These are from a quick photo session or more like “hmm I’ve wasted a holiday week and should really do SOMETHING!” sort of photo session. So here are some quick tips so you can do that too.
First, get a hat. Baseball hats are okay, but fancy hats are better and more fun. And I am not just talking about kids, adults you can do this too. Everyone has at least thought once or twice “wow I’d look cool in fancy hat” and everyone would be correct. Get a fancy hat, where something casual and watch the works happen.
Second, try for golden hour with one caveat: golden hour is only good if you have a decent location. If you surround yourself with buildings and block out any horizon, then golden hour kind of becomes pointless. So how do you find a good golden hour location? Easy – about 30 minutes before golden hour for a nice relaxing walk with the intent of finding a good location for golden hour. Pay attention to where the sun, what the horizon looks like, and what the lights and shadow looks like. It sounds complicated but when you go for the walk and find the spot it will all make sense. Don’t forget to look up when golden hour is as it changes depending on the time of the year. You learn to appreciate the summer and winter solstices.
Third, ask for attitudes. Everyone has them and if you know which attitude your subject is leaning towards then veer into it. Often that will take them off guard and get them to lighten up a little. After that, getting other emotions gets easier and if it doesn’t then go with the attitude and get good shots of that instead.