Tip Number 1

Take your time and relax. There is nothing more off putting than a camera in your face. Make your subject feel relaxed and at ease, flatter them with understandable compliments and help them feel as if they are doing a great job. Then everything else can follow.

Too many times have I witnessed photographers or even family member shout “just stay there and smile”- well, would you? NO! How do you make someone smile, tell a joke, fool around, make mistakes and laugh yourself. Laughing is infectious. Have fun and enjoy it!

This lovely young girl arrived at my studio in West Wickham very nervous and would not leave her father. It took about half an hour for her to feel comfortable in front of the camera. I laughed and had fun, eventually she absolutely loved it and did not want to leave. Take your time – if after 15mins I had ended the shoot, saying there was no point today then this lovely shot would not have ever been taken. I took this shot and told her how good she was, fell over my camera wire and laughed again, took another shot of her laughing. It worked a treat.

It’s ok to make mistakes! All you need is one great image and you have won!

Tomorrows tip – framing!!!!