How do you prepare the morning of your shoots?
Once I get to the studio, I turn on the lights, pick some fun music, put away any clean lingerie and sheets that came back from the cleaner, and just do a general walk-through to make sure the Roomba did a good job the night before. Lastly, I look over the client questionnaire, one last time before the client arrives.
Are there any routines you have that help you get into photographer mode?
Not really, I like to listen to music in the studio pretty loud before the client gets there. What type of music just depends on my mood… but more than likely it has to have swear words and a strong beat!
Can you describe what it feels like for you to meet your clients face to face for the first time?
For me, it feels pretty normal. I have usually spoken to or met them in person for their consultation.
How do you help your clients ease their nerves upon entering the studio?
Once the client comes in, we have some small talk, like how was your morning? Are you ready for this? How was the drive? Then we look through her outfits and decide if we need to look through the client's closet. Then we just chat during hair and make-up. We talk about life, kids, work etc.
What advice do you share with clients before shoot time?
Just that is going to be a lot of fun today and you can’t mess it up!
Once hair and makeup is done and you and your client are going through their outfits, what are the main things you look out for in their piece and the order they wear them in?
( I do this before hair and makeup actually) it helps the makeup artist know what color palette we are working with. I am looking for variety but my 3 favorites are: something comfy/casual (like a slouchy sweater or oversized tee), a bra and panty set, and a bodysuit. I also am looking to make sure the colors all work together…and yes I want there to be 1 outfit that is something other than black or white.
How do you decide what poses to guide each client through?
It usually depends on the client. From everything to her wardrobe to flexibility will determine what poses I do.
Can you describe what shoot time is like for you?
What are you thinking about, what are you doing, what might you be saying? My brain starts with let's do this pose, then I usually need to show it. Then I am thinking about whether she looks comfortable, does this look like something she would actually do, does it feel right. I am probably standing on something telling my client to breathe. I usually feel like I am running around like a maniac.
Are there any things that you and your clients talk about as you move from pose to pose?
Depends, I move pretty quickly between poses so most of the time it is me setting up for the next shot. But if it was anything it would be something like “yep, it isn’t as complicated as you think.”
How do you make your clients feel empowered throughout shoot time?
I am their hype girl. I let them know how great they are doing throughout the process. I also show them the back of the camera, just so they know how great they are doing…even if it feels weird.
How does it feel for you to watch your clients come alive and transform during their sessions?
It is the neatest thing to have someone trust you enough to show you a side of them that very few people ever see.
What are some common things that clients say after their photoshoot is over?
That was so much fun, It was the best day ever, I can’t believe how easy it was.
Is it normal for your clients to get emotional when they see their images on the back of the camera?
I wouldn’t say emotional. They are just kind of in awe that it is them.
What is the most inspiring part of shoot day?
For me, it is watching them leave. They have big smiles and have a renewed pep in their step. I love that they leave feeling like nothing can stop them.
How do you spend your evenings after your shoots? Is there anything special you do to decompress and unwind?
A session is definitely mentally and physically draining. I am posing right along with the client and then I am thinking about posing, lighting, and getting the shot I want. So, I usually go home and crash on the couch for about an hour before doing anything else. Then decide on dinner and then try and do a walk before I sit down and look at the computer again.
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