| Jonny’s personal session at Nendrum Monastery Site, Comber.

A while back I put a story on my Instagram asking what type of photography project you would like to take part in, seeing my tattoo idea sank like the Titanic.

One of my followers made a great suggestion, which actually hit home a lot of me, “Can you help me get my photo taken because I hate it”. This hit home for me because I to hate getting my photo taken so when I asked about the reasons why he didn’t like having his photo taken, he was preaching to the choir. He felt like he could never feel comfortable in any shot so it was perfect to try and ease this for him.

Let me introduce you to Jonny. He’s an amazing Astro photographer, make sure you check out his Instagram, and he’s getting married next year. I asked Jonny if he would feel that a few mini-sessions could help and if would he feel more comfortable in a studio setting or on location. We opted for an on-location setting which would be quiet and have few people around.

The very first thing I did, even before we met up, was give him homework. He was given a few questions to help me find out more about him and his fear/issue of having his photo taken. This helps me to make sure I create a safe environment that plays to your needs and helps build your confidence and trust in me as your photographer.

After what felt like the universe stopping me from doing this session, we finally got it sorted and met up on an evening at Nendrum, the Monastic site, just outside Comber for our late evening session.

We arrived at 9.30 pm, the sun was setting, there was a cooler breeze and as we entered the gate, the last person was leaving. Perfect conditions for a confidence session when someone doesn’t want an audience! Jonny has brought his dog, Lola, along too. She was the perfect distraction and comforter for Jonny. He was able to focus on playing ball while Lola zoomed across the open grounds. We sat the wall, a short distance apart. This not only suited me for the 85mm lens which I love using for my portraits, but I was close enough to Jonny to have a proper conversation but far enough to not invade his personal space, a way to not add any additional pressure or anxiety with a photographer’s camera lens up in your face.

We cracked on with the conversation and with me taking photos. It wasn’t posed in any way; it wasn’t formal, and the only structure was the conversation. This is a great way for any person to feel relaxed, having time to get used to me and the sound of the camera. The topic of conversation is on the person themselves; this helps me get to know them, what they love, dislike and it builds up trust between us both. The great thing I love about these types of sessions is that it’s all about connection, conversation and telling me about yourself. A simple hello and talking.

If we’ve chatted online, you’ll know once we get started, we can be chatterboxes and it’s important for me to make you feel relaxed in my company. I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable, judged, uneasy or anxious with me. I’m just a lass with a camera, with pink hair, tattoos and a passion for photography and we chat, I find out about your life, what you do, what you like. Jonny and I were no different. We discussed each other’s photography, how we started, families, work etc and while I was capturing his photo with his facial expressions to different experiences, he was able to focus on his answers while Lola was playing ball.

Questions ranged from everything and anything, for example, what would be your superpowers, describe yourself by the 5 senses, what advice would you give your younger self, what would be in your time capsule. And if you’ve ever had your photo taken by me, you know there’s ALWAYS a goofy photo taken. Why? Well not only is it an icebreaker, but as I told Jonny, it’s the worst you’ll ever look when I take your photo. Even he was able to pull a funny face to Lola while I took the photo with my eyes closed. I was proud of how he was able to trust me and had the confidence in himself to do it. Not many get’s it, but when you don’t like having your photo taken, pulling a goofy face and getting it snapped, is big thing! We laughed, chatted and got all the photos until the very last drop of light faded. I can honestly say, it’s been one of my favourite sessions I’ve done in a long time. Portraits are all about connecting with the person, capturing their expressions and pulling their inner personality out.

During our session, Jonny said he felt the most relaxed ever while having his photo taken. I’m so happy that I was able to provide him that experience and now I am really looking forward to our next session as this will be a ‘couple session’ with Jonny and his Fiancé - we’ll use the guidance cards too. These are a great way to give them something to do so they don’t feel awkward in how to stand or feel forced, keep the atmosphere fun and light, safe and with no pressure. I love how this leads to completely natural photos. It’s also going to give us a chance to focus more on posing and showing Jonny how to engage with the photographer as he will need to do come his wedding day and he’s the focus even more so, but we’ll get him feeling confident enough to have some amazing photos and enjoy his day without having the anxiety of photo looming over his day.

Here's more from his session.