Gesture : What should I do with my hands? Portrait Photography

How to be comfortable during a portrait session, how to help someone be more comfortable during a portrait session. What to do with your hands. Suzanne Hansen Ofeldt at Shewanders Photography loves to create environments where her clients feel relaxed and comfortable being themselves. San Diego couples portraiture. San Diego creative portrait photography.

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Intern Mia: My Experience at Shewanders

Hey everyone, Intern Mia here :)

My internship experience with SheWanders Photography was more than I ever imagined it would be. This past semester I spent my time learning and growing with help from the amazing Suzanne. I learned so much about myself as a photographer as well as how to style and execute professional photoshoots. I also learned the workings of how to run your own website as well as the importance of SEO and how it boosts site awareness. Coming into this internship I had no idea what SEO was and to be quite honest, the thought of it scared me a little. But after the course of this experience, I completed the SEO for over 100 blog posts! Can you believe that? (It still surprises me!)

With the advising of Suzanne, I learned how to apply creativity and insight to the taking and editing of photographs relative to the demands of a specific concept for that week. Each week I was asked to pay attention in detail to one element of my photos, whether that be form, space, body positioning, etc. Because of this I was able to storyboard, organize concepts, art direct, and execute 11 successful photoshoots, including portrait and product sessions. I was even able to execute a self-portrait shoot, which challenged my abilities as a model, photographer, and director. Being able to put myself in my subjects’ shoes gave me more insight on how to properly view a subject and photograph them based on their body positioning, and I would have never been able to transition into this mindset if it wasn’t for Suzanne and her mentorship. 

Aside from the photoshoot aspect of this internship, I also made valuable friendships along the way. (Hi Ana! :’)) Being able to hear constructive feedback from not only Suzanne but my new and awesome friend Ana was more than I could have asked for. Being able to be my pure self in a judgment-free and inclusive space gave me room to blossom into the photographer I was aiming to be.

The work atmosphere here at SheWanders was always fun, direct, and organized. We were always laughing and making jokes, coming up with new creative concepts, and figuring out new ways to tackle them. Suzanne made sure to consistently be prepared with lessons for the week and always gave me constructive feedback on my progress. This feedback was checked up on every week and I was always asked how I overcame problems based on the criticism I was given. I believe this was what was very helpful about my time here at SheWanders because it gave me room to fail while making sure I learned from my mistakes and watch out for them next time.  

I would undoubtedly and highly recommend this internship for any beginning photographers looking for a career in photography. Suzanne made sure to make me never feel like I was alone, and was an excellent teacher through the entire 11-week span. I received constructive criticism and learned from my mistakes while consistently creatively thinking about my next move. I was always busy and planning for my next shoot, project, or blog post. She taught me that this work environment is fast-paced and prepared me for what I should expect from jobs in the future. Because of this internship, I feel confident in my work and am ready to start the journey of making a name for myself in this business. I cannot thank my amazing mentor Suzanne enough for giving me the confidence to see myself in a whole new light.

To you, Suzanne:

Thank you. Thank you for giving me an environment to grow and flourish in as well as becoming someone I will always be deeply inspired by. I will cherish this experience for a lifetime.

xoxo,

Mia

Mia's Instagram & Mia's Portfolio