Top 5 Photo Session Excuses Debunked
It's common to encounter various reasons why people might hesitate to do a photo session. Here are five common excuses you might come across:
Lack of Confidence
Some individuals might feel self-conscious about their appearance or unsure of how they'll look in the photos. Often this is where I hear the 'I'm unphotogenic' objection. Photogenicity often gets misconstrued as an inherent trait only a fortunate few possess. However, my experience in studio photography has shown me firsthand that anyone can look their best in front of the camera with the proper techniques and guidance. In reality, what makes a person appear captivating in a photograph is a dynamic interplay of factors, many of which you've mastered over my 16 years of photography. Lighting, angles, and composition are your tools to craft stunning portraits highlighting each individual's unique features. You empower even the most camera-shy subjects to shine confidently through my mastering lighting techniques. Being photogenic is not about physical appearance but the synergy between the photographer's skill and the subject's comfort. I've honed the art of creating a relaxed atmosphere, enabling issues to express themselves, resulting in deeply resonating photographs. By addressing the myth of photogenicity, I'm advocating for authenticity and challenging your fellow photographers and clients to embrace their natural selves.
Time Constraints
People often claim they're too busy to schedule a photo session due to work, family commitments, or other obligations. This could also be due to the need for more knowledge or information on working with a professional photo studio. We make sure to be conscious of your time. Further down this page, I'll talk more about the process. When you look at my experience page, a lot is involved, and it may seem overwhelming, but it is all in the effort to make things easy and NOT waste your time. After the initial phone call to book, you'll receive a prep guide to help, and you can go through this in your own time. This is also just for your benefit but not forced on you. If you do not have the time I will go over some basics in the consultation. The consultation is a meeting a couple of weeks before your session. This is done over Zoom; most people find preparing and being calm before their session extremely beneficial. We talk details and wardrobe. This is usually 45min-60min of your time. Then on session day, you'll receive makeup and hair, a guided session, and an immediate image reveal (so there is no need to meet again). This whole process is about 4hr-5hrs. So you can be back at work in the afternoon. Some people opt to do their session on a Friday and take the day off. You'll be all made up and ready to go out for the evening.
Budget Concerns
Financial reasons can also deter people from booking a photo session, especially if they perceive it as an unnecessary expense. Taking a portrait of yourself celebrating what you’ve overcome this year, this moment of your life, or a picture with your little one who is growing up so fast, or with your mom who may not be here next year, will never be an unnecessary expense. Time is precious, and life is short - those memories of celebrating a time in your life is priceless and not to mention the effect a session has on people’s mindset and well-being. I get it; budget concerns are a concern for many. I try to be conscious and make it easy for everyone with payment plans or upfront credit purchase discounts. We usually discuss all the options during the initial discovery call and consultation. Some people book months, seasons, and years ahead to pay off their session. We have so many options, so I would hate for budget to get in the way from documenting this moment in your life.
Unfamiliarity with the Process
Some individuals might not be familiar with how a photo session works or feel unsure about what to expect. This may be the first time you are booking a photography session in a studio and not the friend down the street who will meet you at a park at sunset and where you have to scramble to get outfits together on your own - maybe with the help of Pinterest. We make sure all the basis are covered with a studio session. Once booked, you'll receive a prep and styling guide to help with outfits. I also have a studio wardrobe to borrow from, but clients usually have beautiful companies hiding away in their closets. This is where the consultation is so valuable just to put you at ease, answer all your questions and concerns, and prepare you for the session. This consultation meeting happens a couple of weeks before your session day just for us to be prepared and know what we are doing. On the day of the session, you'll come into the studio, settle in with refreshments, and then you can get ready for about 1.5hr of just a simple pamper with makeup and hair service. After that, I'll take over with a guided session with several different looks, and we can even do multiple genres in one i.e. headshots for work, glamour for a legacy portrait, and even a bit of boudoir to make things a bit spicy toward the end. Then time to relax for a bit while I get the gallery ready, and we can look through your images right away! There is no need to wait; you get to choose your photos right then, so we don't have to meet again to make another ordering appointment or send out galleries. We'll also discuss editing options and see what printed products you'd like. Samples of what offerings I have are also on display at the studio. In a few weeks, you'll receive your products and digital images ready to enjoy and share.
Perceived Imperfections
People might point to minor concerns like not having the right outfit, hairstyle, or makeup as reasons to avoid a photo session. No one is ever 100% happy with their bodies. Everyone from size 0 to size 30 has an issue, so what does that tell us? It is not the body but what the brain tells us. No matter how beautiful you are, or if I show you a beautiful image of yourself and you hate your ears, your eyes will automatically go there. Some of these concerns we address beforehand, but I also ask that people keep an open mind. I can tell you how beautiful you are until the cows come home, but if you don't believe it, nothing will help. This is all about how YOU want to look in the images. Do you want to hide away forever and never show your daughters or sons that you are worthy of being photographed, or do you want to show them you are worthy of beautiful photographs DESPITE your imperfections? You will be so surprised afterward, and I often get the "I usually hate photos of myself" comment but then so happy with what they see.
As a portrait photographer, I have experience addressing these concerns, and I always offer reassurance to help potential clients overcome these hesitations, but it is ultimately up to you.
