How To Stop Freezing!

There is something that happens very often when people get their portraits created. Often, right before the camera is brought to the photographers eye. Just before the realization hits a subject that this image will be a lasting impression for many years - a freeze happens!

Muscles tense.
Eyes pierce the air!

Where there once was a normal human now stands a frozen statue. While there are many reasons why we freeze when we get our portraits taken (at least professional portraits - I'm not speaking of those random photos for Facebook or MySpace.) like bad past experiences, thoughts of school picture days, not liking the way you look in photographs, the eternal nature of the portrait, etc. Basically, we don't want to look bad!

Let me reassure you, there is nothing to worry about because:

• You went with a bond fide professional... you have chosen a professional photographer right?
• You've seen the photographers portfolio and know they do outstanding work... nothing to worry about there.
• The photographer is making pictures that represent you and your personality.
• You've discussed your needs and desires before the photo was created.
• Your photographer understands the frustrations and anxieties of the subject in front of his/her lens.
• Your photographer understands posing and how to position the body so it appears more flattering if desired by the subject.
• Your photographer isn't always behind the lens but has experience in front of a lens as well knowing exactly the way it feels to have a portrait made of them selves.
• Your photographer knows that he as the photographer, not the camera, is the most important thing he has to make a great portrait!

If these things are true of the photographer you hire, you'll not be let down. You'll be able to let that frozen grin melt from your face and warm up with an authentic smile when the lens is pointing at you.


A few photos I referenced (or rather, linked to) in this post belong to Lou Russo. To see his work go to www.lourusso.com.