How to pose for a photo session?
The answer will certainly vary depending on the type of photography - studio, outdoor, or lifestyle.
Let's focus on the latter, as that's what I do :)
Of course, to be true to the principles of lifestyle photography, it would be enough to close this topic with the words: IN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY, YOU DON'T POSE.
However, observing you during sessions, I notice that you often feel stressed about what it will be like, how the photos will turn out, and assurances that it's enough to just have fun don't calm you down.
I understand that sometimes specific tips give us a certain kind of control over the situation and help us relax.
So today I'll try to show you maybe not specific poses (because that's still too much for lifestyle photography :D) but I'll show you what you can do to make it turn out great.
Tip 1 – Movement is highly recommended - it's what makes things happen
If you don't want photos where everyone is looking straight into the lens and just smiling, we need to do something to get moving!
And don't worry about me here - that the photos will be blurry, that it will be difficult for the photographer.
It's my job to make it work.
That's why I'll definitely encourage you to spin around, jump, run.
This way, frames like these will be created._
this happens to be a maternity session, so some options like jumping and running were out, but there's always some form of movement that allows for dynamics in the photo
Tip 2 – Rest - a session is not a race, and we also have time for calm shots
It's also not the case that a lifestyle session is constant jumping and maximum adrenaline.
There are different sessions.
Maternity sessions are characterized by the fact that the most important person is the future mom and we adjust the pace to her.
Besides, even during family sessions, it's not always running around.
Often yes, because children have lots of energy, but sometimes there comes a moment of tiredness, or feeding time, and I want you to remember that WE HAVE TIME FOR THIS.
It's exactly then that more peaceful shots can be created, the kind for framing ;))
rest during the session is recommended
after a few wild shots, you can simply stand and look at me, then we'll get such a gentle, calm frame
"I want you to remember that we have time to rest during the session!"
Tip 3 – Be close to each other
I know that not everyone finds it easy to hug and hold hands with strangers, especially with one stranger holding a camera :P But seriously - it's super important to be close to each other in photos.
Hugging, holding hands, touching face to face create close, warm frames.
If we're talking about a couple's session, such closeness will create romantic, tender shots.
But the same principle works for sessions with children.
If you hug them, tickle them, it will evoke emotions, genuine smiles.
Additionally, during maternity sessions, it's important to cuddle the little one :) The belly is the central point of our photos.
You can stroke it, keep your hand on it, look at it.
cheek touch, looking at each other - so little is needed to make it romantic
Tip 4 – Take care of variety
Just changing outfits can change a lot.
A colorful dress will liven up the frames.
A simple walk will take on a different atmosphere.
Speaking of wardrobe for sessions - I prepared this post.
Tip 5 – Come up with a specific task to focus on
Often I come up with such a task for you.
Something like this relieves the initial tension.
You have a specific thing to do - looking at an album, a view, fixing a strand of hair.
Smiles, surprise, delight appear naturally on your face, and that's the perfect moment for me to take a photo.
Sometimes families with children come with their own ideas, for example they bring soap bubbles, some old photos, wooden toys, something that fits the style of the session and allows your hands to be occupied.
Tip 6 - Don't be shy
Sometimes you feel like having a specific shot, or you'd like to look into that lens and have a photo where there won't be anything crazy happening.
That's OK too!
Don't be shy to ask about it.
Tip 7 - Say sweet words to each other
Nothing will evoke such a lovely smile as hearing sweet words quietly spoken by your partner describing your relationship :) Treat the session as a refresher of the bond that connects you.
You can tell each other how beautiful you look!
I've often heard after sessions that because I encouraged this kind of expression of feelings (of course everything whispered, I'm not there), the session was a really nice time, and even a reminder of that first love :)
That's nice!
Tip 8 - Once you feel relaxed, go wild!
Usually by the end of the session, we already feel relaxed, chill.
If you then feel like trying something that you might have had objections to earlier, go for it!
Jump into the water even.
Here we had a gender reveal, so things got exciting!
Tip 9 - don't make specific plans
We can create a very detailed, even meticulous plan of how everything will go.
Perhaps in beauty sessions, in the studio, or product sessions we really have a big influence on what, when, and where.
In lifestyle sessions, spontaneity prevails.
The more freedom you leave yourself, the more pleasant this time will be for you.
Otherwise, it may turn out that your exact vision won't work out, and you'll feel disappointed.
If you don't set specific frameworks, it may turn out that what we manage to create will be even cooler than what we could have planned point by point.
Tip 10 - don't take everything so seriously and don't feel responsible for everyone
I'm deliberately writing to women here, because they most often start the meeting with me with the words:
-I apologize, but the kids are sleep-deprived, so moody today.
-I'll warn you right away that I absolutely don't know how to pose.
-I couldn't convince Little One to put on a different dress - is it tragic?
-How these children behave - what a shame!
I really don't judge you!
Every session is different, just as every family is different.
It's normal that children sometimes don't have the mood, that they don't listen to you, that you're not professional models, and don't know what to do.
Summary?
The summary should be short: Don't think too much, prepare what you can influence, and leave the matter of professional posing far behind.
In a lifestyle session, you should be yourself.
I know you might worry about whether you'll have nice photos to choose from, but I'll tell you a secret that it hasn't happened yet that there weren't any ;))
