6 Things To Know Before A Portrait Session

Portrait sessions can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Whether you’re getting ready for your first photoshoot or you’re a seasoned pro, think about these six things you can do to make the most of your portrait session:

1.  Communication is key

Before the session starts, it’s important to communicate with me.  I want to make sure I understand what you’re looking for in the photos, whether it’s a specific style or theme. Be honest about any insecurities or concerns you have so I can help you feel more comfortable.

2.  Bring a few outfit options

Having a few different outfit options can help you feel more confident and comfortable during the session. Make sure you choose outfits that make you feel good and reflect your personal style. Avoid wearing anything too loud, trendy or flashy. I can help you choose the best outfit.

3.  Arrive on time

Arriving on time is important to ensure that you have enough time to change into the outfit you will be wearing, plus do final hair and makeup touchups. If you’re running late, it can put stress on everyone involved and may result in less time for the actual shoot.

4. Trust your photographer

I’m here to help you look your best, I have your best interest in mind when it comes to poses, lighting and of course the final product.

5.  Relax and have fun

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous before a photoshoot, but try to relax and have fun. Enjoy the experience and trust that we will capture some great shots. Plus, I’ll play your favorite music if you ask.

6.  Pay attention to details

Details matter in photography, so pay attention to things like hair and makeup. Make sure everything is in place and looking its best before the shoot begins.

In conclusion, communication, preparation, and trust are all key when it comes to a successful portrait session. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your time with me as your photographer and create some amazing images that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to book a photography session and to discuss details and preparation!

As a photographer, one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is working with great clients who appreciate your work and trust your vision. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with many wonderful clients, but two that really stand out are Verizon Media and The Change Company.

Verizon Media is a company that needs no introduction. As a media and technology company, they are always on the forefront of innovation, and their events are no exception. I had the pleasure of working with Verizon Media (now Yahoo) as an event photographer, covering an E3 Verizon Media Cocktail Reception.

What I loved most about working with Verizon Media was their attention to detail. The E3 event was very well planned, with every detail thoughtfully considered. This made my job as a photographer much easier, as I knew exactly what was expected of me and what shots were most important to capture.

Another client that I absolutely loved working with was The Change Company.  As a company their mission is to enable Americans to have access to the financial services they deserve, so they knew they’d need a talented headshot photographer to make the staff look their best.  I was brought on board as their headshot photographer, tasked with capturing the professionalism of each individual in a single shot.

Working with The Change Company was also nice because I got to travel to 3 different office locations.  And since I mainly shot outdoors, it allowed me to use my creativity to semi-match the lighting and background at each location.

Overall, I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing clients. Verizon Media and The Change Company both pushed me to be a better photographer, and allowed me to create some truly amazing work. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, and to continue working with clients who share my passion for photography and creativity.

One thing as a photographer that I have been doing lately is putting my photos on Adobe Stock.  By putting my photos on stock websites I’m hoping to earn some extra income and gain even more exposure as an artist. Here are a few reasons why it was important for me to consider putting my photos on stock websites:

I’m hoping to get increased visibility as a photographer.  In putting my photos on stock websites, they become available to a much larger audience. This can help me gain exposure for my work and potentially lead to new opportunities.

I’m looking to make passive income money and stock photography can be a great way to earn passive income. Once I upload my photos to a stock website, they can continue to generate income for me over time without any additional effort on my part.

This also can help with a diversification of income as a photographer.  I’ve made a lot of my income as a photographer doing business headshots, but this is a way to help reduce my reliance on a single source of income (such as headshot or event photography) and create a more stable and sustainable business model.

By taking stock photos I’m hoping gain more clients.  Stock photography is often used by businesses and individuals who need high-quality images for a variety of purposes, including marketing materials, websites, and social media. By putting my photos on stock websites, I’m making my work available to potential clients who might need a photographer for things other than stock photos.

Overall, putting my photos on stock websites can be a great way to expand my audience, generate passive income, and diversify my income streams as a photographer.

What are your stock photography needs?  Here is the link to check out my photos on Adobe Stock: https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/207058840/Steven%20Hankins%20Photo