There is something about the wedding photographer's experience for their clients that I admire and wish I could implement. Unfortunately, it's not really practical. The element that wedding photographers have over portrait photographers is that they get time with their clients BEFORE the big day. The engagement session is hugely important for the success of the wedding day but why? What does it give the client and photographer? And what can portrait photographers do to provide the same service in a different way? Keep reading to find out! No matter how long you've dreamed of having a certain photographer do your photos, no matter how well you feel like you know them from stalking them online (yes, it's okay to admit :), there is something different to meeting them in person. A lot of people have nerves about getting their photos taken anyway, and meeting a new person on top of that can be overwhelming!
Wedding photographers know this. Every wedding photographer that I know includes an engagement session with their wedding package for at least two reasons - first, because they know that engagement photos are important memories to have and want to provide you with excellent service but even more so is because it is a chance for their clients to get really comfortable with them before they spend the biggest day of the client's lives together. Imagine meeting your wedding photographer for the first time on the day of your wedding! Not a great thing for either party and wedding photographers know it. But portrait photographers don't have sessions with multiple facets to them. We have one day and that's it. Our clients come back for future sessions, but that first interaction is a one-and-done. There is no set up for a bigger event. I consider this a huge challenge to my senior sessions because senior photos are a BIG. DEAL! Seniors want to look good and there is so much going on in their life besides their photos. Honestly, it might be the busiest event in their lives until their wedding. So how do we overcome the hurdle of not meeting our seniors (and other clients) until the day of the session? I can't speak for every portrait photographer but I will definitely let you in on my workflow. Firstly, I educate. A client who knows exactly what to expect and what is expected of them is going to show up to their session much more relaxed and ready for the camera. I also make it a point to personally welcome my clients in a special way! Second, I don't show up with my camera out, ready to go. We take the first few minutes to talk and just be people. Sometimes this is built in as we walk to the location, but if we are right there when we arrive, I'll create space for some conversation. The third thing I do is keep the conversation going even after we start shooting! I talk to my seniors throughout their session because it helps it feel like we are just hanging out and there happens to be some posing and smiling in the middle :) I treat my senior sessions like we are friends enjoying the day. Want to know a secret? Even after talking, the first 10 minutes or so of shooting will probably feel a little awkward and THAT"S OKAY!!! It's normal and natural and IT WILL PASS! Even though I'm behind the camera a lot, I know what it feels like to be in front of it and I can tell you, it gets better as the session goes on. Seniors, what are your biggest concerns about your getting your senior photos taken? What are you most excited about?
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Hi! I'm Sarah!
I am a natural light portrait photographer. I've been taking photos since 2014 and would eat a smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe for lunch everyday if I could. Thank you so much for stopping by. I blog about sessions, things I'm learning, stuff in my life, and information for YOU, my client. If you like what you see around the site, I'd love to work with you! I'd also love to connect with you on Instagram. I'm @sarah_jayne_photo :) Archives
April 2024
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