The Difference Between Posed & Prompted Photography
Let's talk about the "P" word for a second. Posed.
I know, I know, for a lot of people that word brings up flashbacks of stiff family photos from the 90s. Everyone lined up by height, someone's hand awkwardly on a shoulder, a photographer counting down from three while you try to make your smile look like it hasn't been happening for the last four minutes.
I'm not against posing, I just don't do it that way.
So what's the difference?
Prompted photography is exactly what it sounds like: instead of arranging you into a pose and asking you to hold perfectly still, I give you something to actually do. A prompt instead of a pose.
This might be something as simple as, "walk toward me and don't look at the camera." or “run to mom and dad and jump in their arms!” They key is this: once I've given you that starting point, you're free to keep moving. If you want to sneak a quick kiss, or your hand feels more natural somewhere else, or you just want to shift, do it! That little bit of freedom is where your real chemistry shows up.
Why it works even if you hate having your photo taken
I hear this all the time: "We're not photogenic", “My kids will not sit still” or "He hates getting his picture taken." Totally normal, in fact most people do!
So on the day, I don't take myself too seriously, because if I'm relaxed, chances are you're relaxed. I'll demonstrate a prompt myself if it helps, or pull up a quick reference photo so you can actually see what I mean instead of guessing. I had a groom once tell me afterward that he normally finds getting his photo taken pretty awkward — but on his wedding day, he actually felt comfortable in front of the camera the entire time. That's the goal!
What this looks like on your day
Expect direction, not a pose-and-hold. I'll tell you where to stand, give you something to do or say to each other, and then get out of the way and let it happen! No forced smiles, no hands on shoulders! ;)
I promise I'm not just running around snapping candids while you awkwardly stand there, unsure what to do with your hands (I see you, and I've got you!) It's still guided, but the moment itself is real. You're actually laughing. You're actually mid-sentence. You're actually there, not performing "there."
Years from now, that's the difference you'll feel even if you can't name it. Posed photos show you what you looked like. Prompted ones remind you what it felt like.
And if something feels a little off, or your kid won't sit still, or the moment doesn't go exactly as planned — don't stress about it! Photographs are very forgiving; that's kind of the whole point!
