Brookfield Academy class of 2022 | Grant’s Sneak Peek
How to go from Chandler Bing-cheese to Grant Ihlenfeld-suave in 4 steps
For today’s senior portrait Sneak Peek I thought I’d share a bit of behind the scenes, a little of how the photo magic is made.
At the start of a portrait session (headshots, too, but not so much food and products, lol) I start by talking and WATCHING my subject. I talk with them and observe how they respond to me, to my camera as well as any small, subconscious movements they make. This helps me understand how to best guide and coach them during the session.
Grant and his mom, Caryn, were laughing about his Chandler Bing smile. If you don’t know what that is, just watch this and tell me you can’t relate. WE ALL CAN.
So the first shot out of the can is this one: it’s hard to tell because Grant is a very handsome young man, but he’s donning his cheesy Chandler Bing Smile.
Ironically, one of the ways I get people out of that trap is to make them laugh. Admittedly, I’m not always funny, so at times I’ll just say, “give me a big, fake laugh.” And…. magic. It may feel incredibly awkward but its result is perfection. A beautiful, natural smile.
However, with Grant it was a little different. Thank goodness I utilize my observation skills! At Grant’s senior photo shoot, I learned after this ONE time that when Grant heads into a laugh, there is actually a four step process.
Cheesy smile that we’re actually trying to avoid.
Following the cue to laugh, Grant CLOSES HIS EYES. Good information to notice, ya think?
This eye-closing laugh is followed by a full-on, head-back laugh. Clearly, not the greatest pose unless maybe in an ad for a comedy club.
Instantly following is THE LOOK. Grant snapped back to me, so naturally and perfectly, that I was able to capture his great expression. This is the winner. Not cheesy, no closed eyes, not hysterical, just right.
The rest of the day I was able to time his laughter so that I skipped the middle two steps and headed right into the winner shot. It saved a lot of film (ha) and it guarantees Grant looks fantastic in every single shot.
I can’t wait to share the rest with Grant and his mom. The setting was beautiful, the weather was gorgeous and Grant did a great job laughing/not laughing through his session.
Looking for a senior portrait photographer? Look no further! Let me help you look your best and tell your story at the same time. This is a once in a lifetime experience, make it count.
