Being in front of the camera can sometimes be a daunting experience, and can leave camera-shy people feeling overexposed, vulnerable and self-conscious.
But even if you feel confident in front of the camera, photoshoots can often highlight a person’s insecurities, and cause people to disconnect from their bodies, forcing them into their minds.
My mission as female portrait photographer
As a professional brand photographer based in Brighton, I have made it my mission to make people feel at ease during a shoot. I work to enhance and empower people, so that they can step into their own limelight and shine in their own unique way.
Step 1: Let’s connect and address pre-photoshoot nerves together
After a failed attempt taking selfies, my gorgeous client Christine, who is in the process of setting up her own business in Sussex area, decided that it was her time to try a professional photoshoot.
Feeling nervous and overwhelmed by the burden of lockdown, Christine opted for a video chat prior to the shoot, in order to acquaint ourselves with each other, and address any worries that were brewing.
This can be an excellent way to settle those pre-shoot nerves, and get to know one another.
Step 2: Let go for a walk away from the hustle and bustle of town. Me, you and my camera.
We also addressed Christine’s concerns by going for a walk together in nature, finding the perfect location in Saltdean, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town, Brighton & Hove.
This was ideal for Christine, who is a natural born water person and all year round sea swimmer!
With the dramatic backdrop that the epic Saltdean cliffs provide, combined with a stunning sea-view, the Saltdean location had it all - and it also fitted beautifully with the name of Christine’s business, ‘Seahorse Wills’ - a will writing business in Seaford, East Sussex.
“Magdalena guided me through the whole process in a very gentle and unassuming manner. I wasn’t feeling very confident about having my photo taken but, in the end, I really enjoyed the photo shoot and I felt surprisingly relaxed and happy.”
Step 3: Let’s take a deep breaths together during the photoshoot
Before diving head-first into our shoot, I gently encouraged Christine to focus on her breath, which relaxed her nerves, making her feel more at ease.
I also like to help people bring out their most playful and creative version of themselves, which is achieved through the encouragement of relaxation, and a sense of feeling safe.
As a result, we achieved a mixture of distinct and beautiful lifestyle portraits, as well as professional looking brand portrait photos perfect for your social media and website.
“Magdalena, your photos were the key to everything. I really love them and they make me feel good about myself when I look at them.
The whole thing could have been a disaster, but with your help, it has all turned out brilliantly.”
Step 4: I make sure you have a space and time to relax in front of camera
Not letting the pandemic get in the way of the quality of the shoot, I used a big long lens to maintain social distancing, while allowing Christine the space and time to relax into the shoot.
Surrounded by ethereal beauty, and the fresh sea breeze, our idyllic surroundings inspired us both to feel connected to nature, and therefore to ourselves.
Hi, i’m magdalena, sussex portrait photographer
While I believe in the benefits and power of going out of our comfort zone, I also think that a personal brand photo session should be a fun, unique and exciting experience.
An opportunity for a woman to shine, get in touch with herself and express who she is in the most authentic way.
Going on this unique journey with Christine reminded me how much I love my job as a Sussex, Brighton & Hove based photographer.
I adore seeing people flourish, and step into a version of themselves that they did not know they had.
what i do is so much more than taking photographs:
it is helping people present themselves to the world
encouraging them to connect to their inner voice, so that they can be visible and confident.
If you’re considering getting some professional photographs done, whether it be just for fun, or for your own personal brand or business, then you’re in the right place!
It’s totally natural to feel nervous, tentative or hesitant, but I can use my expertise and guidance to help you to take the plunge, and create photographs that you’ll be proud of to use across social media and your website.
what i do is so much more than taking photographs
Magdalena, Personal Brand Portrait Photographer, Videographer and Visibility Mentor