You’ve been thinking about having a beautiful black-and-white portrait of yourself on the wall. You’ve even thought about booking. Then the doubts creep in. “What if I hate how I look?”
“I never know what to do in front of a camera.” “I’m just not photogenic.” “I always look odd in photos.” Does it sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. Nearly everyone gets a bit nervous before a shoot, me included. What do I do with my hands? Which is my good side? Should I smile? How much?
Relax, you can forget all of that. There will be no studio setup, no lights, and nobody asking you to strike a pose. Posing is for magazine covers, not for the rest of us. All you have to do is be yourself.
Here are the three questions you’ve probably been asking yourself, and how to get past that camera shyness:
1. Where should we do the shoot?
Most people think a portrait means a studio. But the best ones happen where you feel at home: your living room, your favourite corner of the garden, the workshop where you lose track of time, or the place you first met your partner.
Ask yourself: where do I feel most like me? Where am I most comfortable?
Wherever that is, that’s where we’ll shoot.
2. What should I wear?
We’ve all been there, standing in front of the wardrobe with no idea what to put on. The good news is that it’s easier than you think.
Wear something you love and feel comfortable in, something that feels like you. Colour matters less than you’d imagine. Plain colours look especially good in black and white.
Bring your favourite ring, necklace or watch, and we’ll decide together on the day. Got a hat you’re never seen without? Why not? Let’s put it in the picture.
If you wear make-up, please have it done before I arrive. It saves time.
A couple of things to avoid:
Tight clothes and shoes. They’ll make you uncomfortable, and that shows on your face, so leave them out.
Lumberjack checks and busy patterns. They draw the eye away from you.
Most importantly, whatever the dos and don’ts, please remember: this portrait is for your wall, not your Instagram feed. It’s all about you, who you really are and what makes you, you! Clothes are only a small part of that. There’s no need to go shopping for the photoshoot. Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, and the rest takes care of itself.
3. What else should I bring?
It’s often the little things around you that make a portrait yours.
Do you play the guitar, the violin or another instrument? Have a hobby that helps you unwind? Add them in. These are the things that help tell your story.
And your dog or cat is more than welcome. They’re a part of your family too, and they bring a warmth nothing else can.
Leave the rest to me
We’ll start with a relaxed chat so I can get to know you a little. Then we’ll ease into it, with no rush at all. Expect an easy, unhurried session.
Before you know it, your portrait will be hanging on your wall, it’ll bring a smile to your face every time you walk past it.
Got questions? Don’t be shy. Tap the button below and I’ll get back to you.
