Position your subject facing the light source, not away from it
Avoid shooting directly into the sun — it creates harsh shadows
Overcast days are great — soft, even light with no harsh shadows
Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) produces warm, flattering light
Use the rule of thirds — place your subject off-center for a more dynamic shot
Leave some space in the direction your subject is looking
Include interesting backgrounds that tell the story of the location
Vary your shots — Take at least one shot, of each of three poses, in landscape. You might also try wide, medium, and close-up angles
Clean your lens before every session — smudges ruin sharpness
Tap the screen to focus on your subject before shooting
Use Portrait mode for flattering close-ups when available
Hold steady or brace against something to avoid blur
Greet them warmly — a relaxed client takes better photos
Give simple, clear directions: "Turn slightly left" or "Chin down a little"
Take more shots than you think you need — give them options
Let them know when you're done and confirm they're happy before leaving
Move slowly and smoothly — jerky motion looks unprofessional
Pan across the scene or walk slowly toward the subject
Keep it 10–20 seconds — short and cinematic beats long and shaky
Make sure audio isn't distracting — wind noise can ruin a clip