tips for outdoor portrait sessions | rod nasbe photography
tips for outdoor portrait sessions
scheduling
● agree on a definite date, time, and place for the shoot
● given uncertain weather forecasts, remain flexible to continuing the shooting in changed conditions, to changing the location, to taking a rain delay, or to postponing the shoot to another day
● bright sunny days are fine, but shooting in the middle of the day can be challenging, with harsh bright and dark areas
● the photographer’s “golden hour” at sunset can be a beautiful time of day
● cloudy days are a photographer’s friend, as they provide a natural light diffuser, helping to eliminate unwanted shadows
● even rain and snow can make for fun sessions and interesting portraits
dress
● wear an outfit that you feel good in
● wear clothes and colors that suit you
● simple color scheme
● solid colors are almost always good
● darker colors are more slimming
● lighter tones can emphasize body size
● scoops or vnecks flatter shorter necks and full faces
● turtlenecks are better for longer necks and slender faces
● dress everyone in similar style clothing - casual vs formal
● coordinate colors
● jeans and sweaters always look good outdoors
● match socks and shoes to outfit
● wear fun socks, shoes
● avoid hats that might cast a shadow over the face
● avoid jewelry that would distract from the face
posing
● relax
● ignore the camera
● interact with others in your group
● realize that many shots are taken to find a few keepers
● trust the photographer to delete unflattering images
● don’t pose or expect the photographer to pose you
● instead, be natural and respond to general directions from the photographer
● be prepared to change position, setting, clothing, props all in an effort to capture natural looking postures, gestures, and expressions
● strike a natural position – standing, sitting, lying down, upside down
● play, experiment with various poses
● point your nose away from the camera – a bit down, a bit to the side – while extending your chin just a little
● look at the camera sometimes
● but, mostly look elsewhere
● don’t feel you have to smile
● smile whenever you feel like it
● on bright sunny days, expect the photographer to turn your back to the sun, to avoid squinty faces
● look lovingly at your partner
● if you look at the camera, look lovingly there, too
