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How to make your subject comfortable

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Posted inBUSINESS,CHATTY TUESDAYS,PHOTOGRAPHY

Hey you,

Ahhhh! This week has been insane. A huge new announcement, a new addition to my family, and major breakthroughs which I will be blogging about soon!

How about you? Did you have an inspiring week? Any breakthroughs? A-Ha moments? Whatever it is – celebrate it, baby.

Let’s get straight to this week’s topic - How important is it to make your subject feel comfortable in front of your camera? How comfortable do YOU make your subjects feel? And how could you make them feel even more comfortable so that the photo shoot goes even better?

That’s what this week’s video is all about – creating comfort in your customers. If you want to know my two top “secret weapons” to helping your customers feel at ease, this video is for you, my friend!

Enjoy the video and I can’t wait to hear all of your thoughts and suggestions for Shawna in the comments below!

Stay inspired

xoxo

P.S. Happy birthday to my amazing sister, Lizzie – I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! <3

Posted inBUSINESS,CHATTY TUESDAYS,PHOTOGRAPHY

  • http://oldheadonyoungshoulders.blogspot.com Becky

    Can I just say, I am currently starting to think about maybe pursuing a part-time career in photography and your videos are awesome for getting me to think realistically about all the elements needed for a successful photography business whether small or large. Thank you Alex for sharing all your awesome tips with us!

  • http://www.michaelkormos.com Sophie

    Awesome tips, and laughter is almost always contagious – for adults and kids!! :) Thanks for sharing!!

  • http://simplicityportrait.weebly.com alexandra

    Love this! I have always thought of my photography as making memories for people, and that is one of the things I find so rewarding in the photography business. But you’re right, the experience can be really fun and unique as well. It makes me want to put some thought into doing something really special with my business. The only thing that I would think of for the makeup artist and the hair is that it would significantly affect your prices– they would have to raise a great deal I would think– because you are paying for employees. In my area, I don’t think many would be willing to pay for all the extra. Though I guess you could always have it as an option as well– then people can choose.

    I love the laughter thing– I have always done that on shoots and thought I was the only one! Glad to see there are more people in the fake laughing business-haha. But seriously, it really does work!

    Thanks so much!

  • Candice Smith

    I’m so glad I subscribed to your feed. Your videos and advice are amazing and very much appreciated. Thanks for putting in such hard work to inspire us all!

  • Jill

    One thing I do that really helps clients feel more comfortable and always gets them laughing while I’m shooting, is I tell them to whisper an inside joke to the other person. Whether it be a couple, siblings, parent/child- it always works for even the most shy people! It’s amazing to see how someone’s face changes with each second as they’re remembering their memory, and it makes for some genuine and really romantic photos for engagement sessions, and it’s so cute to see little kids whispering something in their siblings ear and then you get the real smiles and laughs! Usually from then on in the session everyone is lightened up, relaxed, and comfortable!

  • http://thephotogshelper.com Kathy

    This is part of the reason I LOVE having a pre-session consult! It helps you get to know them a bit more before you actually get behind the camera.

    However, sometimes that doesn’t work or they are still nervous when it comes to the session. What helps me break the ice is the fact that I am a complete dork. I will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to make them comfortable. I will hang upside down from a ladder, pretend to trip, make ridiculous faces….anything. I have several great silly dances that work for anyone from kids to adults to elders.

    This is the type of personality I am (and it’s also why anytime I have an image taken of me, it has at least one silly face involved: see my about page for an example: http://alifecondensed.com/about/) and it won’t work for everyone. If you are more shy and reserved, dancing around won’t make anyone feel comfortable. Figure out what makes YOU feel comfortable and that is how you can make them feel comfortable too!

  • http://www.facebook.com/lindsaycurganphotography Lindsay Curgan

    Hey Alex! I found your video really helpful because I DO find myself to be a little awkward at times & this is great advice that I’ll try out for my upcoming shoots.
    Just a question:
    When you said you get a gift to send the client home with, do you mean like just some random cute thing or something photo related?
    What kind of gifts have you used in the past?
    Knowing me–I’d try that out and get something that no one wants, lol.

    Thanks!

    Lindsay Curgan

  • http://thecupcakedictionary.blogspot.com Jocee

    i love this! when i do a shoot, i’ll be sure to remember this.

    also, i want to thank you for your sweet comments on my photoblog. you are incredibly encouraging and i thank you for your kind words! :)

  • http://jamieraephotography.blogspot.com jamie

    i loved this alex, thank you! really got me thinking about how i interact with clients while they are getting their hair and make up done- perfect time to set them at ease and get to know them. just you talking about this made me want to book a session with you- someday i will! :)
    one other thing i do is ask my clients about their insecurities- i dont know if this is right or wrong, but i feel like if i know about them, i can help them “face the fear” and they dont have to focus on me finding out or feeling shy about it during the shoot! i also tell them it is ok to be nervous, that i understand, and then i follow your directions and act confident.
    love it! :)

  • http://www.myeyecandi.com Candi Jerkins

    SO HAPPY that I found YOU Alex!!! I think maybe through Pinterest, but who cares because you are saved in my favorites! Love your enthusiasm and your free spirit! You motivate me to be better! Thanks so much for taking the time to educate us!

    I love your advice on giving your clients a special gift once the session ends. I also do this!

    @Lindsay Curgan(above), I have small gift boxes filled with really cute hard candy and business cards. I tie them with cute ribbon and I use a mini Moo business card as a tag. I also include inside a discount (10, 15, 20% off) on a canvas/product. The client takes that back home with them and I feel as if I have given them a thank you! Another thing that I do – (I am a beach photographer) is once a client orders a package, I include a small burlap bag of seashells!!! Then they will remember their vacation & their session time with me! I hope this gives you an idea!!

    Thanks again Alex!!
    xoxoxo!

    PS–
    Candi Jerkins | eyeCandi Photography

  • http://www.ajiradarchphotography.com/blog ajira

    Hey Alex,

    Who is Emily? :D

  • http://www.alexbeadonphotography.com Alex Beadon

    Hahahahahaha. Sometimes when I write, I make up a name and write to that person instead of writing to no one in particular. It helps me remember I’m writing to actual people instead of just randomers on the internet hahaha. And this time I forgot to take out the name hahahaha. WOOPS! Good catch :)