How do photographers capture the genuine YOU during a photo session?
Marlo Moody Photography Tallahassee, Florida
Being in front of a camera is scary and can be extremely uneasy. It is an exposed personal space where you welcome a person into your inner circle. Knowing this and maybe agreeing a little you may think, “How do the photographers capture the genuine you?” Or you may look at a specific image on social media or Pinterest and wonder if your photographer can get your family to look like that. Let’s dive into this specific topic together!
1st. The most important thing you can do is get to know your photographer. Do your due diligence and study their style and how they educate you on their photography process. Go to their website. Look over their portfolio. Marlo Moody Photography - Family (Check me out)! Do you see yourself in the pictures? Do you like the poses that the photographer has directed families into? Another way to get to know your photographer is to inquire about booking. Email Marlo From the website you should find their style and pricing. Now email the photographer and see how they communicate with you. Marlo Moody Photography - Client Corner. Coming from a hospitality background before picking up my camera; I quickly learned to embrace that there is enough love for everyone and it’s important to find a win/win that fits who you are. Not all photographers will be your perfect fit. I am 100% okay with not being your photographer but I would love to be considered and still have the opportunity to connect no matter what you decide. The Tallahassee and North Florida area has incredible and extremely talented photographers. My heart is focused on our community versus any feelings of competition.
2. Family/Client Questionnaire is how I connect with my family on a personal level.
I deeply love building relationships. Part of my booking process is to send each person a questionnaire. This questionnaire is so important to me. Even if you are a loyal client I still ask them to complete a questionnaire for each photo session booked. This gives me an updated insight into what is happening in your precious family. Don’t be shy about telling me all about you and your precious family members. For example, if you just got a new puppy whose name is Penny and she is your daughter's best friend. Or how many years have you and your husband been married? How did you meet your significant other? What kind of activities do you and your family enjoy doing together? Knowing about each of your loved ones allows me to connect with them on a personal level during our photo session. Take time to complete the easy questionnaire!
3. Be YOU! Dress the way you dress when going on a date or when friends are coming over to have cocktails. Comfortable but nice. Don’t wear super high heels if you don’t wear them during a date night with your partner. I highly encourage you to pick one outfit first (hey mom that is a hint for you to go shopping for YOU). Once you have the first outfit for inspiration coordinate the colors around that one outfit. In my family, we are all so different in our likes and dislikes. Take each personality and coordinate with each other. Don’t be afraid to allow the personalities to come out in your shoes and accessories. Sometimes all you need to do is go shopping in your own closet to make this process smoother for you.
4. Before you arrive at the photo shoot, ponder on your precious family. What makes each other laugh? Do you have a funny inside joke or word that you know would make everyone crack up? As an artist, I like to think that I’m seeing your family around a dinner table or everyone is snuggled on a couch watching a favorite movie. Or you are reading next to your child before bed. I want to authentically capture your moments together. Bring with you all the family feelings. Leave at home any frustration or disappointment that might be happening at that moment. Focus on your love for your spouse and your children. Having the right mindset will help you bring the REAL you and help your family bring the real them too.
5. No photo shoot is perfect. Count on meltdowns with children (especially the little ones). As a family photographer, know that I am preparing myself for meltdowns and pivoting when we need to. It is okay for us to take a break. Have a little snack. Or just breathe for a little. I personally work hard before my photography session to create a workflow that fits YOU. (Hint go back to number 2). When the parents have the mindset of having fun and enjoying this special outing with the family then our children will follow. Do something fun with the little children after the photo session as a bonus! Or take the family out to a fun dinner or breakfast as a cherry on top of the entire experience. My goal is to have fun, keep everyone relaxed and enjoy this process.
6. Not all special pictures have a big smile! As a mom, some of my favorite pictures are of my children not smiling. It is a snap image of the numerous faces that they give me during our day-to-day lives. Isn’t that what we want in our images? I don’t want stuffy pictures of my loved ones. I want you to see YOU and freeze how your loved ones look at you in your day-to-day lives. I promise to always capture the images of everyone looking at me plus the bonus documentary images that show you just how beautiful you all are from my view! Let’s connect, capture, and cherish YOU today! Send me an email to get your next family session booked!
