You’re engaged and you and your fiancé are looking forward to getting great photos! But what does this mean for you? Recently I received a question from a bride: What do you do to make clients feel comfortable during a shoot? Today I’m sharing ways I help my couples feel at ease while being in front of my camera.

#1 Preparation is key

Before the engagement session and wedding day, I communicate to my couples the little things to remember. I remind them to clean their rings, don’t forget about their nails, and suggest not waiting until the night before the shoot to pick out outfits, among other things. This planning done in advance is small but important to setting up a successful engagement or portrait shoot.

#2 TLC

I love spending a bit of extra time getting to know my couples before their engagement shoot and wedding day. We continue to get to know each other better during the shoot, too! In pretty much all situations, people are far more comfortable and at ease to be themselves around those they know. It’s always paid off for me in photography and in general feeling fulfilled by my work to build deeper friendships with my couples.

#3 Guidance + Direction

During engagement sessions and parts of the wedding day, I’m guiding my couples through each moment I want to capture but leaving room for them to make it their own. For example, I might suggest she sit on her fiancé’s lap for a cute interaction. How ever they decide to interact with one another in that moment is what I’m there to capture. I’m not so worried about how their hands may fall during this intimate interaction. How the moment feels and is translated in the image is what I care about most. 🙂

#4 Show a few shots

I LOVE showing my couples a few shots on the back of my camera as the session progresses. I do this partially because I’m so excited about how a shot turned out and can’t keep it to myself. But I’m also doing this to show them how awesome they look and how their interactions are showing up on camera. I can literally see the nerves and tension melt away just by me showing them how incredible they look!

#5 Attention to details

Another small but important way I make my couples comfortable and at ease is by paying attention to the details. They are able to relax a bit knowing that if a hair has gone rogue or there’s lipstick on teeth or a tie that’s really crooked, I’ve got their back. I’ll catch it, take a beat so we can fix the issue and keep right on shooting. Knowing that I’m looking for those things as we’re shooting allows the couple to focus on each other and having a good time.

To conclude, small steps make for great results. Making my couples comfortable in front of the camera is one of my most important jobs that I’ll always strive to get better at because it’s imperative for stunning photos.