Taylor Swift’s Top 11 Tips for the Most Memorable Photo Session
Okay, so I don’t have a direct line to Taylor Swift to ask her to write blog posts for me, so you might be asking yourself, what on Earth does T. Swift have to do with portrait photography??
And I’ll give you that. It’s not immediately obvious. BUT, in revisiting each album and its overall message, I came up with a takeaway from each of Taylor’s distinct eras that I think can make any photo session a whole lot more interesting.
One disclaimer, I totally made this image of one of my favorite clients BEFORE I saw the new album cover for “The Life of a Showgirl.” ;)
Taylor Swift
Taylor’s inaugural album definitely caught the world’s attention. While she wasn’t new to performing, she hadn’t yet experienced this level of production and fame, which could be enough to overwhelm anyone. For that reason, the lesson from this album I’ll highlight is this: You may be new to the whole production of having professional portraits made, and that’s okay! The important thing is to find the right guide to lead you through the process and help you get the kind of results that will make YOU happy in the end.
2. Fearless
This album was released in Taylor’s later teen years and shows us that it’s okay to be yourself and feel your big feelings! The more she poured her heart and soul and experiences into her music, the more people loved it.
Same goes for photos! The more of YOU you bring to your session, the better results you’ll have. I don’t mean every session will look like a cover of Vogue, because that’s not every person’s vibe. I try to get to know my clients and their personalities, hopes, and dreams before I move forward with making suggestions or planning details so the results you’ll see are reflective of your personality
3. Speak Now
This is where Taylor really stepped into her own and expressed herself fully for the first time, and I’m sure that was a really scary step to take!
Photography can feel the same way. It can be intimidating to open up and let your freak flag fly. You’re not the only one who forgets what to do with their hands when the camera is pointed in their direction. BUT, I assure you, you’ll have a better time and you’ll fall more in love with your portraits if you speak up, let your preferences and opinions be heard, and let your unique self shine through.
4. Red
If there’s one thing Red has taught us is that it’s okay to shake things up and try something new! Just like Taylor’s music, you’re allowed to grow and evolve. Your photo session doesn’t have to look just like the ones you had when you were a kid if that style doesn’t suit who you’ve become! It’s okay to break up with outdated traditions.
Not sure how to shake things up? See number 1, the importance of finding the right guide to lead you where you want to go. ;)
5. 1989
Like Red, this album also emphasizes doing things in a way that brings you joy. Friends, family, and even strangers on the internet may tell you what your photo session is “supposed” to look like. Even if your last professional photo session fit the mold of what everyone else is doing, don’t let that dissuade you from putting your personal spin on things!
6. Reputation
After a whoooooole bunch of drama in her personal and professional life, Taylor came out swinging with this album. She didn’t let the tough stuff drag her down. Instead, she used what she’d been through to create music that speaks to so many of our similar circumstances.
If you’ve been going through it, taking some time to celebrate yourself and how far you’ve come might be the empowering experience you need. What’s that saying? I believe it’s something like “The greatest revenge is living well.”
Want to see my take on the last 5 albums (so far)?? Sign up for my email list, and I’ll get the rest of the list directly to your inbox!