Having your photo taken can be a nerve-wracking and intimidating experience. Choosing what to wear, how much makeup to apply, and how to pose can leave you weary. Plus, those negative head conversations draining you of a sense of hope that this photo session could be different and fun. Before you’ve even stepped into the studio, you’ve lost all confidence needed to take a powerful photo. So you settle for ‘okay’. What if you could change it?
Several years ago I created Photo Fabulous, a photography posing workshop for women to learn modeling secrets for ‘what to do’ and ‘what to think’ so she could enjoy the entire experience – from prep time to picture perfect results. The adventure of bringing together a room of women, makeup artists, and photographers was very exciting! And, over the course of the two day event, each woman experienced a transition which took her from a negative, fearful, or doubting mindset to one that set her free to create photos that captured her inside-out beauty.
We took amazing photos!
Part of the transition was in learning what to think. You’ve heard it said that photos have a huge impact on your personal brand and can make it easier to connect with your ideal client. But, at the end of the day, does that motivate you to learn how to let go of your negative self-talk and master the art of the pose? Or does it just feel like pressure-to-perform in an arena you’ve never felt very confident? You may even believe that you’re not photogenic because you don’t look like or have the body of a celebrity.
How’s that working for you? Perhaps it’s time to put the outcome in your hands. Think of photos like this:
- inviting a potential client to call
- capturing a shared laugh with friends
- reflecting a specific emotion for a future article
It’s about you – not about you looking like someone else. Can you imitate a pose? Of course. Just remember the power is in giving yourself permission to be intentional and free to enjoy the process. Once you decide the purpose of the photo, you can command the session by designing it to capture that single emotion.
All that’s left to know is what to do…with your hands, your eyes, your elbows, your feet, etc. Download Posing Tips.
Dare to Be Fabulous Always!
About Post Author
Julie Thurburn
Julie Thurburn is founder and CEO of Colour IQ, a Dallas, Texas-based company that teaches individuals and groups how to use colour, proportion and style to dress well so they can more easily attract and engage the business opportunities and personal relationships they desire.
She inspires purpose-driven success in others. As a trusted image advisor Julie combines her extraordinary range of talents to evaluate, educate and motivate those going through a life or career transition or wanting to create a stylish brand for themselves.
Whether she is coaching individuals who are seeking their own personal style, pursuing a new job, public speaking, going from divorce to dating, or redefining themselves after losing weight, Ms. Thurburn first helps others identify the person they truly are and want to be. Then, she customizes a “What’s Next” strategy—-to dress for success, interview effectively, attract the right mate or business client, or experience healthy living.
The Austin, Texas native began a career in image advising in 1991 after working in home décor. She discovered that she both enjoyed and was good at shopping for friends, and became certified in colour and style analysis. Later she became a makeup artist with the Chanel Blitz event team and was a commercial model in the New York tri-state area. As her career progressed, Ms. Thurburn realized that she loved teaching, so after returning to her home state, she opened a runway modeling agency and photography studio to coach teenage girls and guys in Dallas.
She is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University, and earned a BA in Organizational Communications— training that serves her well as a speaker.
Looking fabulous is relatively easy in a world with so many clothing and skin care options but feeling fabulous requires an internal focus. As a Certified Dream Coach with Marcia Wieder, Julie’s programs inspire action toward creating the life her clients have only dreamed of living.
Today, Ms. Thurburn continues to help men and women discover how to create simplicity, order, vision and passion in their style and lives. Her motto for success: “Be Fabulous Always.”
About Post Author
