What to do when YOUR in the picture. Bringing out the Emotion.

What do you do when YOUR in the picture? Do you panic?  Do you get nervous?  What do you do?  RELAX.  Breathe in and let out a big sigh.    You will find that by being able to relax, that your photo session can actually become really fun.  It is great to be in a wonderful pose and in the best angles, but as a portrait photographer, I realize that it is all about your face.  Body language is fantastic; however, if your face is telling another story, it does not work.  How do you get that certain facial expression?  Once you are in your pose and settled in, think about something, ANYTHING!  Think about someone that makes you smile or maybe a joke that makes you laugh.  Think about that special someone and all the great moments.  Go into character.  Think that you are a sexy spy or that mischievous librarian that is talking too loud.  The point is to have a thought in mind and react to it while in front of the camera.  In that way, your emotion will come through and bring your photographs to life.  This will make all the difference between a lifeless photograph that is without emotion, and a brilliant photograph, that has that certain sparkle in your eyes.  

Happy Photographing,

Aimee Michelle

How many people can come with me to a photo shoot?

Many clients often wonder “how many people can come with me to a photo shoot?”  The answer to this question will vary.  This is a question that must be discussed with your photographer before the photo shoot.  Each photographer is different and each has a different style of working. As a general rule, you do not want to bring everyone and your grandma to the photo shoot unless they are going to be in the portrait.  For family portraits, it is best to not bring anyone along because the photographer will already be extremely busy trying to coordinate an entire family.  For individual portraits, most photographers consider it okay to bring along one person to the shoot; however, they will usually end up assisting.  If the person getting photographed is a minor, there must be a parent or guardian present.  If you are a model and would like an escort present, you must speak with your photographer before because in the modeling world, escorts are somewhat looked at negatively.  If you do decide to bring another person along to a photo shoot and your photographer gave you the okay, then that person needs to have manners.  Once the photo shoot starts, the photographer is in work mode. Comments and suggestions should have been discussed with the photographer before the shoot, and there is no need for the person you brought along to be interrupting or slowing down the photo shoot.  If the person is asked to wait outside or away from the location, this is normal.  Do not get insulted or offended.  It is very distracting to both the photographer and the client to have someone else present.  The photographer is trying to make you the client, feel as comfortable as possible to get the best shot possible. There are also many photographers that do not allow anyone else to be brought along. This is just the way they work and are not trying to insult anyone.  If you do not feel comfortable with this, discuss it with your photographer and try to work something out. Again, these are all guidelines to give you a better idea and help you decide with your photographer what is best for both of you.

til next time,

Aimee Michelle

www.aimeemichellemercado.com

What to wear for a family portrait photo session

Many people wonder “what do I wear to a family portrait session?

      During a family photo session, the photographer is attempting to capture the essence of the family and create a sense of unity.  But what do you wear?  Everyone in you family has different tastes and styles, is there something that will work?  Yes there is.  This can easily be done by having all of the family members wear similar clothing.  Similar clothing?  Yes, simple solid colored clothing.  No logos, pictures, or wording, they will distract from the photograph.  Also, no busy prints or loud colors.  They will also distract from the photograph.  If you are wanting a casual look, everyone can wear blue jeans and a white shirt.  Or if you want the portrait to have a more formal feel, then everyone can wear black slacks and matching dress shirts and blouses.    It is very important that you and your photographer discuss attire before the photo shoot.  What you are wearing will affect the types of poses and positions that you will be placed in.  If you wear casual clothing, then this will allow for a more relaxed type of poses.  If you are planning on going formal, then the poses for the photo shoot will be very different. No matter which style of family portrait you are going for, don’t forget to “always wear a smile.”

How to take better pictures with your camera

Who doesn’t have a camera these days? Whether it be a point n shoot or a camera phone, these few suggestions will help you to start taking better pictures with your camera. 

1. Don’t chop off heads
2. No bright backgrounds. A bright background may cause the person to look dark.
3. Your subject should be well lit.
4.  Don’t take pictures from the bottom up.  They cause your nose to look big, and nostrils aren’t very sexy.
5. Take pictures with the camera slightly above your head tilting it towards you.
6.  Zoom in.  They make pictures more personal and let your subject be the star.
7. When pushing the shutter button to take the picture, slowly breathe out and this will avoid shaking.
8. When counting to 3, take the picture on 2 1/2, you will have better chances at having everyone with their eyes open and smiling.
9. Clean your lens with a lens cloth to avoid fingerprints and specs showing up on your pictures.
10.  Try to discover new angles and have fun practicing!