How to enjoy your family, and or, maternity photo shoot
5 relaxation tips learnt from Yoga
As a family photographer in Hampshire one of the things I hear a lot it:
“we are a bit awkward in front of the camera”.
Firstly, this is such a common feeling! Being in front of the camera can make you feel a bit vulnerable and or self conscious. Secondly, fear not! To make good photos does not mean you need to be photogenic or not to feel awkward. You just need to be present, your authentic self and to lean into that vulnerability. If you can try to lean into this and let go then that is where we can make some magic. I have some tips on how to get there:
Outside of photography, one of the places I feel most like myself is at Studio Soma. I always leave feeling calmer, more grounded and more connected to both my body and my mind. It's become a little pocket of calm in the middle of busy family life.
The other day, as I was leaving the studio, I got to thinking about how many of the things I've learnt through yoga have quietly become part of the way I photograph families, and even the way I parent my own two little ones.
Whether you are planning your family photoshoot or have a week ahead after no sleep/ you are off the back of illnesses/ meltdowns/solo parenting all alongside normal life pressures then the same principles help ground me time and time again, breath, slowdown, stay present and let go of perfection.
So, if you've booked a family or maternity photoshoot, here are five things yoga has taught me that might help you enjoy the experience a little more.
1. Focus on breathwork and not the camera
Very few people feel totally at ease in front of the camera but try not to think about the lens and ground yourself through your breathwork. A few slow, steady breaths can help settle those nervous thoughts and bring you back into the moment. When you're relaxed, your children will naturally relax too, and that's when the most genuine photographs happen.
2. Presence and connection over perfection.
Yoga reminds us that there isn't a perfect pose, only the one that's right for your body today.
Family photography is much the same.
Your children don't need to smile on cue, your hair doesn't have to behave, and nobody needs to stand perfectly still. The images you'll treasure most are usually the ones where everyone is simply enjoying being together.
3. Trust the process - One of the hardest parts of a photoshoot is letting go of the feeling that you need to "perform."
You really don't.
I'll gently guide you throughout the session, but there won't be stiff posing or forced smiles. Your children will take their cues from you, so if you trust the process and enjoy the experience, they almost always do the same. You can trust me on that one :)
4. Movement over posing
Fluidity and movement make better photos and moving and feeling your body is better than holding the perfect pinterest pose .Some of my favourite photographs happen when nobody is looking at the camera. We'll walk, cuddle, explore, chase little legs through long grass, pick flowers or simply hold hands. Movement creates connection, and connection creates beautiful photographs.
5. Be kind to yourself
Yoga teaches us to meet ourselves with compassion, yet so many parents are incredibly hard on themselves whether that is looking at photographs of themselves, looking a little more tired than pre kids, or whether there is external pressure in how to raise our little ones. Your children won't notice the things you worry about. They'll remember your hugs, your laughter, the way you looked at them, and how safe they felt in your arms. Those are the memories worth preserving.
If reading this has made you feel just that bit more relaxed and ready to make some photos together then you can email me here.
Thanks for reading xxx
