Portrait Photos in Southampton
…and what to expect from Your photoshoot:
Thinking about booking a portrait photographer in Southampton but not sure what to expect?
Perhaps you've never had professional photographs taken before. Maybe you're worried you'll feel awkward in front of the camera. Or maybe you've got a great idea for a photoshoot but no idea how to actually make it happen?
The good news is that you don't need to be a model, know how to pose or have everything figured out before your photoshoot.
Whether you're looking for portrait photographyin Southampton, a relaxed lifestyle session in Hampshire, an outdoor photoshoot or something a little more creative, the session can be built around you.
Here are some of the questions people often have before booking a portrait or lifestyle photoshoot.
What is portrait and lifestyle photography?
Portrait photography doesn't have to mean standing in front of a plain background and smiling at the camera.
A portrait session can be whatever suits you.
It could be an outdoor photoshoot in the New Forest, a fashion-inspired session in Southampton, a studio-style shoot at home or something completely personal to you.
Lifestyle photography is even more relaxed. Instead of concentrating entirely on posing, we can photograph you doing something you actually enjoy, interacting with your surroundings or simply capturing natural moments as they happen.
The goal is to create photographs that look and feel like you, rather than forcing you into a collection of poses that don't.
I've never had professional photos taken before. What do I do?
Absolutely nothing.
Seriously.
You don't need to arrive knowing how to pose. That's my job.
Before the photoshoot, we'll have a chat about what you're looking for and the sort of photographs you'd like. During the session I'll give you direction when you need it, whether that's a small adjustment to your position, where to look, what to do with your hands or simply where to walk.
Some people are naturally comfortable in front of a camera. Others need a little time to warm up.
Both are completely normal.
Usually, once you stop thinking about "having your photo taken", things become much easier.
I'm awkward in front of the camera. Can you still photograph me?
Yes.
And you're definitely not the first person to tell me that.
One of the biggest misconceptions about professional portrait photography is that you need to know how to "look good" in front of a camera.
You don't.
I'll guide you through the session rather than expecting you to come up with poses yourself. We can also mix traditional portraits with movement, interaction and more natural moments.
Walking, talking, looking away from the camera or interacting with your surroundings can often create much more natural photographs than simply standing still and smiling.
And if something looks ridiculous, I'll tell you.
Probably😉😅
What should I wear for a portrait photoshoot?
Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
There isn't one perfect outfit for portrait photography. The right choice depends on the location, the style of the shoot and the sort of photographs we're creating.
For an outdoor lifestyle session, neutral colours and simple outfits can work particularly well because they don't compete with the surroundings.
For a fashion-inspired shoot, however, you might want something much bolder.
You can also bring more than one outfit if you'd like some variety and there’s enough time.
If you're unsure, send me a few options before the shoot and we can work out what fits the idea best.
Where can we have a photoshoot in Southampton or Hampshire?
Pretty much anywhere that works for the idea.
Outdoor portrait sessions can take place in parks, woodland, city streets, beaches or other locations around Southampton and Hampshire.
The location doesn't necessarily have to be somewhere famous or particularly impressive either. Sometimes an ordinary-looking place can provide fantastic backgrounds and light.
The New Forest is a great example of this, with everything from open landscapes and woodland to quieter spots where we can create something more intimate.
If you're not sure where to go, don't worry. We can discuss the style you're after and find a location that suits it.
And if you already have somewhere in mind, even better.
Can we include my pet, car or something personal to me?
Of course.
Your photoshoot doesn't have to revolve around standing in front of a camera.
If your dog is an important part of your life, bring them along.
If you're obsessed with your car, let's include it.
If you have a hobby, outfit, prop or location that means something to you, we can build the photoshoot around it.
This is one of my favourite things about lifestyle photography: the photographs can be about you, rather than just photographs of you.
Can we have both posed and natural photographs?
Definitely.
In fact, I usually recommend it.
A mixture of more structured portraits and natural photographs gives you a much more varied gallery.
We might start with a few simple portraits to get comfortable, then move around the location and experiment with different compositions, poses and activities.
You might end up with a dramatic portrait, a relaxed candid photograph and something completely unexpected—all from the same session.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If we're planning an outdoor photoshoot and the weather decides to make things difficult, we'll talk about the options.
Sometimes overcast weather creates beautifully soft light and can actually work in our favour.
Other times, especially with heavy rain or strong winds, it's simply not worth forcing the shoot.
Depending on the circumstances, we can reschedule, change the location or adapt the idea.
The important thing is that you don't need to worry about making that decision on your own.
How long does a portrait photoshoot take?
That depends on the type of session we're planning.
Some shoots can be relatively quick, while others need more time for different outfits, locations or ideas.
Rather than rushing through a fixed list of poses, I'd rather allow enough time for the session to feel relaxed and produce a good variety of photographs.
We'll discuss the approximate length when planning your shoot, so you know what to expect before the day.
How many photographs will I receive?
The exact number varies a lot, but as a minimum it’s 20+ images
I'll photograph a variety of different poses, expressions, compositions and moments during the shoot. From those, I'll select the strongest photographs for editing.
The aim isn't to give you hundreds of almost identical photographs.
It's to give you a collection of images that are genuinely worth keeping.
Can I have prints as well as digital photographs?
Yes.
Digital photographs are great for sharing online, but there is something rather satisfying about seeing one of your favourite photographs actually printed and displayed.
Prints, framed photographs and canvases can be arranged if you'd like to turn your favourite images into something you can have at home rather than leaving them buried somewhere in your camera roll.
Do I need to have a specific idea for my photoshoot?
No.
You can arrive with a complete concept, a vague idea or absolutely nothing.
If you know exactly what you want, we'll work towards creating it.
If you only know that you want some great photographs but have no idea what they should look like, that's fine too.
We'll talk about your style, what you're comfortable with, where you'd like to shoot and what you want the photographs to say about you.
Sometimes the best ideas happen once we're actually shooting.
Ready for your own portrait photoshoot in Southampton?
You don't need to be a model.
You don't need to know how to pose.
You don't need the perfect outfit or a complicated concept.
You just need to turn up.
I'll take care of the photography, guide you through the session and help turn whatever ideas we come up with into photographs you'll actually want to keep.
Whether you're looking for portrait photography in Southampton, a lifestyle session in Hampshire, a fashion-inspired shoot, photographs with your pet or something completely different, we can build the session around you.
After all, there isn't much point in having photographs that look like everyone else's.
Interested in booking a portrait or lifestyle photoshoot? Get in touch and let's come up with something.
Click the link below us to fill out a form ❤️
Mike Boniecki
