4. Worried about the rain?
Living in Pittsburgh means that rain can be a real threat when it comes to taking photos outside! So, how oh how do you handle things when it looks like it might rain the day of your session?!
There are basically two options: work with the rain, or reschedule! If you decide to work with the rain, you’ll most likely want at least some photos where you aren’t directly in the rain or holding an umbrella. The key: look for locations with natural light that are out of the rain. This could be as simple as finding a large (or small) covered outdoor area (Mellon Institute columns and the David Lawrence Convention Center are popular rain spots in the Pittsburgh area because they have large amounts of natural light AND are covered!). Or, you could use a clear umbrella (clear umbrellas work best cause they let in the most natural light!) to get some shots in areas that do not have an overhang!
5. Worried about seeing things about yourself that make you feel self-conscious?
We all have things we’re self-conscious about when it comes to how we look. The biggest piece of advice I could give when it comes to this worry is to communicate your insecurity with your photographer. It might feel weird, embarrassing, or awkward – but, while some insecurities might be more obvious, others might be more in the beholders eye. I personally always appreciate when a client communicates an insecurity so that I can be EXTRA mindful to pose them or move them in a way that minimizes what they’re worried about.
6. Worried about looking heavy, or being seen from unflattering angles?
So much of this comes down to how a person is posed and the angle from which they are photographed. Certain angles are less flattering, while others are more flattering. For example, shooting from below someone’s eye line or face (with the camera pointed up towards the subject) usually exaggerates features from a negative point of view – the jaw line, hips, thighs, etc. Shooting from a slightly higher angle creates a more flattering silhouette, slimming the face, jaw, hips, and other body parts. Whatever is closer to the camera will appear larger; whatever is further away will appear smaller. Photographers aren’t trying to distort truth by doing this, they’re just trying to find the very best way to flatter their subjects!
Posing is another huge piece of the puzzle. Naturally, there are some poses that are more slimming, and some that are not. Part of the reason why I’m not solely a candid photographer (or, someone who constantly gives movement prompts without any posing at all) is because good posing is VERY flattering – and people want to look good in photos! It’s as simple as that. The key, for me, is to strike a balance between helping people look good, but feel natural. Because of this, my approach is not purely candid nor purely posed – it’s a combination of both!
