Yes, this sounds like a nonsensical sound bite.

What about this one:

‘Intention over pose, every time.’ (So cryptic)

Explanation:

State of mind has a remarkable effect on the end product. Working with a lot of actors, it has become easy to direct the shoot in terms of ‘intention’.

“What are you wanting to capture in these pictures?”

“What makes you feel that way?… Think about it.”

That’s enough “Think about it”.

A focused thought is enough to give the eyes that ‘something’. It’s this ‘something’ that will cause a person to really look at your photo, rather than just glance over it.

MIND SET is the most important thing on a shoot. You can worry as much as you like about hair/make up/wardrobe, but if you turn up in the wrong frame of mind the result will never be what you wanted.

Give some thought to what you want your images to say:

SMILEY shots, find that happy place.

INSPIRED/ASPIRATIONAL, think of the obstacles that are in your way and focus on how YOU WILL overcome them…

Etc, etc…

The FEEL should dominate the shoot. Your focus will enable the photographer to capture what you want and inspire him/her to take you further.

RESULT…

STAND OUT, ATTENTION GRABBING, THOUGHT PROVOKING PORTRAITS!