As a professional personal brand portrait photographer (based in sunny Brighton, Sussex UK), I honestly really don’t like the idea of posing in photos.
Maybe because I am camera shy (yes, professional photographer is saying it!)
Or maybe because posing is associated with the fashion and modelling industry and I work with purpose driven female entrepreneurs based in UK (Brighton & London) who, like me, are a little bit camera shy, introverted and sensitive.
Sometimes posing in photography can be misinterpreted with pretending to be something that we are not or to have qualities that we do not have in order to attract interest.
Or event acting and trying too hard…
I am saying “no” to posing in photos
My approach to posing during brand portrait possession is quite the opposite:
1. Rather than styling your look, facial expression and body language, I will let you be yourself.
2. I don’t require a professional makeup artist and hairstylist during the photo session because you are already beautiful.
3. I will patiently wait and guide you to relax during the photoshoot so you can “peal off the layers” and truly show up authentically on the pictures.
4. I’m not just taking pictures of your hair, skin and eyes…I’m capturing your strength, vulnerability, resilience, courage and other hidden attributes.
5. I will create a safe space so you can truly express yourself.
This is my gentle way of revealing you on brand portrait and headshots pictures.
Here are my favourite, easy yet not forced poses, for your next brand portrait photo session:
Journaling if you’re soulful business owner
2. Client call and client meeting brand pictures
3. Meditating, breath-work and gratitude practice captured during brand portrait photoshoot
4. Walking towards camera during the brand portrait photoshoot
5. Creating & designing scenes during brand photoshoot
6. Reading a book or favourite magazine during brand photoshoot
It’s not just about photos that make your website pop. It’s much more than that.
My portrait and headshot photography style is all about relaxed, natural and authentic portrait images of you, yet full of expressions and storytelling.
This is why I usually only work with female entrepreneurs who are a little bit camera shy, introverted and sensitive (like me).
I invite my lovely clients to act like I am not there, like they are working, creating, reading or walking rather than just artificially posing.
I also shoot a lot in my clients houses, work space, or art studios. And I can also invite them to my photography studio within my house.
By capturing you in your element, whether it’s your creative studio, creating, working, designing, having a client meeting in your office…. you show us who you are in the most authentic way.
Magdalena Smolarska Branding Portrait Photography, based in sunny Brighton, Sussex UK, often in London area