Look Better Than Your Friends: Posing Guide
I rarely snap photos of myself. I had a fellow photographer help take some brand photos of myself and I had no idea what I was doing in front of the camera. I am a master at posing others but when it came to me looking good in front of a camera, I was just as nervous as the next person! With that being said, If I was going to tell others how to take pictures, I need to learn how to pose myself !
Posing for photos is an art that anyone can master with a few simple tips. Here's your guide to looking confident and natural in front of the lens:
1. Relax and Breathe:
Before you strike a pose, take a deep breath and relax. Tension can show in photos, so try to be at ease. This will help you look more natural and comfortable.
2. Find Your Angle:
This is a big one! Experiment with different angles to discover your most flattering side. Not everyone has a "good side," so don't be afraid to try a variety of poses to see what works best for you. ( No one is judging!)
3. Posture Matters:
Stand tall with good posture. Pull your shoulders back, elongate your neck, and avoid slouching. This not only makes you look more confident but also enhances the overall appeal of the photograph. Even if it does not feel natural, it looks great on my end!
4. Relax Your Hands:
Keep your hands relaxed and natural. Avoid stiff or awkward hand positions. You can place your hands on your hips, let them hang by your sides, or interact with your surroundings for a more casual look.
5. Try Putting All of Your Weight On One Side:
Shift your weight slightly from one foot to the other to create a more strong and interesting pose. This small adjustment can add a touch of fluidity to your stance.
6. *Engage with Your Eyes:*
They always say, “The eyes are the windows to the soul”, so engage with the camera by focusing on it. Whether you're smiling or maintaining a more serious expression, a connection through the eyes can make your photos more captivating.
7. Be Natural in Movement:
Definitely easier said than done, but capture candid moments by incorporating natural movements. Walk, twirl, or play with your hair to add a sense of authenticity into your poses.
8. Practice Facial Expressions:
Experiment with different facial expressions in front of a mirror. Discover what looks and feels most genuine for you, whether it's a smile, a gaze, or a subtle smirk. I promise you it will help on the day of your session.
9. Choose Outfits Authentic To You:
Wear outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Clothes that fit well and complement you can enhance the overall look of your photos.
10. Lastly, Have Fun:
Most importantly, have fun during the photoshoot. Enjoy the process and let your genuine personality shine through. A relaxed and joyful demeanor often results in the best photos.
Remember, it's not about being a professional model but embracing your uniqueness. With these simple tips, you'll be posing like a pro in no time!
Think The Game
I played basketball my whole life. I started out when I was 5 years old. I learned the fundamentals of how to pass, how to shoot, how to dribble. I thought I was pretty good, especially against my competition growing up. Eventually I wanted to play against better competition, so I decided to play AAU summer basketball. I played against the best of the best guys, most guys on my team went to play for D1, D2 colleges, and even some of the guys I played against play in the NBA today. When I first started playing on my AAU team, I knew that I could compete but I really struggled starting out. It was my first time being on a team where I wasn’t the best player. I remember this like it was yesterday. My coach at the time knew I was struggling and he pulled me to the side, and he told me “Joe, don’t just play the game, think the game.”. When I heard that, I didn’t understand what he meant, but then it clicked for me. Basketball is a game, in order to be successful (especially against more talented players than you) against the best, you have to use more than just your skills, you have to use your brain as well. That was eye opening for me because I was trying to do everything that I did before when I was the best player on my school team. I had to adjust and be better, I had to actually think about what I was doing on the court to see success.
Now I was getting somewhere with this story LOL. I’ve tried to apply that same principle to my photography work today. Don’t just take pictures; think about what you’re shooting. If you want to grow, you have to find ways to get out of your comfort zone. My approach to photography is that I’m constantly thinking about how I can shoot this a different way, why I am lighting my photos like this, what my image means, and how I can take a better photo than I just took. You won’t take the perfect photo every time, but you have to learn from the mistakes to find your voice. Those are the best creatives to me— the ones with a voice, the ones whose work means something and is not just copying and pasting other people’s work. I challenge you to find your voice, think the game.
5 Effective Tips for Setting Photography Goals in 2024
For the last few years, I decided to get serious about setting goals for my photography business, and I learned some pretty cool stuff along the way. Here’s a quick rundown:
1. Get Clear About What You Want:
First things first, figure out what you really want from your photography. Do you want to take more nature shots, nail those portrait gigs, or just make enough to upgrade your camera? Having a clear goal in mind makes all the difference.
2. Be Specific with Your Goals:
I learned about SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound), and it’s a game-changer. Instead of just saying "I want more clients," try saying, "I want to book 5 new clients by March." It’s way more motivating!
3. Keep Learning and Growing:
There’s always something new to learn in photography. Set goals to pick up new techniques and maybe even add some cool new services. It keeps things fresh and exciting.
4. Network and Connect
I realized how important it is to connect with other photographers and people in the industry. Wether it’s joining photography groups, attending workshops, or just reaching out to photographers you admire on social media, building a network can lead to new opportunities and friendships
5. Check-In and Be Flexible:
The plan is to keep an eye on your goals and not be too rigid. If something’s not working, be ready to switch it up. The photography world moves fast, and I want to keep up!
So, there you have it – my top 5 tips for setting photography goals. Whether you’re a pro or just starting, I hope these help you make this year your best yet behind the lens! 📸
Careers Project for DocuSign In Seattle, Wa
One of my favorite projects this year was shooting for Docusign Inc. It was a location shoot at their headquarters in Seattle, Washington. We flew out to the office and shot about 25 of their employees for their new careers website (careers.docusign.com). A big underrated part about the trip was how beautiful Seattle is. It was my first time there so I did not really have any expectations. Now back to the shoot LOL! Even though it was a lot of fun, It came with challenges as well. My strong suit is people, and my favorite thing on set is interacting with my subjects for them to be as comfortable as possible to get the best possible photo. On the other hand, one of my weaker areas is multi-tasking, cant stand it. I will do it if I absolutely have to, but would rather not. 😂
Hiring a first assistant in Maurice was great on set. He did all of the dirty work! Things like making sure I am properly tethered, Getting my subjects water and snacks when they need it, managing the lighting, etc. He did the small things for me so that I could focus on getting the perfect photo. 📸
I was very pleased with the outcome. We got a great result with real expressions and left a lasting impression! 😄
We Are In The Costumer Business, NOT the Photography Business.
Book more photography gigs
Customer service is a crucial aspect of any business, and photography is no exception. In the highly competitive world of photography, providing outstanding customer service can set you apart from the rest and lead to repeat clients, positive referrals, and a solid reputation. In this blog post, we will explore some key strategies and practices I have learned that can help you provide excellent customer service as a photographer.
1. Clear Communication
Effective communication is the foundation of good customer service. From the initial inquiry to the final delivery of the photographs, maintain clear and prompt communication with your clients. Be responsive to their questions, concerns, and feedback. Clearly explain your services, pricing, timelines, and any other relevant details. Keep your clients informed about the progress of their projects and make sure they feel heard and valued throughout the entire process.
2. Understanding Client Expectations
Take the time to understand your clients' needs and expectations. Listen actively to their vision, requirements, and preferences. Ask detailed questions to gather information that will help you deliver exactly what they are looking for. By understanding their goals, you can tailor your approach and style to meet their specific needs. This understanding will result in a more personalized and satisfactory experience for your clients.
3. Building Rapport and Trust
Building a strong rapport with your clients is essential for a positive customer service experience. Show genuine interest in their stories, projects, or events. Take the time to connect on a personal level, which can foster trust and a comfortable working relationship. Being personable, approachable, and attentive will help your clients feel at ease, leading to better collaboration and ultimately, happier clients.
4. Delivering High-Quality Work
One of the most important aspects of providing exceptional customer service as a photographer is consistently delivering high-quality work. Strive for excellence in every aspect of your photography, from capturing images to post-processing and final delivery. Pay attention to detail, maintain consistency in your style and editing, and ensure your work reflects your clients' vision. When clients receive exceptional results, they feel valued and satisfied.
5. Timely Delivery
Meeting or exceeding deadlines is crucial to providing excellent customer service. Clearly communicate your turnaround times to clients and ensure you deliver their photographs within the agreed-upon timeframe. If any unforeseen circumstances arise that may delay the delivery, keep your clients informed and manage their expectations. Timely delivery demonstrates professionalism and reliability, and it leaves a lasting positive impression.
6. Going the Extra Mile
To truly provide outstanding customer service, be willing to go the extra mile for your clients. Offer them additional support, advice, or resources related to their photography needs. Provide a personalized touch, such as a small gift or a handwritten note, to show your appreciation for their business. Anticipate their needs and exceed their expectations whenever possible. These thoughtful gestures can leave a lasting impression and build long-term client relationships.
7. Post-Service Follow-Up
After completing a photography project, follow up with your clients to ensure their satisfaction and address any lingering questions or concerns. Request feedback on their experience and ask if there is anything else you can do to assist them. This post-service follow-up shows that you care about their experience beyond the initial transaction, and it allows you to continuously improve your customer service based on their feedback.
8. Handle Challenges with Professionalism:
Inevitably, there may be times when challenges arise during a photography project. Whether it's a scheduling conflict, a technical issue, or a disagreement, it's important to handle these situations with professionalism and grace. Listen to your clients' concerns, remain calm, and work towards finding a mutually satisfactory solution. How you handle challenges can have a significant impact on the overall customer service experience.
Exceptional customer service is a powerful tool in building a successful photography business. By prioritizing clear communication, understanding client expectations, building rapport and trust, delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, going the extra mile, and following up post-service, you can create a remarkable customer service experience for your clients. Remember, happy and satisfied clients not only lead to repeat business but also become advocates for your work, helping you grow your reputation and reach new heights in your photography career.