Making Clients Feel Comfortable and Confident During a Portrait Session

As a portrait photographer you’ll meet a lot of people across your career. Sometimes a client might be your best friend who’s known you for years and wants you to take her engagement portraits. On the opposite end of that spectrum you could have a shy client who just doesn’t feel at home in front of a camera but needs new headshots.

The tips below will help you make any type of client feel comfortable and confident in front of a camera which will lead to an effortless session with photos you and your client will be proud of.

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Accessories

I keep a small bag for portrait session accessories. The bag includes a plethora of different style Pura Vida Bracelets  that will literally match any outfit you throw at me. I also keep necklaces, hats, beanies, and fashionable bags in my arsenal. Accessories can help a client feel like their outfit is more complete and will boost their confidence that the session will show the best of them.  (Use code KAYLAIVEY20 for 20% off of your Pura Vida Bracelets purchase)

Props

Lots of people have absolutely no idea what to do with their hands when their photo is being taken. Props like balloons, sparklers, bubbles, or even a bag from my accessories arsenal helps take the guessing out of what to do with hands. This can help a pose seem more comfortable and less awkward in a final photo.

Music

People are more relaxed when a song they know and love is playing. Ask your clients for song and artist suggestions and create a playlist or radio station that will keep them relaxed for the entire session.

Compliments

Compliments during a portrait session serve 2 purposes: confidence booster and pose direction. A genuine compliment will obviously boost a client’s confidence but it can also be used as a tool for giving direction about how to pose during a session. Keep it positive to help your clients feel like they are in a safe and friendly environment.

Limit Distractions

Downtown might be where you feel the best backdrops are but downtowns are also swarmed with people. If your client isn’t a professional model or is even just a tad shy, it can be really uncomfortable having a photoshoot while strangers are walking by with their judging eyes. Pick a time you know an area will be bare or just go to a less frequented location.

Get to Know Them Beforehand

All of my sessions come with the option of a pre-session consultation. I get a lot of information out of these meetings and they help me make the session go smoother and be more time efficient. These also give me a chance to meet clients before I put a camera in their face. That way when they show up for their session there is already a sense of familiarity which makes them more comfortable and trusting during the session.

Ask Them What They Want

Whether it’s a Pinterest photo they love or a past photo from your portfolio, ask your client what’s the number one photo they hope to get out of this session. Having this conversation builds their trust in what you will capture and will help relax them during the session.

Have Fun!

Last on this list is HAVE FUN! People relax significantly after they’ve had a good laugh. Tell a joke or just be yourself. Seeing you enjoying yourself will rub off onto your clients.

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