Let’s get real comfortable in front of the camera!
5 things which will help you feel relaxed, and enjoy the documentary experience way more than you ever imagined.
Nine times out of ten what’s the first thing that clients say to me when they meet me for the first time? “We’re really not keen on having our photographs taken” or “Auntie Sylvie over there doesn’t know anything about this because she’s really camera shy… So if you could just make it all seem ok magically?”
I totally and completely understand, having someone in your home, special event or work space, an outsider snooping around with a camera might not seem the most comfortable of circumstances, but here’s how we’re getting over it and actually enjoying the experience way more than you ever thought possible.
No. 1: This is a zero judgement situation.
First of all, and possibly the most important, when I arrive at your home, event or work space, I won’t be concerned with the appearance of your environment or outfit choice, i’ll be looking for light, life and stories. I’m fascinated by the interior landscape, spaces filled with the warmth and character that reflect the lives of those who live or work there and i’m here to tell that story which is so unique to you.
Dad getting ready for a nerf gun fight with the family.
No. 2: Fail to plan, plan to fail.
We always have a plan, before the shoot we’ll have a chat and decide what we are doing on the day. If it’s an event, that’s usually all covered, i just need all the details so that i can be aware what’s happening and when. If it’s a family or a workplace session, we’ll decide what activities to do in advance. This makes things so much more relaxed on the day as everyone can just enjoy themselves, doing the things they love, without a care in the world.
18th birthday party photography, York.
No. 3: I’m not hiding in a bush, jumping out of nowhere to catch you off guard.
When I’m making photographs, I won’t be up a tree, in a bush or hiding in a cupboard ready to pounce when you least expect it. I’ll be right there with you, in plain sight. If you’re having dinner i’m often sat at the table with you, at a special event I’m just like one of the guests, who happens to have a couple of nice cameras in her hands, taking photographs of what it feels like to actually be there.
As a documentary photographer, I don’t want to stage anything and spend a lot of time observing, people watching, understanding individual characters and relationships. I often stay in the same spot for a while, composing the frame, allowing things to unfold, waiting for the magic!
Smoking sticks in the garden on ‘fire night’, beautifully lit by the security light.
No. 4: We can take a break and have a cup of tea.
We all need a break, unless we’re in the middle of your wedding ceremony, every so often i’ll just put the cameras down and have a bit of a break, a cup of tea, a walk, a refresh… Often children get very interested and want to know all about my cameras and i’ll just take a bit of time to explain what i’m doing and why. If there’s someone who wasn’t keen on having photographs in the first place I might see how they’re getting on or chat to you about what’s happening next.
Brand portrait of Annabel at home in her garden (with a cup of tea!), a yoga practitioner.
No. 5: Let’s get in the zone.
Much quicker than you’d imagine, we all get into a rhythymn, because this is a documentary session, we won’t be standing around, you’ll be busy doing your thing, whatever activity we have planned, you’re chatting to guests, or trying to beat that family member at Monopoly, or making an order in your workshop, and i’ll be concentrating on telling the wonderful stories in front of me.
Family photography session in York, having lots of fun and games!
It’s really fun, honest.
So what’s the last thing that clients say when i’m packing up my camera bag? Yes! they always say they enjoyed the session way more than they thought and the experience was really enjoyable! This truly makes my day, and I can travel home safe in the knowledge that I have a wonderful gallery of real stories in my bag just waiting to be delivered.
About Nic Shuttleworth
Nic Shuttleworth is a multi award-winning documentary photographer based in Yorkshire capturing real stories full of warmth and personality for families, events and brands.
She believes that real stories matter and photographs people from all walks of life with a photojournalist approach.
This is relaxed photography for laid back individuals.
Let’s capture the time of your lives.
Have a look at some more stories in the journal
I had a lovely walk along the river Ouse in York on my way to document this surprise 18th birthday get together at Star Inn the City.