Lessons from My First Photography mini Sessions in Downtown Colga

Embarking on my very first venture into "professional" photography with the Blushing in Love mini sessions was a thrilling journey. Beyond the joy of exploring downtown Colga while capturing love in its various forms, this experience has unfolded as a profound learning curve. Join me in this blog post as I delve into the insights gleaned from these sessions, centering around service, workflow efficiency, and the art of preserving authentic moments. Let's dive in!

1. Share to Elevate Confidence:

- Sharing select images during the session not only elevates your models' confidence but also allows them to fine-tune details, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and satisfaction with the final results.

2. Posing Tips in Moderation:

- Simplify the process by introducing a couple of posing tips at a time, maintaining a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

- Examples of go-to poses include the "booty bump + walk to me," "hold each other + twilight slow spin," and "sit back to back + try to look back at each other."

3. Minimalist Gear Approach:

- While I initially brought two lenses, the revelation of shooting exclusively with a 50mm lens throughout the day highlighted the power of simplicity. Using a single lens for mini sessions consistently produced the desired results, preserving a cohesive visual narrative.

4. Down with Props:

- While props can enhance composition and solidify themes, it's paramount to prioritize the model's experience over unnecessary accessories. The focus should be on capturing the essence of the individuals rather than the objects they hold.

5. Manage Expectations:

- The golden rule: "Never promise more than you can deliver." Openness and honesty foster trust, ensuring a positive experience. Anticipate needs, but maintain transparency for a mutually rewarding session.

6. Punctuality Matters:

- Early arrival provides ample time for photography, alleviating the sense of rush and contributes to a relaxed atmosphere.

7. Quick Thinking & Pivoting:

- In the face of challenges or creative blocks, acknowledge them gracefully and seamlessly transition to alternative ideas to keep the momentum flowing.

8. Utilize Extra Time:

- Creatively use additional time for capturing candid moments or offering supplementary services, such as explaining the gallery delivery process.

9. Document Everything:

- And I mean EVERYTHING! Record behind-the-scenes moments through videos and low-res images, creating plenty of B-roll for engaging and authentic content for social media.

10. Client Prep:

- Clear communication about expectations and preemptive answers to common questions contribute to a smooth and enjoyable session.

11. Organization is Key:

- Requesting empty pockets for a seamless shoot and consistently reviewing client details beforehand minimizes potential awkward moments, maintaining professionalism.

12. Backup Procedures:

- Prioritize the security of RAW files by refraining from reformatting SD cards before backing them up onto an external hard drive.

13. Suggested Edits:

- Encourage minor adjustments for enhanced results, whether it's fixing hair placement or fostering closer connections between subjects.

14. Think Outside of the Box:

- Capture shots with a wider frame than anticipated, allowing flexibility in post-processing without compromising image quality.

15. The Devil is in the Details:

- Don't forget to snap a few "sneak peek" detail shots, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the final collection.

Reflecting on these lessons from the Blushing in Love mini sessions underscores the significance of service-oriented practices, streamlined workflows, and the perpetual pursuit of artistic refinement. These insights not only enrich the overall experience for both photographer and model but also contribute to the creation of enduring and meaningful photographs.

If you've made it this far, I want to extend my sincere thanks for taking the time to explore my blog. The musings of a novice professional photographer might not be groundbreaking or overly exciting, but here, I've gathered insights that I believe are worth sharing with the world!

Until next time, be well!

-van