NEWSFLASH… it’s more to a photoshoot than getting dressed up, arriving at the location, and taking pictures. To make a photoshoot a success, it takes strategic planning on multiple fronts. There are four major tips for a successful photoshoot. I’ve explained them below along with some tips and tricks to help you make your next photoshoot fabulous.
Things to Consider:
Hair & makeup
If you are going to pay money for a professional photoshoot, then you should want to look your absolute best! Getting made up professionally is the way to go because the person is trained to know what will look good on camera. When I say professionally, this could even mean going to your regular beautician, barber, or makeup artist.
When scheduling a photoshoot, the day is all about you, so why not pull out all the stops with some pampering? A camera picks up on every little detail, so professionals know what to use and what not to use. Showing them pictures of the locations that you’re thinking about and the outfits that you are going to wear will be extremely helpful to them in choosing the right colors to complement both you, your outfits, and the location. Even if you are a more natural type of gal, I still recommend getting these services for your shoot. Yes, going professional will cost more money, but your photos are a lifetime treasure that will be seen for years on end, so you want to look your absolute best for the camera.
Location
This is extremely important when planning a photoshoot. Picking a less-than-desirable location can ruin your photos. It is important to know what type of lighting will be available (shade, direct sun, spotted shade, minimal light); if there are natural props (benches, ladders, stairs, water, railings, trees, lakes, etc.); and if there is a variety of scenery available. You don’t want your photos to look dull.
In actuality, some shoots do take place in one location, but because the photographer utilizes different spots within the vicinity, the photos have a lot of variety. You don’t have to do a lot of traveling to get variation. Although it would be nice to have different locations as part of your photoshoot, it is not necessary. This is why it is important to do some scouting beforehand to see how many different “looks” you can get from that one area. Your photographer will most likely do this with your input. You want to make sure that you have tons of natural props, proper lighting, color, and scenery to bring your shoot to life.
Wardrobe
Now comes the fun part— picking out your outfits. Hopefully, you will have a consultation with your photographer to work together to select not only the location but also your outfits. It is very important to pick a color scheme that complements the scenery where your shoot will take place. You don’t want your outfits clashing with the scenery because this will not make for a great image.
Another big thing to consider is if your wardrobe selection will limit the variety of poses you can do. You want to feel and look confident, so wearing clothing that you’re constantly tugging and pulling on is a big no-no. Try to be as free as possible so your photos don’t look boring with the same poses from each location.
Also, make sure you are picking colors that complement your complexion, the season in which you are shooting, the weather, your style, your personality, etc. The fabric you choose also plays a role. You want to make sure it’s not too tight or too loose, and you want it to not only complement your body shape, but also the season in which you are shooting. Your photographer should be able to advise you on all these details and help guide you in the right direction.
Posing
For the most part, people do not know how to truly pose for professional photos unless they’ve had modeling experience. Yes, we take pictures on our phones and people may even take pictures of us, but how often are we conscious of the actual poses, variety, angles, etc?
Posing plays a MAJOR part in how much you will fall in love with your pictures. You want to make sure that you are being posed in the most flattering way possible. This is where guidance from your photographer comes into play. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have done many photoshoots where the client may be nervous in the beginning and may need some guidance with posing, but after a few shots and they feel comfortable, they completely take over the show. If this is the case, your photographer should correct any poses that may not flatter your body type and pose you in one that does.
The Portfolio
When you are looking for a photographer, take a look at their portfolio/gallery. Check for the following: a variety of locations (even if it’s within the same area); consistent lighting; a variation of poses; if the client complements the locations regarding the color scheme and outfit selections. Figure out if the photographer that you are considering can bring your vision to life. Contact them and ask questions, etc. You are about to invest your hard-earned money into a professional photographer, so you want to make the right decision.
Now What?
Are you ready to capture some beautiful images? Check out how LJP stands out amongst the competition. If you’re a prospective senior client, click here to inquire today!
