How to get authentic looking photos
Gone are the days of photos where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera. Let’s be honest, who wants to pose stiffly in front of the camera for an hour? The answer is: no-one. Everyone wants to know how to get authentic looking photos from their photographer- photos of their real family, on a real outing, to put up on their walls as a reminder of the special bond their family shares. I’m a lifestyle photographer in Spokane, Washington and I’m here to tell you how to do it.
Book a lifestyle photographer.
Lifestyle photographers sit comfortably in the middle of portrait photography and documentary photography. Portrait photography is the traditional, stiff, awkward posing probably in a studio with flashes. Documentary photography or street photography is what journalists do- they don’t change anything about what is happening in front of them and just take the picture. Our work as lifestyle photographers is lightly posed or more like prompted. We tell you what to do with your hands, but we don’t force you to sit in awkward positions. We may tell you to do things like, hold hands with your family and dance in a circle. Our way of posing creates flattering images that are also true to life. You will hold your baby the way you would naturally hold your baby at home when no one is watching, not just how we told you to do it.
Dress like yourself.
The best way to get authentic and natural photos is to dress how you would actually dress. Now, I’m not saying to wear sweatpants. Think of your best self. Maybe how you would dress on an evening you were going out on a date with your spouse or to brunch and a farmers market with the girls. My husband is still trying to convince me that he can pull off Carhart work pants photos, not likely and I’ll never allow it, but I do allow him to wear a brand of clothing that he usually would wear that is a little more upscale.
Dress in nothing that is comfortable for the season. No need to freeze in late fall photos, wear a sweater and or layers of clothing.
Be comfortable and be you! This will give you more confidence in your photos and allow you to relax more. You’ll also feel like yourself when you get the photos back and be proud to hang them on the wall.
Act like yourself.
I never want to make anyone feel like they need to be anything other than who they are. If you don’t like to smile, you don’t have to! If you are more of a serious family, that’s great. If you and your spouse are highly affectionate, I love that! Be true to you. This is photography, not theatre. The more true to yourself that you are, the more you’re going to love your photos.
Feeling ready to book your family photos? I’d love to talk to you!