What are the things that you need to know about your photoshoot? This page is dedicated to answering all of the who, what, where, when, and why questions that you may have about planning and executing a successful photoshoot.
The Photoshoot
Why should you have a professional photoshoot?
Why do people have their picture taken? There are infinite reasons as to why one would have their photograph taken but I think that the main reason is documentation. People want and need a record of the places and things that are important in their lives. We also want to document who we were in the moment that we experienced them. Milestones are a great example of this. We put our marks on history through photography, starting with pregnancy and ending with death and every milestone in between. We take baby pictures, school pictures, team sports and clubs, graduations, birthdays, weddings, promotions, and retirement. We take our pictures when we climb mountain peaks, or get in shape, and even when we move to new places or buy new cars. Having our picture taken has become a staple in our lives but the question that needs to be asked is how do you want to be remembered? Are all photographs created equally? The answer is no. Most of the best and most famous portraits throughout time have been thoroughly planned down to the simplest detail. So, if you are considering a professional photoshoot for yourself, what questions should you be asking and where do you start?
Planning is everything. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what do you want your photographs to say about you?
Planning
What should you consider when picking a photographer?
Before photography, painters were commissioned to paint portraits. These portraits were normally reserved for the wealthy. Photography has expanded that ability to have a portrait done even if you are not part of the super-elite. But, like the painters of the past, photographers are artists and artists have different styles that they lean into. So, consider this when choosing your photographer. Some styles are dark and moody, and others are light and airy. It does not mean that one photographer is better than the other, they just have different styles. So, look for a photographer that fits your individual needs.
What kind of photography are you looking for?
There are many genres of photography, landscape, architectural, product and people photography, just to name a few and even those can be broken down into subsets. For example there are many different types of people photographers. There are photographers that specialize in maternity, babies, school portraits, boudoir, editorial, and fashion. I know what you’re thinking, you didn’t think that it was going to be this hard. Don’t worry, it’s not. Right now you are imagining a perfect picture of yourself. Probably because of a picture that you have seen in your past. Go with that. If you know who that photographer was, reach out to them or look for other photographers with a similar style.
Now what?
Once you have found the photographer that fits your needs, express to them what it is that you are looking for. Maybe that’s a look or a feeling but whatever it is, make it fun. I have taken thousands of photographs and I can tell you, in my experience the best images come from four things: collaboration, planning, passion, and fun.
What should I wear in the picture, what about makeup, and hair?
Before we get into that, let’s consider who will see the photograph. Will it be on a billboard, will it be shared with family and friends, or will it be more intimate for a spouse or significant other? Maybe it will be just for you. Regardless of who sees the image, how do you want them to feel when they see it? I have spent over two decades in the marketing world and I can tell you that every detail plays a role. Colors evoke emotions, textures add depth, and light and shadows create mood. This is why collaborating and communication with your photographer is so vital to a successful image. Many photographers have been to school and studied the art of making pictures. By expressing to them what you are looking for, they can help guide you with every detail. Thus, making the experience fun and not stressful.
What should I wear to the photoshoot?
This really depends on the type of shoot that you are doing. Did you opt to have a professional hair and makeup person? If you are doing a boudoir, fitness, or swimsuit shoot, wear very loose clothing and preferably, no undergarments. This may seem strange but clothing that is tight and restrictive leaves marks and lines in the skin that will be visible in the images. These marks and lines can sometimes be removed in editing software which can be time-consuming and may add additional costs. I personally tell my clients to come comfortable and sloppy like a Sunday watching Netflix. One of the best parts of doing a studio photoshoot is having your own dressing room, getting dressed up, and getting ready for your close-up. It is your day to be like a famous movie star, to be fabulous, to play dress up, and to have fun. It should feel like a spa day for your soul.
Should I learn how to pose like a model?
The vast majority of the images that I have taken over the years have not been of models. They are your typical average people like you and me. They are parents and spouses, they have jobs. They cook, wash dishes, and mow lawns. They skip leg days or workout weeks. They like Ben & Jerry’s and beer and wine. So, should you learn how to pose? Only if you want to and there are tons of resources from books to YouTube. But, part of being a photographer is also to have the ability to direct, what to bend, and where to look. It is our job to guide you, unless of course you are a model and then we get to slack for the day.
I know that there are times when you don’t want the photoshoot to end but time is a resource that none of us can afford to waste, so let’s make the most of our limited time and get as many options as we can from your photoshoot. One great way to do this is by layering our outfits. So, what do I mean by layering? Every outfit is comprised of clothing put on in layers from your undergarments to your coat, shoes, hats, and gloves. By mixing and matching these items of clothing you can obtain many different looks and feels in a short amount of time without going through an entire outfit change. Here is a quick example.
Layers make options
