when she was thirteen, it’s wild how she’s grown into a confident, self-assured and engaging women. Outgrowing things we once thought we couldn’t live without and moving towards what really makes us happy is when good things happen: people that make us laugh, friends we can trust and quiet times with our family who loves us unconditionally.
Life has a tendency to lead us down paths that surprise us and it’s not until we are ready to turn another corner that we realize we’re right where we need to be. So to when I’m nervous about using studio light, I take a deep breath and remember, photography is all a work in progress.
And if you are a model whose just starting out, don’t be afraid. Trust your photographer. Enjoy the process. Honestly, it’s not what clothes you wear, how you pose or even what you look like. Photographs with impact are the ones when your personality shine forth, so listen to your heart and go with your gut. Are you having fun? Do you like the photographer? Are you excited to share the photographs at the end of the session? Then, just have fun and get as much experience as you can.
There’s a feel-good experience when I’m taking photographs, even when I’m nervous. It’s the giddy excitement of creating something new and I’m always up for a new adventure.
Get in touch if you’d like to be added to my waiting list, I’m always eager to work with new models on the Isle of Wight.
Amanda Herbert | Isle of Wight
Email: [email protected]
Amanda Herbert is the premier headshot photographer in Ryde and the Isle of Wight. Known for the genuine expressions she captures in her portraits of camera-shy women and small business owners looking for expressive portraits. Contact her Seaview home studio to book a session.
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