“Human connection is the most vital aspect of our existence. Without the sweet touch of another being, we are lonely stars in an empty space waiting to shine gloriously.” >>Joe Straynge
One of the most common concerns I hear from couples and families when planning a photo session is that they don’t think they take good pictures. They want to capture their moments but worry they’ll appear stiff, overweight or awkward in their photographs. If you, too, have these feelings, I’d love to share some insight with you!
We live in a world where we are bombarded on a daily basis with photographs, both online and on social media. We see women and girls with their hair and makeup perfectly done, wearing beautiful outfits or flowing dresses and men and boys dressed in the perfect color-coordinated clothes that look like they stepped out of a movie. We see these images set among majestic backdrops and creamy colors or dramatic black and white tones. They look happy and perfect, like they are Hollywood actors, and we can’t imagine how we’d ever take similar photographs.
Friend, let me share some secrets with you! You may focus on the clothing, the hair and makeup, the location, etc, and yes, those parts do play a significant role in the final product, but what’s even more important? What’s the magic, secret ingredient that is really drawing you into those images?
It’s CONNECTION!!!
Connection is the difference between two people in love who can hold each other’s gaze from across the room and two people who don’t really know each other and don’t feel that magnetic pull. It’s about connection to nature and the ground below your feet and the wind blowing through your hair. Connection to the energy that runs through you. Make sense? If you don’t believe me, scroll through the Instagram feeds of family and couples photographers. Look into the images and focus on how they make you feel, not just what you see.
The magic of a photograph is how it makes you feel and those feelings come from the magnetic connection between the people in the photograph and the elements that surround them.
This is the secret ingredient in any photo session.
You can add depth to your session experience by including these elements: Selecting outfits that appear timeless and allow you to move freely without appearing skin-tight. Ensuring your clothing colors all compliment each other and share a similar style and color palette. Hiring someone for your hair and makeup or giving yourself the time to do these things yourself before you have to dress the family. If you are shooting your session on the beach or a mountain-top, consider the elements and plan for them with hairstyles and clothing that move well with the wind and temperature! If you feel you are overweight, choose outfits that don’t highlight those extra pounds! But never let your weight be the reason you skip out on taking pictures! We all have things we’d like to improve on but your children won’t look back on your photographs one day and focus on your size. They will focus on how they felt the day your photos were taken and the love you gave them.
Choosing a photographer who knows how to create the moments that will capture your connection, makes all the difference in the final product! It’s normal for couples and families to feel nervous and unsure of how to move or what to do. Make sure you choose a photographer who will make you feel comfortable and guide you into the special moments that will capture the connection you all share. There’s more to it than simply figuring out the lighting and pushing the camera buttons!
Personally, I believe our most authentic, connected moments are when we are focused on each other and not the camera. When we can let go of this idea of “perfect” and allow ourselves to just move and flow together. To share love, joy, happiness, loss, laughter, tears, and more than anything, the magnetic connection that brought you together. I love helping families and couples find these moments through my camera lens!
If you are ready to capture your own connections, let’s chat and plan your special session today!
