5 Tips to Enjoy Having Your Picture Taken
Having your picture taken is a vulnerable experience. I get it. It’s hard for me too. But it has taught me so much about human connection. I believe documenting your time here on planet earth is so worth it. I’ve had the great fortune of photographing a lot of women. Women amaze me with their strength and fortitude. And at the same time, I hate how we are so hard on ourselves. Especially the way we look. I’ve heard some pretty disparaging comments like this:
I just ate so many carbs this past weekend, I look like a bloated whale so try to shoot from my shoulders up please.
I hate my nose, it is so big, can you adjust it in Photoshop?
I’ve got these ugly jowls just like my mom. Is there anything you can do to make them not show?
I wish my teeth were whiter.
Can you make me look 10 years younger?
I get it, I really do. We all want to put our best face forward. And at the same time, I wish we could just be our real selves. There’s a happy medium. I’m all for making you look like your best self and I’ll do everything I can to support that while clicking the shutter. But, I also want you to own your beauty, your worth and your authenticity.. Just like Lionel says “You are so beautiful to me…can’t you see?”
Here are 5 tips to enjoy having your picture taken:
Wear something that you really love—but don’t overthink it. Do you feel great in that flowy green dress that you never get the opportunity to wear? Wear it! You’ll shine in it if you love it. Alternatively, if you feel your best in a t-shirt and jeans, wear it. In today’s day and age, the rules are off the table. You wear what makes you feel good about yourself. Be you and don’t worry about being matchy matchy.
Let go and follow my lead. It’s my job to tell you what to do with your hands not yours! Sometimes I’ll have you stop and think about a memory or a feeling so your authenticity shows up.
Speak up. If you have a “best side” or you have certain poses or angles that you hate, then tell me. I will always do my best to position you in a flattering way.
Remember that these photos are capturing a moment in time. There will be so many different moments in your life, so settle into the present moment.
Don’t be afraid of my gaze. When I’m looking through my viewfinder, I’m not only working on framing you and the composition, but I’m also adjusting my exposure, reading the numbers on the inside of my camera. So, remember just because my lens is pointed at you, doesn’t mean I’m staring at you!