Photography Mentor Session at Sekrit Theater
This was a mentor session I put together for a friend of mine, Steph at Sekrit Theater, but the photos are incredibly special to me because teaching other photographers helps me too. It allows me to take a step back and review the basic fundamentals.
This time: just let people ~be~
As photographers we have done this hundreds, if not thousands of times. We know how to direct, we know the most popular poses by memory and we even know what to say to get a certain reaction from you; but when there is total mutual trust between us, you get the good stuff, and we can forget the rest.
These two are precious humans in love. One moment Myles was super sweet and cuddly and the next he was putting on a funny face and accent. He was an absolute riot. Our faces hurt from laughing and I tried to tread carefully so that I didn’t interrupt his flow too much.
I know as a photographer, it can feel a little conflicting once money is involved. You want to create what your heart is pulling for but you also want to make sure you hit all the boxes because they’re paying you. I think there can be a balance.
The main objective during this mentor session was to slow down and focus more on the people and who they are versus running through a shot list. Underneath that, it’s about both vulnerability and confidence- the confidence to come into a session and really see people. The rest will follow, I promise you.
On Instagram, Jessica wrote:
“So many gems from this session I’m so grateful we had with Lauren. It is so rare I get to be on the other side of the camera, but I love it because I learn so much from photographers I look up to. We had a BLAST because Myles was Myles and I was (myself) and Lauren just let us be as we are. This is exactly how any session should be… I appreciate how the photos represent how silly we are.”
I’m so glad she could feel it too.
An example: Myles is absolutely hilarious. Coincidently, he does participate in stand-up comedy, so the entire shoot felt like a bit.
But here is the magic… The more I let him do what he wanted to, the better the photos were because they reflected who they are and not a box I was trying to put them in. And by “let him do what he wanted” maybe I didn’t try to steer us back so quickly after getting into a laughing fit. Maybe I just let the moment ride itself out until it felt right to interject and move us forward.
In this particular photo, I had them sit here and he was pretending he was in an airport asking her out. I technically gave him a “prompt” but he was already moving in and out of characters, so this was just me guiding him into the next scene, if you will.
I couldn’t recreate this with anyone else, because this is so him. Ya feel me? This photo brings such a smile to my face because it is exactly how their dynamic appears to outsiders. Myles being Myles and Jessica enjoying every second of the entertainment.
Finding a photographer mentor was one of the most valuable things I ever did for my business.
We have access to so many resources via the internet but I have never made bigger strides in my business and in my art than I did when I had a mentor guiding me. The wisdom shared from those who came before you is invaluable.
Here’s what Steph had to say:
“A goal this year was to invest in education. Finding a kick ass mentor was a win.
We tend to get in our own way. Having someone who speaks truth, based on years of experience, is exactly what I needed. Lauren is unapologetically herself, invested in your success and coaches you through whatever might be a roadblock in your growth. Thankful for (her), because (she’s) helped me with more than just photo/biz skills.”
So what are you waiting for? To learn from me, click here. 🖤
