Making Your Session YOUR OWN
Virginia Beach – Kent Island
In the vast world of photography, where countless images flood our feeds, creating a session that truly reflects your unique personality can feel like a daunting task. It’s all too common to see perfectly staged families or couples against perfect backdrops, such as an open beach or field, but what if you could elevate your session from mere images to a fun, personalized storytelling moment.
By working with your photographer to create a session that is styled with personalized items you love and engaging activities, you can TRANSFORM the ordinary session; crafting a visual story that captures the shared experience, interest and quicks. Imagine a photoshoot that not only captures the classic photos, but also the true essence of who you as individuals and together.
It’s common to hesitate before booking a photoshoot, with many feeling uncertain or fearing they’ll look awkward in front of the camera. However, styling your session can effectively alleviate these concerns and provide you with engaging activities that give you something to focus on during the shoot.
This approach not only allows your photos to stand out from the vast majority, but also adds depth and meaning, resulting in cherished memories that resonate far beyond the 90 minute session.
Create a Vision for Your Photoshoot
Before you jump into the exciting world of props and activities, it’s essential to take a step back and envision what you want your photoshoot to represent. Is there a location that’s meaningful to the two of you? Maybe you’ve seen the classic field and beach photos in your feed and absolutely love them. Let’s take this and start styling your session.
Styling Your Session
Styling your session effectively can make all the difference. The location and personal touches you choose to include can enhance the overall experience. For instance, if you love pizza, why not bring along a few slices from your favorite pizzeria? You can order the pizza prior to your session and enjoy it together on the beach or field, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Not only does this add a personal touch, but also provides time for candid moments to be captured. Imagine the joy of munching on your favorite pizza while the sound of waves surround you. This blend of location and activity will create unique photos that speaks to your personality and relationship.
Incorporating Activities
Now, think about other activities you enjoy together! Maybe you both love playing card games, a sport or have a favorite playlist that you can listen to while taking photos? Incorporating these elements can make the session feel even more authentic. For example, you could bring along a portable speaker to play your favorite songs while you enjoy your pizza. Capture moments of laughter and connection as you share your food, dance, or simply enjoy each other’s company in that meaningful location. By thoughtfully integrating your favorite activities and favorite things into the session, you create a relaxed environment, which in turn, creates genuine interactions. This not only enriches the visual story but also makes for a fun and memorable experience that you will cherish long after the photos are taken.
Here are some fun examples of activities you could incorporate into your photography session, along with the props you would need:
- Picnic
- Props Needed: A picnic blanket, a wicker basket filled with your favorite snacks, drinks, and a portable speaker for music. Bring along some fun games like frisbee or a deck of cards for added interaction.
- Baking Day at Home
- Props Needed: Baking ingredients (flour, eggs, sugar, etc.), mixing bowls, spatulas, and your favorite cookie or cake recipe. Include an apron for each person to add a playful touch to the photos.
- Painting
- Props Needed: Canvases, paints, and brushes. Set up a small easel or table where you can create art together. Capture the moments of creativity and laughter as you paint.
- Bonfire S’mores
- Props Needed: S’mores ingredients (Marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, etc.), firewood, chairs, and skewers. Bring a blanket to use for a cozy touch as you roast marshmallows and share stories.
- Beach Day Fun
- Props Needed: Beach towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, a beach ball, and a cooler filled with refreshments. Capture candid moments while building sandcastles or splashing in the waves.
- Gardening Together
- Props Needed: Gardening gloves, seeds or young plants, small shovels, and watering cans. Document the process of planting your garden, capturing the joy of working together outdoors.
- Music Jam Session
- Props Needed: Musical instruments, sheet music, blanket to sit on, etc. Capture the joy of music together and the fun moments that come from it.
- Fishing
- Props Needed: Tackle box, fishing rod, chair to sit on, cooler, etc. Capture a calm, relaxing activity together.
BONUS: Champagne
- Props Needed: Champagne bottle or two, glasses. Capture fun moments by popping a bottle of champagne or sipping on it slowly.
Final Thoughts
To create a session that is unique and stands out from the rest, you must add your own personalization to it. By choosing a meaningful location and incorporating activities and props that resonate with you, you create a story that is clearly your own. We will work together to ensure these elements are seamlessly integrated, resulting in moments you will treasure for lifetime. Remember, the goal is not just to capture your appearance or to ‘put on a show,’ but to convey the essence of who you are. Embrace the opportunity to tell your story. With thoughtful planning and creativity, you can create something truly extraordinary that will be cherished for years to come.
