If you’re feeling nervous about stepping in front of the camera for portraits, you’re not alone. Many of our clients share similar concerns: What do I do with my hands? Will I look stiff? What if I’m not photogenic? Rest assured, we’ve heard it all and are here to help you every step of the way. At Pursell Photography, we have a tried-and-true approach to making you look and feel amazing in your portraits—no matter your experience level.
Tall Photographers = Creative Angles and Flattering Shots
Yes, it’s true: Will is 6’4” and Lauren is 5’9.” That extra height allows us to experiment with unique angles—shots up high can be both artistic and flattering. Combined with our advanced lighting techniques, we sculpt and highlight your best features. Great lighting and creative angles ensure you’ll look even better than your favourite selfie filter!
Pre-Session Planning for Confidence and Clarity
Before your session, we’ll have a consultation or planning chat to go over all the details. This helps you know exactly what to expect, from the style of photos to the best outfits to wear. We’ll discuss your preferences and any concerns you have, so by the time the session rolls around, you’ll feel confident and excited.
Our Secret Formula for Natural, Flattering Portraits
One of the key aspects of our process is the guidance we provide. We don’t just put you in front of the camera and hope for the best. Instead, we lead you through poses and prompts that feel authentic, ensuring you’ll love the results. Our approach includes:
- Posing for Every Body Type: We tailor poses to work with your body type, personality, and comfort level. This isn’t about forcing you into awkward or unnatural positions—it’s about celebrating who you are and making you feel natural and comfortable.
- Candid Moments: Sometimes, the best shots come from those unscripted moments. We use prompts to spark genuine emotions, helping you forget the camera is even there.
We Work With (Not Against) Your Personality
One size definitely does not fit all. An extrovert might love big, fun prompts, while a more reserved person might prefer a quieter approach. For couples, we’ll find prompts that bring out real laughs or sweet moments without forcing anything unnatural. If kids are involved and they’re just not in the mood, we go with the flow. We’ve pretty much seen it all, so don’t stress if the youngest one decides to run circles around us—it often leads to some of the best candid shots!
A Word on Candid Events
When we’re covering an event, there’s a strong chance you won’t even realize you’re being photographed. Helping clients feel relaxed is key to capturing genuine expressions. Because we stay so unobtrusive, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about how to “pose.” You’ll end up with plenty of moments you didn’t even know we caught on camera.
Adapting to Unique Challenges
We’ve worked with a wide range of people, including those with unique needs or concerns. Whether it’s photographing individuals with disabilities, pregnancy, working with older couples, or celebrating love between people with significant height differences, we adapt our approach to suit your specific situation. Here are just a few examples:
- We’ve photographed clients with limited mobility and suggested stunning, accessible locations that make the most of the surroundings.
- We’ve captured portraits of individuals with physical disabilities, including those in wheelchairs or with prosthetics, always focusing on highlighting their strengths and stories.
- For parents of young children, we know how to roll with the unexpected (because kids will be kids!).
Finding the Fun in Every Session
Photography should be fun, and sometimes our couples take that to heart in unexpected ways! Like the time one partner spontaneously hoisted their loved one over their shoulder right by a cliff edge – definitely not something we’d normally suggest, but these two daredevils knew what they wanted. While it nearly gave us a heart attack, we have to admit the resulting photo was absolutely epic. We always prioritize safety first, but when our clients are comfortable pushing boundaries, we go with the flow and magic can happen!
Why You’ll Love the Results
If you’re still worried about how you’ll look, let us reassure you: You’re in good hands. From creative angles and lighting expertise to candid shots where you’re blissfully unaware of the camera, we’re confident you’ll walk away with portraits you’ll love and treasure. Even when things don’t go exactly as planned (because let’s face it, that’s life!), we excel at capturing those authentic, unexpected moments that often become the most cherished photos of all. It’s about embracing whatever the day brings – those real, unscripted moments often tell the most beautiful stories.
“We are not the most comfortable people in front of the camera but Will and Lauren are such an amazing couple and such wonderful people that they immediately put us at ease! It was like hanging out with old friends!” – J+R
Your portrait session isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about capturing who you are, authentically and beautifully. Let’s work together to create images that you’ll love for years to come.
Ready to capture the real you in stunning portraits? Contact us today to schedule your session!
