Music & Movement for your Session
I have always captured people first, and with almost two decades of experience under my belt, I have a pretty good idea of how to make sure you feel comfortable and authentic in front of the camera.
Some photographers put you in front of the lens, tell you next-to-nothing, and then start clicking away. I know from first-hand experience that if you are already feeling nervous, this only makes it worse and invokes that deer in headlights feeling (and trust me, it always shows in the final images). Especially if it is your first time in front of the lens.
Now that we have conjured up the deer-in-headlights nightmare scenario let's talk about one of the quickest ways to change it: music. One of the most accessible ways to infuse your personality and magick into your images in a way that feels genuine is through movement. And one of the best ways to get you moving is with the right playlist.
You might read that and immediately start sweating and thinking about how you are not a dancer or yogi or mover in general, and I promise you there is zero experience required, especially during a session with me. It isn't about creating a choreographed dance number to move through for your entire session. It is not even about dancing, period. The music is there to take the edge off, give you something to tune into, and energetically play off of. It helps you channel and embody energies and emotions in ways that only you can.
Creating your own playlist is a surefire way to guarantee you have a soundtrack for your session that genuinely feels like you. Music is such a beautiful representation of your unique personality and taste. Curate a playlist that is purely your vibe, and choose songs that cover a range of energies and emotions as you flow through your session. Creating your own playlist is also a beautiful ritual (or fun dance party) to help set the tone for your session.
Practical Tips
Pick a few songs that make you feel like a full-on CEO badass, a few that make you feel really sexy and powerful, a few songs that feel playful and fun, toss in some tracks that are pure joy, and then throw in a few deep cuts that you just absolutely love. You know, the songs that always get you dancing or singing at the top of your lungs.
If you choose to create your own playlist for your session, make sure the music ebbs and flows to give you space to feel the pulse of each song, without having to be on 100% the entire time. Offer yourself some mellow tracks at the beginning to let things naturally ramp up. Toss in a few slower songs in between your favorite bangers to give you a moment to catch your breath. Make sure you add in some songs that feel a bit more somber and reflective, maybe even meditative to allow yourself to really slow down and experience the moment.
While I welcome and encourage you to create your own session playlist when we work together, I totally understand that it's not for everyone.
If creating your own playlist doesn't feel like your thing, or feels like more pressure than fun, no worries at all. I have a variety of playlists for us to tune into while we create, with something for every mood or energy. If we use one of my playlists, you can count on a variety of energies, emotions, and artists, with thoughtful pacing to help us craft your authentic emotional story through movement.
Our curated soundtrack is how we tap into your natural expression of emotions and movement. Rather than directing you to fake a quick smile, we combine uplifting tunes and movement until we find that moment of full-body bliss together. Rather than a contrived moment of peace, we slow things down with a track that allows us to find a moment for you to truly drop into yourself. Rather than forced sensuality and vulnerability, we lean into the pulse of a song that brings you fully and freely present in all the right ways.
Ultimately: don't overthink it. The magick is you and the perfect song choice or playlist. They're great additions and can help take the edge off if you're nervous about your session, but it's not the end-all, be-all for great images.
More than anything, you need a photographer who you can trust to guide you and make you feel held and safe enough to fully express yourself during the session. And it's about giving yourself permission to show up and be fully seen in all of your magick.
If you need some inspiration to get you started, you’re gonna wanna check out my Spotify playlists. I've got dozens of carefully curated playlists for every mood to get you moving and grooving.
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