As a photographer, it’s easy to forget what it’s like to be in front of the camera. We spend so much of our lives taking and looking at pictures, that it all becomes second nature. I think it’s a great idea for all of us wedding and portrait photographers to get in front of the lens at least once a year.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I had new business portraits taken by a photographer friend last week. The first thing I noticed was how different it is to be in front of the camera alone. Only about six months prior, Deanna had done my family portraits. Having my little girl next to me during the family portrait session, had me thinking about her instead of the camera.
I should preface this by saying the Deanna is very personable and friendly. She’s someone I feel very comfortable around. In front of the camera, I all of a sudden did not know what to do with my hands, or how to stand. It’s funny because I know what works best visually but with a big lens pointing at me I just freeze. I wondered if my jacket should be open or closed, and felt awkward just sitting!
This experience will make me try to never again tell a portrait subject to “act natural”. Yes, I want natural looking results but I realize that for most people this is not possible to do. About 90% of the time when I am photographing, I have at least two subjects. Whether it be an engaged couple, a group of bridesmaids at a wedding, or a family, I try to get my clients involved in each other. I may ask you to do a silly pose when really what I’m looking for is the laugh that comes after.
It was a good experience to be the model for an hour, and I think it helped me understand my clients just a little better. I can’t wait to see the photos!
