Photo anxiety: fear, confusion and self-apprehension often seem to creep inside the minds of my couples, before they understand the unique approach to photo sessions.
What if we smile too much or too little?
Should we kiss all the time, or just when we are told to?
How should we stand?
What do we do with our hands?
We are not models! We will look strange in these photos, won’t we?
It’s not surprising that thoughts such as the above cross the minds of couples who associate a classic photo shoot session with stiff poses, fake smiles and a final image which somehow has little energy, personality and the visible love which joined the couple in the first place. Photo anxiety is real!
However, the above is simply not true during my photo engagement and wedding sessions. I create a comfortable, casual and fun atmosphere because I understand that a great image is much more than a technically well constructed perfect picture.
My images look natural because they are natural. I achieve this through my experience while working with my great couples, and my believe that each great photo shoot captures the spirit of the people and not a perfectly executed posse. So how exactly does this approach work in practice?
During the session, I provide basic placement and orientation suggestions for my couples, instead of strict prescribed posses which usually result in stiff looking photographs. For example, I may ask you to walk towards me casually while holding hands but I will usually not dictate how you should hold hands as that would take away from the natural look of the photograph.
Next, I focus on the most important part of any great image, mainly the connection between the people in the photograph. In my example, as you walk together towards my camera, I may ask you to stop, turn towards each other and on the count of three together say the place where you first kissed. The results, of course, are not only surprising, often entertaining, but also very natural in front of the camera.
It’s not how perfectly you pose that I will capture through my lenses but the relationship and emotions which shine through when you are truly present in the moment with your partner.
Over time I found that this type of casual and natural approach creates sessions which are not only truly fun for me and my couples, but which also provide very unique, authentic and remarkable images which I’m proud to share.
As hard as it may seem, I urge you to cast your fears aside and think of a great photo session as a fun, casual and even entertaining part of your engagement session or wedding day. It’s not unusual for my couples to comment after the photo shoot “Wow we had a great time and we felt so much more comfortable in front of your camera than we thought we would”.
I certainly can’t wait to spend those unique moments with you. It’s what makes my work such a pleasure.
Everglow Photography – Voted as Best Wedding Photographer in Toronto, Canada.
International Wedding Photographer for Adventurous Couples.
