BEFORE THE SHOOT

CHOOSe THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER

Ideally, you should feel like the photographer is someone you can communicate with easily and someone who will guide you through the process, rather than simply telling you what to do. Your photographer should have lots of communication with you pre-shoot but never feel like you can't ask further questions. Communicate your nerves to your photographer so they understand and can talk you through your concerns; a good photographer will accommodate to put you at ease. Building trust and feeling comfortable with them can make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. It's a collaborative project, share your ideas with your photographer and discuss your desired outcomes.


SET THE RIGHT MINDSET

Before you even step in front of the camera, it’s important to mentally prepare for the photoshoot. Your mindset can make all the difference in how you feel and perform. Acknowledge the nerves but don't let them control you. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous and apprehensive about the process especially if you’re not used to being photographed. Instead of pushing these feelings aside, acknowledge them. Tell yourself that it's okay to have nervous energy, but don't let it stop you from being present and authentic. Ask yourself how you can channel that energy into excited energy instead.


FOCUS ON BREATHING AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Breathing is one of the easiest ways to calm your nerves and regain control of your body. When we’re anxious, our breathing tends to become shallow, which can make us feel even more stressed. Slow, deep breaths can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more grounded. My midwife taught me a hypno birthing breath technique which I still carry forward with me today. There's usually a door frame in sight - breath in for four counts, drawing your eye up the left hand side of the frame, hold the breath for four counts as you run your eye across the top of the door frame and then slowly release your breath to the count of four and allow your eye to follow down the right hand side


VISUALISE SUCCESS

Spend a few minutes before your shoot visualising yourself having a great photoshoot. Imagine yourself moving confidently, laughing, and having fun with the photographer. Visualising positive outcomes can calm nerves and build confidence.



Brand portrait of a female illustrator dressed in green, sat on a blue sofa with a cup in hand, mid conversation and laughing.
Relaxed brand photo of artist in striped top, sitting at her laptop and laughing in green office
business owner in checked shirt, sat at handcrafted wooden table with glassware, laughing

CHOOSING YOUR OUTFIT/S

This is so much more than just choosing your brand colours. You need to feel confident AND comfortable. I will help you with this in the planning stages of your session but it's so crucial to not be constantly wanting to adjust because something doesn't fit quite right. Practice sitting and standing in the outfit to make sure it's really comfortable. Lay your outfit's out the day before your session, you do not want to realise the top you had planned to wear is in the wash when you need to leave! Decide before the day how your hair will be, if you're hiring a hair and make up artist to help you feel your best on the day, if not, plan out how you'd like it styled ( again this is something I can guide you on). Would having your nails done make you feel extra confident and ready? Don't forget perfume; it makes every bit of difference to how you feel on the day!


DURING THE SHOOT


ASK FOR DIRECTION

I will absolutely be gently directing you all the time through your session but if you’re unsure of how to pose or what to do with your hands, don’t be afraid to ask for direction.


Work on Relaxing Your Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes. In photos, you want to look confident and natural. However, when you’re tense or uncomfortable, it can show in your posture and facial expressions. I love having music playing during a photoshoot so that when I do have to stop talking (it doesn't happen often because I tend to talk loads when photographing you, but sometimes I have to basically stop breathing to get THE shot) then it's not silent. It's also a great mood booster and we can have a sing and dance around the shots - I love it when a client has a playlist they want on.

It can be really easy to stiffen up when you're stood, try gently moving like rocking back and forth on your feet, this not only creates more visually interesting photos but it also loosens you up. Energy is really visual so if you can feel yourself feeling nervous whilst shooting, do whatever funky moves you need to do to shake it out, I'll join you so you're not alone!


This isn't a school photo day!

I think sometimes the school photo day feeling can enter our mind when we think about a brand photoshoot - 'sit still, straight, look at the camera and smile'. This is absolutely not a branding photoshoot. There will be some of you looking directly at the camera, of course, it's a great audience connection tool but I also often capture those shots whilst you're naturally looking at me. A branding photoshoot day is a constantly moving process, some of the captures will just be you working away and me lighting and composing the photo beautifully to capture what you do - aesthetically. Like I say, I chat a lot and therefore you are naturally engaging in conversation, the smiles and laughs we capture are genuine reaction which is so much nicer than 'can you just pretend to laugh for me' because honestly - that would be me out the door if I was in front of the camera.


USE YOUR HANDS

Know what to do with your hands is the number one thing people struggle with when in front of the camera. I'll guide you through this throughout the photo session but here are some ideas to think about

  • Rest your hands in your pockets
  • Lightly touch your hair or adjust your outfit
  • Hold your product or a prop relevant to your brand
  • Place your hands on your hips or lightly crossed in front of you
  • Be holding your favourite cup

Some takeaways for you


none of my clients have ever hated their session or their photos

That's not to brag (!) But even clients who have said to me before the shoot, I know I need to do this but I'm actually dreading it, have emailed me after their shoot to say thank you, they really enjoyed it, it was fun and relaxed. Once they've received their gallery they say they can't wait to book another session and they didn't expect to love photos of themselves. I promise you, you're not the only one with these feelings and I'm so open to chatting over any concerns you have.


Don’t Be Afraid to Move

Incorporating some movement into your photos can make you appear more relaxed. Shift your weight, walk, or adjust your hair. You don’t have to be perfectly still in every shot—movement brings dynamism and authenticity to your photos.


Use Your Hands

A common challenge for many people in photos is not knowing what to do with their hands. Here are some natural hand placements:

  • Rest your hands in your pockets
  • Lightly touch your hair or adjust your outfit
  • Hold your product or a prop relevant to your brand
  • Place your hands on your hips or lightly crossed in front of you


Allow yourself to enjoy it

Allow yourself to relax into the session and trust the process, the more you're able to do that, the more you'll get from the session and the more magic will be created within the gallery.