I think after what to wear, “What will this be like?” may be the next biggest question on client’s minds before a session. Sometimes I get to photograph weddings where someone watched a friend get married, or a friend asks me to take their family photos, but there are many people who I get to meet for the first time when they become clients!

Every photographer is different – we all have different personalities, different shooting styles, even different preferred light. So this is just the way I work!

First of all, I will say that I feel like I have come a long way in my ability to talk to people I don’t know. This didn’t come naturally for me in my everyday life. I told a friend recently that I used to have to consciously shift into “Photographer Mode” when shooting, because in real life I felt shy, but clients want to be told what to do! They don’t want someone whispering behind the camera and leaving them standing awkwardly in silence. I told her that the longer I do this, the easier it is to be in “photographer mode” and talk to strangers.

When I first meet you for a session, I will take a minute to just talk to you! I am not a fan of feeling awkward, and I don’t want you to feel awkward, so I don’t really leave a lot of room for that! I also love meeting people and hearing about their story, so I will ask you lots of questions to get to know more about you. Learning about people really is my favourite part of my job. So many different stories.

During our session, while I am taking pictures of you, I will also talk a lot. Kind of a pattern here! 🙂 Since you can’t see yourself, I will be directing you and talking you through everything. I pay attention to the way you stand to help you do it in a way that is flattering. I think every client has heard my “posing spiel” on a generally flattering pose for women. I like to tell you why I do things and keep you from standing still in one pose for too long. And I want you to feel confident in how you’re doing! Also, I believe in giving men something to do with their hands! 🙂

With couple sessions, I generally start with movement, because everyone feels uncomfortable for a few minutes while they get used to being in front of the camera, and moving helps with that. And I’ll say it again – EVERYONE feels uncomfortable at first. But we work through those first few minutes and it wears off!

I will try to get shots that are close up, farther away, horizontal, and landscape. So I may move around more than you do! I will give you prompts of things to do so you aren’t left standing stiff and still like statues. I love real looks and laughs, especially laughs. So feel free to laugh at me. 😉

During your session, I would encourage you to enjoy just being together, focusing on the two of you and your relationship. Guys, if you want to kiss that girl, by all means feel free. If you want to hold her hand, rub her back, anything affectionate – you just go ahead. You’re marrying this girl! And ladies, give that guy lots of compliments and reassuring smiles. He is most likely doing engagement pictures only for you. 😉 I am so excited for you two!

 

To book an engagement session, or get more information, simply click the “Contact Me” link above and send me a message! You can also email me at kinsey@kinseyholt.com.

 

After booking your engagement session, you will receive  my Engagement Session Guide, with tips on hair, makeup, what to wear, how to prepare, etc.