• Home
  • Camera-shy?
  • Happy Clients
  • Portrait News
  • Price

Amanda Herbert

Portrait Photography, Isle of Wight

Ideas for natural smiles in your portraits, Isle of Wight photographer

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.

child running down hill in appley park

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

Professional photographers love the chance to portray children when they are allowed to play. In fact, it’s this challenge that makes each portrait unique.

mandy herbert photographer

#1 Use homes or neighbourhood parks

Homes and parks add an extra dimension to your pictures.

child and dad hold hands in Ryde

#2 Visit the area ahead of time

People are often more relaxed in familiar environments.

child laughing in wind

#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.

dad kisses baby in appley park

#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.

toddler hiding from photographer

#5 Change outfits

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

cheecky smile from child

#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.

child holds dad's hand

#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.

toddler points up in appley park

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

  • Learn about my supportive approach to headshots
  • See more of my work as a portrait photographer in 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

baby throws sand on appley beach

I hope you find these tips helpful and that your next natural portrait session on the Isle of Wight 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!

To find out more about working with Amanda Herbert Photography, send me a message below.

    Share

    Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

    Comments Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published.

    * Copy This Password *

    * Type Or Paste Password Here *

    Back to Blog

    naturalportrait

    Instagram post 17841682483072751 Instagram post 17841682483072751
    Instagram post 17841647656072751 Instagram post 17841647656072751
    Instagram post 17841647647072751 Instagram post 17841647647072751
    Instagram post 17841647644072751 Instagram post 17841647644072751
    Instagram post 17841647641072751 Instagram post 17841647641072751
    Instagram post 17841647638072751 Instagram post 17841647638072751
    Instagram post 17841647635072751 Instagram post 17841647635072751
    Instagram post 17841647632072751 Instagram post 17841647632072751
    Follow on Instagram

    Isle of Wight based photographer delivering relaxed, natural portraits. Learn about my skill for putting people totally at ease, and my gift for depicting women with warmth and style. View the smiles and laughter in my galleries.

    Newsletter

    Categories

    • Boudoir
    • Client Area
    • Portrait Tips
    • Testimonials
    • Videos
    • What to expect
    • What to wear

    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.