Work Journal: Waterfall Beauty Editorial

When creativity calls, answering is the only option, which is why I leave space in my shooting schedule every month for a totally creative shoot. We’re talking no strings attached, creative chaos - just me, my camera, some amazing collaborators and so much fun.

Creative shoots aren’t only about having fun. Sessions like these are the perfect time to explore new approaches to directing your subjects, experiment with new gear and scope out how to use potential locations for client shoots. Who says work and play can’t exist together?

Pro-tip: One of the questions I get asked most often about posing is “what the sweet heck do I do with my awkward hands?”. The truth is, our hands carry a lot of tension and although you may have mastered your angles, learning to relax your digits when posing is a whole other thing. Here are three tips I always share with my portrait subjects:

• Touch yourself: I’m not kidding. Touch your hair, your face, your clothes, whatever you can comfortably reach, just start touching. It might feel weird to be touching your face and playing with your hair in photos but it’s one of the most normal things you could do. Studies show people touch their faces alone on average of 23 times an hour, so when in doubt, just start touching.

• Perform an action: Think of things you do with your hands and start doing them while holding the rest of your pose as is. Pick up your phone and pretend to text. Pick up a camera and pretend to shoot. Zip up your coat. If all else fails, pick up some sand and glitter and throw it to the wind.

• Play with your jewelry: Next time you’re having your portraits taken, wear a few rings or bracelets to your session. If you ever feel like your hands are stiff or carrying tension, just start gently adjusting your jewelry, that tension will melt away and you’ll add some natural movement to your portrait.

Talent: Diana Jean Lewis

Makeup: Jennifer Murphy Beauty

Wardrobe: Bloom and Wander