On The Other Side

The other day at the studio Doug and I were testing our new lights and backdrops.
We needed a subject to stand in front of the camera, so I decided to take my turn.


Immediately I was concerned about my hair, what I was wearing, and how was I going to pose myself.
What do I do with my hands? Do I smile, or not? I felt awkward and a little embarrassed.
Wow, this is hard! Wait, why am I feeling this way, I work here!

I commented to Doug," Now I know how our clients must feel when they first come in."

Then I realized what the major difference for me was. I was not prepared for a photo session and
I didn't have the experienced support that is always given by us to our clients.
We schedule time to meet with our clients a head of time and ask them to bring in their wardrobe.
We provide them with suggestions on clothing options that will compliment their features and flatter their shapes.

As professionals, we utilize our experience and education when lighting a subject. This is another way to flatter our subject or create a specific mood for a portrait that we are creating.
We research poses and locations before our client arrives for their shoot.
During the shoot we spend time working with them on how to pose themselves and advise them on what they should be doing with their hands and etc.
We make them feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera and we give them the time it takes to shake off their nerves and/or embarrassment.

What amazes us the most is that our clients pull it off every time!
They become comfortable in front of the camera, they start to relax, and they end up enjoying their entire session because they see the great results that we, together, are achieving.


S0, the next time I am asked to stand in front of the camera, I can only hope that Paul Douglas Studio will be there to take my picture.