"I didn't even get a single smiling shot of the child..."

"I didn't even get A single smiling shot of the child..." Have you ever felt down after a shoot, because you couldn't get the child to smile?  or Felt down because your clients were awkward and were unable to show their natural expressions throughout the whole shoot...?

Well I definitely have, at least during my initial days... During that time, I honestly didn't know what I was doing wrong. I felt like I did everything, to make my clients comfortable. I even told them the exact pose, so why was I not getting the natural expressions or smiles... then i slowly realised my mistakes! 

The main problem was the way I communicated things.Okay let me explain that. When working with toddlers or children, we can't just tell them what to do and expect them to perform.  Rather we have to find ways, to communicate to them in their language, in words they will relate to. Here’s an example below - in fact, this is part of my prompt cards pack! 

As for adults, we have to first realise that not everyone will be comfortable in front of the camera. Some of them might be very conscious of how they look, some of them will find it difficult to even pose for you etc. Understand that they are not doing so on purpose and are simply not used to this. So help them ease into the process. Say things that will make them comfortable and eventually, trust and follow you. Most importantly, constantly reassure them that they are doing well. An example of what we can say to them, is shown in the picture below. (One of my cards from my posing prompt cards) 

Once you know the art of what to say, trust me, you will start to get those personal and raw images of your clients, which they will fall in love with! In this blog I have mentioned two of the tips that I follow, to ensure my clients reveal their most personal emotions and reactions. To know more tips on mastering the art of what to say, click here.

Till then keep creating!