"I don't want stiff, posed photos"
TBH, neither do I. I don't like being photographed with those "stand here just like *this* and smile" poses, so I won't do that to you. Ok, maybe that's a lie. Everybody wants that one, some might call it "classic," photo, so I always get that out of the way first thing. For some reason, it's always THAT picture that people want to put on their holiday cards or blow up super big and put in their house That's fine, to each their own.
But I think that's very unnatural.
The way we act in photos (stand and smile directly at the lens) is not the way we actually are. Even the smiles are fake. Like is that normally how you look at people when they're talking to you? 😬 It's stiff and just...not real life. What I like to capture in my sessions are moments, feelings, who you really are.
I want to capture genuine smiles, interactions between you and your love, laughs you share with your kids, kisses you share with your pup! Now THAT'S really you! So how do I do this? With prompts instead of poses.
"We're reeeally awkward in photos"
Oh, I got you! Giving prompts helps with the awkwardness, I promise. I give general directions and will fix any awkward arms or anything that doesn't translate well in photos. Once you're in the right position, I'll give you a prompt that will create a moment, to invoke an emotion/reaction. This allows your mind to focus on the memory I've asked you to recall and will produce a natural reaction. That's how you get real laughs, the sweetest kisses, and best facial expressions.
"Oh my gosh, we look like models!"
This is the most common reaction after a session with me. So be careful when you book. You might be considering a different career path once it's over 😉 Check out some of my favorite photos and prompts from this adorable family's session. Each prompt is listed below 😊
"Alright, I want you guys to walk towards me while keeping the biggest, fakest smiles on your face the entire time."
"Just like that! You're nailing it. Just super fake smiles. We all hate this. None of this is fun. Not one bit."
"Now stop and all smile at each other. Laugh at their nose! Ewww boogers!"
"Throw baby girl in the air like she's a plane. Look at how high she's flying!"
"Hold baby facing you and then dip him towards me."
"Hold baby between you then look at him and try to get him to smile."
"Kiss him on the cheek!"
"Kiss sister on the cheek!"
"Hold her hands like she's an airplane. Smile!"
"Mila, where is your nose? Where is brother's nose?"
"Give me the biggest cheese ever. CHEEEEEEEESE!"
"Alright, kneel down here on one knee and rest your elbow on your knee. Smile like we're having fun. Ew, gross. Sorry, I just burped up protein shake. Chocolate Banana."
"Alright we're going to do a *stare at the camera and smile* photo since this will probably be your holiday card pick. Everybody pretend like you love each other!"
"Now tickle the littles!"
"Keep tickling!"
"Don't stop!"
"Everybody lay on your backs with your head propped up on your neighbor's shoulder. Now look up and smile like this isn't going to take forever to get everybody to look at the same time 😅"
"Lay down with your head on his thigh. Look into each other's eyes."
"Lovingly stroke her chin."
"Stop talking about her chin hairs!"
"Think about the last time your husband farted in public...Are you actually thinking about it??" Her: "No, I'm laughing at the time he fell down in the grocery store!"
"Look at me like you can't believe the love of your life is laughing so hard at that!"
"Alright, now I'm going to steal you away. This is your time. You two are more than just parents, you're also a couple. A couple in love. So I'm going to remind you of that. Hold hands while you walk, remembering your first walk together. Tell each other what you were thinking and how nervous you were."
"Now let's heat things up. Get as close as you can. Grab on to her leg and bring it close. Hold his chin as you bring him in for a kiss. Think about your first kiss."
"Hold hands, rest your head on his shoulder, and look at me. Nate, look over your right shoulder."
"Touch foreheads and noses. Who has better jokes?"
"Go in for a light kiss. Kiss with your teeth."
"Keep close and think about the life you've created for you and your beautiful family."
"Stand looking away from me. Prop the babes up over your shoulder. All kiddos look at me and say cheeeeeese!"
Hope you enjoyed these photos and their prompts! Photos should be fun and I'm here to show you how it's done. I absolutely love my clients and creating these memories for them. I seriously have the best job in the world.
P.S. Two tools I use for my sessions are the Unscripted App for posing and the online personal styling site Style & Select. Check them out! They've been two of the most helpful tools I've invested in for my business. Peep the outfit details below.
Mama's Dress: Baltic Born
Dad's Pants: Banana Republic
Older Son's Outfit: Old Navy
Baby Boy's Outfit: Old Navy