How do I prepare my clients for session?

I am always told, “I don’t look good in photos. I look awkward”. The best thing I can do for them is help prepare them. I try to make sure that clients are at ease before their session and give them tips about what to expect to keep them comfortable even before the session.

Five things I do:

1. Send out emails pretty far in advance about what to expect out of me and what to expect during the shoot.

2. Whenever possible, I discuss what my clients might wear and help them come up with ideas.

3. Scout out locations based on what style my client wants.

4. Something about me is that I can be very awkward; I try to play off my personality. One of my favorite things to do at a shoot is fake laughter. I will make it super uncomfortable, and most of the time people will end up having their real laugh come out because awkwardness can be funny. I love doing that because it creates the most realistic laughing candids.

5. For myself, music can help me relax and, depending on the style of the session I ask my clients what kind of music they like to listen to and bring my little Bose speaker along.