Most people donât feel like theyâre very photogenic. If youâve never worked as a model before, doing a photoshoot can seem intimidating.
But donât worry: A great pro photographer knows all the tricks to make clients look natural. Because weâre all unique, each person requires a different approach to feel relaxed during a shoot. However, there are some general guidelines that most pro photographers use.
Eliora Photography is a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community in the Philadelphia area, and we know some of the sensitive topics that may arise during a shoot. For instance, for transgender folks who have recently transitioned, we take special care to make them feel comfortable in their own skin during a shoot.
Words matter
LGBTQ+ folks arenât different from anyone else. So, making someone from the LGBTQ+ community feel relaxed during a shoot is no different than working with any other type of person. There are a few special considerations, though.
Rachel, owner of Eliora Photography, points out itâs important to know someoneâs pronouns. Words matter and you can never assume which pronouns the person uses based on their name or appearance. Rachel also assures clients the photos are theirs, and nothing they arenât comfortable with will be shared in any way (including on websites or for promotional materials).
Poses and candid photos
Other ways Rachel makes clients feel relaxed is by instructing them about poses and taking candid photos. As we mentioned before, if youâve never done a photoshoot, you may have no idea how to pose. Great pro photographers will instruct you how and where to stand, what to do with your hands, head, etc. because they know what looks good in pictures.
Taking candid photos usually makes people relax the most â and it can make a shoot incredibly fun! Rachel often asks people to jump, tells a corny joke to make you laugh, or asks you to dance in the street â any action that would make for an excellent picture. Not all the best photos are from poses.
Getting to know someone before a photoshoot also always helps. It may be the first time youâre meeting the client in person, and the more they chat and tell stories, the more at ease theyâll feel.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride year-round
We believe in treating everyone the same, and as an LGBTQ+ ally, we are very aware of the language that we use. The way people look, or how you perceive them, isnât always who they are.
Learning how to be inclusive is key to making sure everyone is comfortable. Itâs not just about changing the words you use when with someone in the LGBTQ+ community, but more so about changing your whole way of speaking/thinking to always be inclusive â during photo shoots and just the course of ordinary life.
Though Pride Month is ending soon, Eliora Photography believes in celebrating LGBTQ+ rights, activism, and culture year-round. Contact Rachel here to learn more about setting up a photoshoot. Stay safe, well, and happy during these pandemic days!
This content was provided by Nick Pipitone, a freelance writer based in the Philadelphia area and Rachelâs (amazing) boyfriend. Nick loves the Phillies even when theyâre having a losing season, and he relishes getting lost in used bookstores. Check out Nickâs website here to see more of his work or to contact him about his freelance writing services.