Capturing Personality in Portrait Photography: A How-To Guide

Not everyone is comfortable enough to be in front of a camera, let alone to schedule a professional portrait photography session in a studio surrounded by intimidating lights, being posed by professional photographers. However, everyone should have a professional portrait photography session for themselves. Why? Because to have a timeless photograph is to remember a significant part of our life, a portrait that shows how uniquely amazing we are.

Finding a photography studio that specializes in portrait photography is a key element in making this happen. If you are shy, apprehensive, or do not have a clue about what to do in front of a camera, you will be guided extremely well and will be made comfortable enough that your personality can shine effortlessly to be captured in a photograph. That is the goal, after all, to capture your character, nature, and unique personality.

If you are thinking about having a photoshoot for yourself, there is no better time to do it than now. Need some tips on how to make sure your beautiful and unique personality is captured in photos? Here is a quick guide to help you get started:

1. Find a photographer that you connect with

Human connections are important; it is the bridge we cross to relate to people and understand them. Only when we forge a connection with another person, can we really be comfortable enough to bare all and show our personalities.

As a photographer who specialises in several styles of photography, I consider it my privilege to speak to my clients, to know and understand them, and develop a sense of connection. Enough to make them feel comfortable to work with me and sit relaxed in front of my camera.

Finding a photographer that you can connect with is important so that you feel comfortable to express your thoughts, lay down your plans, and communicate what you want to achieve from your shoot. Creating a healthy exchange of ideas and concepts is helpful to make sure that you are getting the best of the experience.

2. Dress comfortably in clothes that represent you

Clothes are a form of self-expression and through them, we can infer if a person is into a certain kind of style, whether they are the “dress to impress” type or “comfort before beauty” kind of personality. Which one are you? Make sure the clothes you wear represent your personality and allow you to demonstrate your creativity.

In addition, you must make sure that the clothes you wear fit perfectly and allow you to move freely during the shoot without any distractions.

3. Feel free to move

If you are not used to being inside a professional studio, chances are there will be some tension building up in your body. This tension (also known as “nerves”) can be perfectly channelled into movement.

Movement releases tension and you want to be able to move in fluid motion so that you can be more comfortable in directing your body to do flattering poses. Your photographer will help you with this. They can suggest small movements that will allow you to move your hands and feet or direct your face in certain directions to support your best angles.

Feel free to bring props and other small items that may help you move during the shoot. For example, if you are a foodie or a chef, props such as food items or materials used in the kitchen may help. Need some ideas on what to bring? This list can help. Keep in mind that these items should not be too oversized. They are meant to highlight your personality, not take the spotlight away from you.

4. Practice

Practice always makes perfect. This rings true for most things and portrait photography is no exception. If you want to highlight a certain part of your personality in the photos, why not practice in front of a mirror? Do you want to show your artsy side? Try dressing up, putting on a little make-up, and doing a session of whatever artform you are into. Practice sessions like this get you acquainted with how it will feel during the real shoot.

Always remember that the key to a successful portrait session is you. When you know that you are doing this for yourself; when you understand that you are amazing, and when you choose to shine the light that is unique and fabulously you - you can never go wrong.

By Simona Janek