The success of your portrait session relies on this one thing...

The success of your portrait session relies on this one thing...

...and no, it’s not about losing a few pounds before your session! :)

When it’s time for an expert to start thinking about hiring a photographer for a lifestyle portrait session, a lot of variables circle about in their minds. 

They’re focused on finding a premium photographer that not only will capture compelling and flattering photos, but they also want a shooter that understands how those photos are to fit into their specific marketing needs. 

But one important fact that I’ve known since the very first time I photographed a human being is that regardless of the camera, lenses, lights, locations, outfits, the photographer’s overall talent and a well-made plan, all of it is thrown out the window if there isn’t one key ingredient present between photographer and client.

That ingredient?

Rapport.

If you don’t feel comfortable with your photographer, your session will devolve into an exhausting, uphill climb, and that struggle will be written ALL OVER YOUR FACE IN EVERY SINGLE PHOTO.

And what are the chances of you sharing photos through your online presence where you look uncomfortable, uninterested, irritable or downright pissed off?

Yup, that would be a big fat zero.

When creating persuasive image content that illustrates various aspects of your personality in order to visually punctuate the sentiment of every story you share with your audience, you need to be in the right mindset to do so because there’s a lot of nuance and personality that must be captured in these pictures.

That’s why your first step to determine which photographer is right for you starts with qualifying their personality to make sure that they will inspire you to be open, confident and in the present moment throughout your entire session. 

If you feel good in front of the camera, your body is loose, your facial muscles are flexible and primed to create diverse expressions, and your attitude is positive and open to direction.

And you’re actually having fun bantering back and forth with someone who feels like a good friend as they take your pictures :)

So, how can you qualify potential photographer’s personalities before you book one?

First, ask your colleagues about their previous photographer and get the lowdown on how they felt throughout their session. Compile a list of 2-4 potential photographers that sound like they may be a fit for you.

Then, based on the photographers that you’re interested in learning more about, do a little research by looking them up and checking out their online content. Take note of their voice in their writing. Does their tone, humor and overall personality resonate with you or do they feel like a bad fit?

Finally, set up a time to chat with the ones you’re leaning towards. While you’re not ready to make a buying decision at that moment, you will gain immediate insights into whether or not you will have a solid rapport with this particular photographer through an exploratory conversation. 

At the end of the day, a lifestyle portrait session is about creating the assets you need to help capture your audience’s attention to inspire them to care, connect and take action. 

But, in order to deliver on what you need, make sure the person behind the camera is the right choice to inspire you to drop your guard and be yourself in front of the camera. 

Turning to you…

Are you starting to think about your post-pandemic marketing strategy? Toying around with the idea of refreshing your image content portfolio? Not sure where to turn for help just yet?

Well, I am opening up my schedule for limited in-person portrait sessions - very limited, for now.

If you’d like to see if we’re a fit to work together, schedule a call with me and put me through the ringer as I described above and let’s take it from there.