The secret sauce
There’s something truly magical about a photograph that feels real—where the emotions jump off the screen, and you can almost hear the laughter or feel the love between the people in the frame. That’s what I strive for in every session. I don’t just want to take pictures; I want to capture memories, feelings, and the little in-between moments that make life so beautiful.
But how do you get those raw, authentic emotions in photos? How do you avoid stiff, awkward poses that feel forced? The secret? Prompting and guiding, not just posing.
The Problem with Over-Posing
Traditional posing has its place, but when you tell someone exactly how to stand, where to put their hands, and how to tilt their head, it can feel… unnatural. And if people feel uncomfortable, that discomfort shows in the photos. Instead of seeing their true personalities shine through, you get forced smiles and rigid body language.
That’s why I prefer to guide my clients into moments rather than dictate every movement. Instead of stiff poses, I use prompts and direction to create an experience that brings out real emotions.
How I Prompt for Genuine Reactions
Instead of saying, “Stand here and smile,” I’ll say something like:
- “Whisper the funniest thing you can think of in their ear.” – Cue the giggles and real, joyful expressions.
- “Pull each other in like you haven’t seen each other in months.” – Instantly, you get emotion-packed images with tight embraces and genuine smiles.
- “Look at them and think about why you love them so much.” – The soft expressions that come from this are pure magic.
- “Walk hand in hand and bump hips as you go.” – It creates movement and natural laughter as they try not to trip over each other!
- “Tickle them! No holding back!” – This works wonders for couples and families, bringing out uninhibited joy.
Creating an Environment for Emotion
Beyond the prompts, setting the right tone for a session is everything. If people feel rushed, awkward, or self-conscious, it’s harder to bring out those real emotions. Here’s how I make sure my clients feel comfortable and in the moment:
- I play music – A little background music can help people loosen up and feel at ease.
- I keep it fun and lighthearted – I’ll crack jokes, tell stories, and make sure no one feels like they’re “on stage.”
- I encourage movement – Whether it’s dancing, running, or twirling, movement brings out so much more authenticity than static poses.
- I reassure them – People often feel nervous about being in front of the camera, so I remind them, “You don’t need to do anything but be yourself.”
Capturing the In-Between Moments
Sometimes, the best photos happen when no one realizes I’m still shooting. I love to keep my camera up even when we’re transitioning between shots because those small, unplanned moments are where the magic happens. A soft forehead kiss, a burst of laughter after a silly prompt, the way someone absentmindedly brushes hair out of their partner’s face—those are the photos that tell a story.
Why It Matters
Years from now, when you look back at your photos, I don’t want you to just see how you looked—I want you to feel something. I want you to remember the inside joke that made you laugh, the way your partner looked at you with love, or how your child’s tiny hands fit perfectly in yours. That’s what makes a photo powerful.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create an experience that lets your real emotions shine. No stiff poses, no forced smiles—just you, exactly as you are, in a moment that matters.
So, if you’re ready for a session that feels more like a fun experience than a photo shoot, let’s make some magic togethe
