Personal Portraits Do Not Need a Milestone
You don’t have to wait for a milestone. You can book portraits because you love an outfit, have an idea, or would really like a photograph of yourself that isn’t a cropped group photo.
“I just want to” is a reason
A quiet portrait, dramatic light, a place you love: any of those can get the conversation started. You don’t need a speech explaining why you deserve photographs.
The portraits I made at Grand Central Terminal gave me room to experiment with light and setting. If there’s a look you keep saving, tell me what you like about it.
Bring an idea, even a very unfinished one
“Something bold” and “I want it to feel calm” are both useful. A few reference images can help, especially when you can point to the light, color, clothing, or expression that you like.
You don’t need to arrive with the technical plan. That’s my part. Your part is letting me know what you’re excited about and what would make you uncomfortable.
Plan for the person wearing the clothes
Try sitting and moving in your outfit before the session. If it needs fixing every thirty seconds in your bedroom, the camera isn’t going to solve that little problem.
Tell me how you’d like to enjoy the photographs, whether that’s on your wall, on a personal profile, or just for you. We can think about the framing without turning your session into a list of things you don’t need.
A few things to plan
- Describe the look you’d love to try.
- Share a few references and what you like about them.
- Tell me what helps you feel comfortable.
- Bring clothing you can sit and move in.
A few questions you might have
Can I book portraits just for myself?
Absolutely. Wanting photographs of yourself is enough.
What if I only have a vague idea?
Start with the part you do know: an outfit, a place, or a mood. We can talk from there.
What if I do not feel naturally photogenic?
You don’t need to pass a photogenic test. Tell me what makes you nervous; I’ll guide you through the posing.
Let’s talk about your photographs
Tell me about the portrait idea you keep thinking about. It doesn’t have to be perfectly figured out. Explore my photography and approach or send an inquiry.
Continue planning: City Portraits: Let Architecture Frame the Person.