The Vulnerability of Being a Subject // part three.

Over the past year of photographing people, I've been exploring the vulnerability of being a subject because I want my clients to feel like being photographed is natural and effortless. Last week I covered some of my experiences with photographing people who aren't comfortable or aren't accustomed to being photographed and advised photographers to put themselves in their clients' place and model for someone. If you're considering having photos taken, this post is for you.

The first thing to consider is the reason why you're having photos taken. As is well known, there are many different kinds of photography, all with different purposes. For example, boudoir is about empowerment, while engagement is about showcasing your relationship. When you choose your wardrobe, your location, and your photographer, the reason you are having photos taken should frame how you plan for your session. Don't simply choose a location you like, an outfit you like, etc. If you're looking for engagement photos and you're a youthful couple, find a location which suits the nature of your relationship. Coordinate with your partner. If you have a boudoir shoot scheduled your location will be much more limited, but you may have some freedom in the style of the photography. With this approach, the reason you're having photos taken will unite with the details to create a cohesive story that is a genuine reflection of who you are.

Once you have your session booked, it's time to start thinking about location and wardrobe. Now, you may be thinking, "Why do I have to do all this work when I've hired someone?" The truth is, this is the stuff you're already going to consider anyway. When brainstorming locations, consider whether you would like to be indoor, outdoor,  or both. Consider the time of day, and make sure it's not going to be too dark. Make a list of locations that are personal and meaningful to you, and locations that you think fit your personality and share them with your photographer. They may have some great ideas, too! Planning your wardrobe is similar.  Choose outfits that reflect your personality, mesh with the character of your location, and don't forget to coordinate with other people in the photo. The most important thing with clothing is that you feel flattered and confident in them. What you're doing when you choose a location and your wardrobe is setting the stage for you to feel your best during your session.

Now that you have your location and wardrobe planned, the next thing to do is get yourself excited and feeling good. The day of your session, you want to feel as good as you can both physically and mentally. Maybe you treat yourself to a quick stop at the spa the morning of your shoot, or if your session is in the morning, maybe you pamper yourself the night before. Physical discomfort has a way of peeking through in the photos, so it's important to feel your best. While you're pampering yourself, take time to appreciate yourself, and recognize that you are beautiful and you are worthy of being photographed. Reflect on all the things you love about yourself and just rest in that. You don't have to know how to "work the camera" or be a model to be photogenic. You're beautiful and you're enough just as you are, and you deserve to go into your session living that truth.

It's the day of your session. You've pampered yourself, you're well rested, you're feeling great about yourself, and you are on your way to meet your photographer. You've paved the way to have a nice, relaxing photo shoot, and the only thing left to do is relax. You know best what relaxes you in the moment. Do what you can to release nervous tension from your muscles, and work out any stiff physical sensations you have before you begin your session. Tense muscles and stiffness show up in photos as looking unnatural, forced, posed and sometimes even uncomfortable. None of these things make for great photos. It's not on you to make beautiful photos, but we all want to look our best and love the way we look. Practicing these things will help you look and feel your best in front of the camera which will translate to images you will love forever.

So that's it. Have a vision for your session, brainstorm ideas for location and plan your wardrobe accordingly, pamper and give yourself extra care, recognize and believe your own beauty, and relax. If you anticipate these things, you will have so much more fun with your session. The vulnerability of being photographed will be far less intimidating, and more of an opportunity to show you at your best. And isn't that the whole point of being photographed?